Loughgall 1 - 1 H&W Welders

An early goal was not enough to ensure victory for Loughgall on their travels when they faced a determined Harland & Wolff Welders side.  Following last weeks win in the WKD Intermediate Cup the Villagers made four changes with Neil Alderdice, Darragh Peden, Brian Adair and Noel Robinson replacing Glenn Waddell, Ritchie Allen, Willie Herron and Andy Uprichard.
The visitors opened the scoring after only 3 minutes when Lukasz Adamczyk found the net at the second attempt following an initial shot from fellow striker Dean Smith.
Loughgall lost the services of influential midfielder Brian Adair after only 10 minutes when he was forced off with a knee injury following a rash challenge from Reece Murray.
On 25 minutes Dean Smith came close to extending Loughgall’s lead however his lob had slightly too much power and crept over the bar.
A good move on the half hour mark involving substitute Andy Brown and Adamczyk played in Ryan Moffatt however the winger dragged his effort wide of the post when well placed.
The Welders levelled matters just before the break when Mark Roy expertly curled a free kick from the edge of the area inside the far post with ‘keeper Marc Robinson unsighted.
Shortly after the interval the home side found themselves reduced to ten men as referee Raymond Crangle dismissed Gary Stewart for a two footed challenge.
The Villagers struggled to break down the resolute home defence and were restricted to set pieces.  With 11 minutes remaining Dean Smith thought he had grabbed a goal when he headed goalwards from substitute Andy Uprichard’s corner, however, the ball was kept out by a home defender on the line.
There were few opportunities throughout the second half and it was Loughgall who came closest to grabbing the winner in the final 5 minutes.  Uprichard’s free kick was destined for the top corner only for home ‘keeper James Thompson to superbly tip over the crossbar.

Loughgall: M Robinson, Alderdice, Pentland (Waddell 67m), Peden, Murphy, A Smith, Moffatt, Adair (Brown 10m), Adamczyk, N Robinson (Uprichard 57m), D Smith.  Subs not used: Herron, Allen.

HW Welders: Thompson, Wallace, Roy, Murray, Aston, McIhagga, Johnston, Dickson, Craig, Magill (Upton 80m), Montgomery (Stewart 21m).  Sub not used: Youle.

Referee: Raymond Crangle (Belfast)