Loughgall 2 - 1 Coagh United

Loughgall lifted their second piece of silverware of the season when they emerged victors from the hard fought Bob Radcliffe Cup final on Boxing Day.
Alan Murphy and a Dean Smith penalty put the Villagers into a comfortable lead however Scott McCordick’s strike meant it was a close finish.
Loughgall started well and a one-two between strike partners Dean Smith and Andy Brown allowed the latter the opportunity however his effort sailed over the crossbar.
On 6 minutes ex-Loughgall striker Scott McCordick headed wide from close range after good work by Jamie Tomelty down the left wing.
After 14 minutes Brian Adair was unlucky to see his 25 yard drive fly wide of the Coagh goal.
Great play down the left flank on 18 minutes by Marty Lavery and Smith released Brown and the tall striker tested ‘keeper Johnny Pollock with a 25 yard shot that was expertly pushed just wide.
The Villagers opened the scoring 1 minute later when Ryan Moffatts perfect delivery from a corner was headed by central defender Alan Murphy for his sixth goal of the season.
United threatened on 24 minutes when Tomelty’s free kick was headed back by Davy Calderwood.  The ball landed to Scott Cowden and he should have done better than shoot straight at Loughgall ‘keeper Marc Robinson for an easy save.
Another dangerous Tomelty free kick 10 minutes later was directed towards the near post by Mark McMenemy however Robinson was able to collect the ball.
Coagh’s best opportunity came from yet another Tomelty free kick in first half injury time when Scott McCordick somehow managed to flick the ball over the bar from a matter of yards out.
The second produced little clear cut chances until Stuart Dallas handled inside the penalty area to present Loughgall with an excellent opportunity to extend their lead on 67 minutes.  Ex-Coagh player Dean Smith stepped up and calmly converted.
Andy Brown had the chance to put the game beyond doubt 2 minutes later when released by an intelligent Adair through-ball but Pollock did well to save from point blank range.
Coagh scored almost immediately when Scott McCordick hit a great low shot from the edge of the box that crept inside the post. 
United pressed to grab an equaliser however the Loughgall defence stood firm to restrict them to few chances.  It was infact the Villagers who had the best opportunity when Brown played through to Adair who broke well from midfield on79 minutes.  His chip from the edge of the penalty area landed in Pollock’s hands.

Loughgall: M Robinson, Waddell (A Smith 90m), Alderdice, Peden, Murphy, Herron, Moffatt, Adair, Brown, Lavery (Pentland 81m), D Smith (Fitzpatrick 81m). 

Coagh United: Pollock, Ferguson, Thornton, Calderwood, Hawe, Cowden, McMenemy, M Dallas (Crooks 71m), McCordick, Tomelty, S Dallas (Stewart 71m). Subs not used: McCaw.

Referee: Tony Forde (Craigavon)

Man of the match: Jamie Tomelty