Loughgall 2 – 1 Rosario

Loughgall defeated a spirited Rosario side to claim their place in the quarter final stage of the WKD Intermediate Cup where they will face a home tie to Crusaders Reserves.
The Villagers opened the scoring after 10 minutes when Neil Alderdice headed Bryan Pentland’s floated corner off the post, and then Darragh Peden rifled the rebound into the top corner.  Five minutes later the Loughgall strikeforce of Paul McDowell and Aiden McVeigh combined well before the latter saw his shot pushed wide by the alert Ryan Lavery.
The Amateur League 1A outfit levelled the scores on 24 minutes when the lively Rory McGillowly raced through and slotted past Marc Robinson in the home goals.  Rosario threatened again just before the break when Chris Monaghan’s driven shot from the edge of the penalty area forced Robinson into an excellent one-handed save.
On the hour mark Rosario forward Liam McKillop performed a great turn to work an opportunity to drive his shot just over the crossbar.  One minute later the hosts could have been ahead when McVeigh’s lay-off allowed Aaron Baker to break into the Rosario penalty area however he couldn’t beat the outrushing ‘keeper Lavery firing wide.
On 73 minutes Loughgall regained the lead when Peden’s long throw created a scramble in the penalty area and eventually Baker headed the ball goalwards for away defender Henry McDonald to nod into his own net.
The Villagers had a great chance to extend their advantage with 12 minutes remaining when confusion reigned in the away defence before goalkeeper Lavery unconvincingly cleared it to Loughgall substitute Marty Lavery who came close with his chip into the sidenetting.
In the last five minutes both sides had chances cleared off the goalline, firstly Colm McGarry cleared from Loughgall defender Alan Murphy and then at the other end Alderdice nodded Gareth Coleman’s deflected shot to safety and ensure the cup win.

Date: Saturday 30th January 2010
Competition: WKD Intermediate Cup
Venue: Lakeview Park, Loughgall
Kick-Off: 3.00pm

Loughgall: Robinson, Peden, Pentland, Alderdice, Murphy, Herron, Evans (Moffatt 55m), Adair (Hawthorne 67m), McVeigh, Baker (Lavery 74m).  Subs not used: Ebron, Smith.

Rosario: Lavery, McGarry, Carson (Gandon 85m), Johnson, McDonald, Monaghan, Bell (Cleary 78m), Lynch, McGillowly (Watson 67m), McKillop, Coleman.

Referee: P McGrath (Newtownabbey)