NW FOOTBALL: Ardmore Reserves secure Supplementary Cup glory

In Joe Cregan’s absence, Ardmore were led by James Cruickshank and they were pushed all the way as they defeated Draperstown Celtic Reserves 2-1, at Wilton Park.

The trophy success means the men from McCourts have a chance of claiming five trophies this campaign, as Damien McGee’s first team have a great chance to claim four trophies before the season ends.

Veteran striker Barry Gormley, who over the years has dropped into midfield, showed his experience and settled any nerves in the young Ardmore side when he broke the deadlock on four minutes.

Gormley made no mistake blasting home from 20 yards, giving Celtic goalkeeper Daniel Pearson no chance.

After the great start for Ardmore, neither side created much as both defences started to get on top.

Draperstown were inches away from levelling things on 15 minutes but striker Fintan McGurk headed just wide.

Moments later Eddie Bell should have doubled Ardmore’s lead when Gormley, who was pulling the strings in midfield, sent the striker through on goal, but he failed to trouble Pearson and blasted over.

The crazy weather which swept through the country all day, landed at Wilton Park midway through the first half, but it did nothing to derail Ardmore as they added a second on 35 minutes.

Referee Sean Curran, who was super throughout the 90 minutes, rightfully awarded a free-kick on the edge of the box after Eoghan McCloskey’s poor challenge.

After missing a great chance earlier Bell stepped up and made no mistake blasting home the resulting free-kick past Pearson.

Early in the second half Ardmore nearly added a third but Caolan Hargan’s long range strike, which had Pearson beaten, whistled just wide.

Draperstown brought on Gareth Haskins and he was unlucky not to pull one back, but after a quick counter attack, he fired wide.

Ardmore’s defence was being well marshalled by Kyle McColgan, but Draperstown did get a goal back in somewhat fortunate fashion on 55 minutes.

Midfielder Steven Higgins’ cross-cum-shot long range free-kick caught out Ardmore net-minder Stephen Bryson and somehow sailed over the keeper and into the net.

In the closing minutes as Draperstown were pushing for an equaliser they went close on 83 minutes but Anton Kelly headed over, while Conor McAuley fired wide.

Despite being under pressure it was Ardmore who had the last chance of the tie four minutes from time.

Ethan Tyre’s free-kick was well kept out by Pearson, however that didn’t stop the celebrations as Ardmore claimed yet another Supplementary Cup.

Ardmore Res: Bryson, King, McColgan, Gavin, Hargan; O’Kane, Quinn, B Gormley, C Gormley, Melaugh, Bell.

Draperstown Res: Pearson, Hegarty, McGuigan, E McCloskey, Kelly, M McAuley, C McAuley, Higgins, McGurk, S McCloskey, McBride.