Cup success for Coagh Reserves

COAGH United Reserves lifted the Wilmor Johnson Cup with an impressive display against a much fancied Newry City side on Friday night at Holm Park in Armagh.

Coagh started the game in determined fashion and after only 4 mins had the dream start, Clive Campbell collected the ball outside the Newry box, cut inside his marker and fired a low shot past the keeper.

Newry struggled to settle into the game as a well organised Coagh team continued to keep them on the back foot, and the pressure paid off in the 17th minute. Newry failed to clear before Andy Neil picked up the ball, played it through to Andrew Creighton who made no mistake to put Coagh in the driving seat at two nil. This stung Newry into life as they forced 3 corners in a row. On 31 mins a very good save by Graham McKenzie from a Newry free-kick kept his sides advantage intact.

On 36 mins Coagh were unlucky with their own set piece, a foul 25yds out resulted in a Campbell free-kick cannoning off the post to safety. The first period ended with Coagh keeping their two goal lead.

The second half started with Newry having the lions share of possession but they were having no luck against a solid Coagh back four. Newry gave themselves more attacking options with a substitution on 57 mins.

With the Coagh midfield putting in a tireless shift, it was their work rate that resulted in a third goal, winning the ball back Neil played a great ball through to the impressive Mark Taylor who out paced the Newry defence and finished well in the 64min to put one hand on the cup.

Newry went all out to try to claw something back with further changes. Coagh made a change of their own Ally McGuckin replacing Creighton. Newry did pull one back after 73min, Coagh failed to deal with a forward ball a the Newry midfielder took full advantage to finish past McKenzie for 3-1. With 10mins remaining Johnson replaced the injured Forrest, Coagh deservedly saw out the remaining time for what was their best performance of the season to date. The celebrations started as the Johnson family presented the cup to team captain Creighton.

Next Game: 28th April Newry Res v Coagh Res.

1. Graham McKenzie 2. Robbie Allen 3. Phillip Stewart 4. Stephen Glasgow 5. Barry Anderson 6. Stuart Forrest 7. Andy Neil 8. Clive Campbell 9. Andrew Creighton 10. Mark Taylor

11. Matty Kempton 12. Ally McGuckin 14. Timmy Graham 15. Jonny Johnson 16. Alex Lees 17. Neil Smyth.