Lurgan Town Boys FC

LURGAN were edged out by Hillsborough in a hard fought clash at a bitterly cold Lisburn Rec last Saturday morning. Hillsborough shaded the contest in terms of chances created, with clear-cut openings few and far between. There was very little to choose between the teams in the first half with both defences on top. But it was Hillsborough who made the breakthrough midway through the half when they broke down the left wing.

The Hillsborough attacker did well to round the advancing Liam Hughes and his inviting low cross was converted at the back post. At the other end Lurgan were unable to make the most of any good positions they created with a long range effort from Adam Leathem, who enjoyed a solid game at right back, testing the opposing keeper. The anticipated Lurgan fightback in the second half never really materialised with the local lads again struggling to test the Hillsborough keeper. Hillsborough had the better of the second half opportunities, while Lurgan’s passing was not up to its usual standard and possession was often lost with moves breaking down in the final third.

With eight minutes remaining Lurgan put a rare flowing attack together with Matthew Strain inches away from playing in Nicholas Brownlee. It was to prove a key moment because within a minute Hillsborough had doubled their advantage with a long range shot looping over Liam Hughes after Lurgan had failed to clear their lines. There was no coming back for Lurgan with Hillsborough seeing out the closing stages with relative comfort to secure the three points.

Lurgan Town: Liam Hughes, Adam Leathem, Jordan Dawson, Simon Wilson, Ross Ewing, Conor Weir, Ewan Buchanan, Diarmaid Loney, Daire Furphy, Callum Ferris, Matthew Strain, Nicholas Brownlee, Ruairi Conlan.