Honours even as Richhill AFC face Moneyslane

RICHHILL AFC and Moneyslane played out a scoreless draw in this Intermediate A clash at Richhill Recreation Centre on Saturday afternoon.

The village side were out muscled by a physical ‘Slane side over the opening exchanges as both corner kicks and long throw ins caused the Richhill backline problems.

However, at the other end of the pitch the village side looked lively as Sam Cochrane went close to scoring, only for visiting ‘keeper Stewart to make a good save.

Richhill ‘keeper Daniel Acheson also had to be at his best when he made a superb point blank save to keep Moneyslane out as both sides entered the interval level.

Richhill enjoyed the better of the second with a dominated 20 minute spell in which ‘Slane ‘keeper Stewart made impressive saves from Cochrane, Liam Rice and Craig Archer as the latter raced clear on goal.

Richhill’s defensive line of Ballantine, Dodds, Whittle and McCarten also had to be at their best to nullify the threat of Moneyslane as they went in search of a winner late on. In the end, neither side could find the breakthrough as both sides had to settle for a point at the final whistle.

A strong defensive performance saw Jason Dodds pick up the man of the match award (sponsored by The Mortgage Shop, Portadown & Banbridge) while BP Contracts provided match sponsorship.

Richhill host fellow Intermediate A side Crewe United this Saturday in Round 4 of the McComb’s Travel Intermediate Cup. Kick Off at Richhill Recreation Centre is at the earlier time of 1.30pm.

Richhill AFC: Daniel Acheson, James Ballantine, Josh McCarten, Matthew Whittle, Jason Dodds, James Nesbitt, Sam McKew, Liam Rice, Craig Archer, Adam Wright, Sam Cochrane. Subs: David Ross, Andy Moore, Nathan Stoops, & Ben Rice.

Lurgan Town U23’s............................................1

Richhill AFC Reserves.......................................2

Richhill AFC Reserves ran out winners over league leaders Lurgan Town in this Championship encounter on Saturday afternoon. Ryan Metcalfe put Richhill into the lead with a well-taken strike before Lurgan brought the tie level on 41 minutes. However, Richhill hit back immediately with Aaron Haire’s goal restoring Richhill’s lead in added time.

Both sides had chances to score during the second half with Richhill indebted to ‘keeper Michael Richardson as he saved well from a headed effort. Teenager Adam Megaw picked up the man of the match award for Richhill as the village side claimed a deserved victory.