Ton for Shannon in victory over league leaders

The thirds hosted table toppers Garvey 5s on Saturday with a strong squad ready for action. In came Irwin, Mark Shannon looking his elusive 100th goal for the club, the ever faithful Sam Brown , young Dalzell and Ryan Millar who had impressed in recent weeks in Junior 5.

Garvey were always going to be a strong well disciplined side but the thirds set up well, marshalled at the back by Phil Dorian and Irwin who controlled possession and fed the midfield. Possession stats would have looked great but first half chances were limited to a few short corners that were not converted. It was all square and goalless at the break with the hosts just edging the game.

The second half continued in the same fashion and chances were limited with Millar unlucky to open the scoring after a great run into the danger area, skipper Sam Pyper blasting one over the bar and Shannon misplacing 2 on 1 passes! At the other end chances were limited for Garvey with solid performances from the back 4, and tireless work rate in midfield. The game was always going to be tight and the deadlock was finally broken when Pyper picked out Shannon who with back to goal dinked one into the turf that looped up and was misplaced into the goal by a Garvey defender. Not the greatest of goals but the 100th goal wait was over for Shannon who didn’t hesitate in claiming it. The thirds then closed up the shop and with 11 men behind the ball saw out a well deserved and fought victory against a great side to go joint 2nd in the league.

PMB Man of the Match is a tight one but it goes to Jamie McAuley for a wonder save in the dying minutes to keep all 3 points.