Football: Coagh Reserves win the Wilmor Johnston Cup

A vocal support made the trip to Holmes Park and after a hard fought match Coagh picked up the silverware.

Chances were few and far between in a first half and co-manager Aaron Thornton admitted it was a scrappy affair. His team shaded it in terms of possession but came up against a physical defence that seemed intent on a playing a long-ball game.

The same pattern emerged in the second half, but Coagh United had goalkeeper Jordan Longhurst to thank for keeping them in the game with a great stop.

“It was one of those games where it looked like one goal would win it,” said Thornton.

As it turned out his team managed to hit twice in the last 12 minutes. Jamie Holmes pounced on a Longhurst kick out to finish low past the St Mary’s keeper.

A few minutes later Sam Taylor made the game safe, slotting home from inside the box. Hopes of a St Mary’s comeback disappeared when they were reduced to ten men and Coagh strolled to victory.

Simon Gates was hailed by his team mates as man of the match but Thornton pointed out everyone played their part. “It was a great team effort,” he said. “Nobody let us down.”