Football: Magherafelt Sky Blues claim a share of the spoils at the death

Magherafelt SB 1-1 BrantwoodMagherafelt Sky Blues welcomed reigning Ballymena and Provincial league champions, Brantwood to Spires Park and had to be content with a share of the spoils after a hard fought game.
Magherafelt Sky Blues Under 17s who recorded a big league victory at the weekendMagherafelt Sky Blues Under 17s who recorded a big league victory at the weekend
Magherafelt Sky Blues Under 17s who recorded a big league victory at the weekend

The Blues had first use of the elements and after two minutes Murray had an overhead kick saved.

Murray was then thwarted by an outstanding save from the Brantwood custodian who a short time later saved from Coogan.

The Blues were dominant with Brantwood only sporadically causing the Blues back line any trouble but couldn’t find the breakthrough and the half ended scoreless.

The Blues continued to play well in the second half although Brantwood were beginning to get a foothold in the game. With 15 minutes gone Brantwood took the lead when their striker headed home at the far post.

Brantwood, lifted by this score, began to take control of the game and the Blues responded by bringing on O’Neill and Rafferty who helped wrestle control back again.

As the Blues pushed forward looking for an equaliser they had an amazing let off when Brantwood’s striker latched onto a clearance to race through one-on-one with Ludlow but he proceeded to hit the bar and did likewise with the rebound before Monaghan cleared the danger.

The Blues then made their third change bringing on Haveron and pushing Conor Monaghan into midfield where he took control and drove the Blues forward.

In injury time the Blues got a fully deserved equaliser when Lynn got in behind the left back and crossed for Ciaran Monaghan to head home.

Team: Ludlow, Brady, Badger, Bell, Conor Monaghan, Collins, Ciaran Monaghan, Stewart (c), Coogan, Murray, Lynn. Subs: Haveron, O’Neill, Rafferty.

Elsewhere, Magherafelt Sky Blues Under 17s enjoyed an emphatic win over Roe Valley, firing seven goals past their opponents.