Football: Moyola Park beaten by late PSNI strike

Moyola's Adam Gray breaks with the ball during Saturday's league clash with the PSNI at Mill Meadow.INMM3215-343

Both sides were keen to get off to a good start and it was the PSNI who started brighter without creating any real chances.

The first moment of concern for Moyola was in the 12th minute, a long ball over top forced Farniok to charge off his line and clear on the edge of his box with a header.

The game was bogged down in midfield and the games first clear cut chance fell to Moyola in the 36th minute. A ball from the left found Dowie six yards out and his shot was saved by Harrison, and his follow up striking the upright.

Moyola Park captain Steven McQuillan takes control of the ball during Saturday's league clash at Mill Meadow.INMM3215-344

Five minutes later Gray found space in the middle of the park to pick up the ball and drive towards the PSNI goal, with his shot saved.

Moyola finished the half stronger and had another chance on the stroke of half time when McIlhatton danced through the PSNI defence but his finished went over the bar when well placed.

The second half followed the same suit as the first half, the PSNI neat in possession but Moyola looking the more likely to score. The 63rd minute brought another good chance for Moyola.

A counter attack found Dowie who held the ball up and squared for Gray who was bearing down on goal, but a last ditch block from the defender brought an end to the chance.

Gray again had another chance in the 74th minute when his strike from the edge of the box brought a save from Harrison.

Hutchinson had a rare chance for the PSNI in the 78th minute but his strike was well collected by Farniok.

In the 80th minute there was controversy as McGowan for PSNI appeared to foul Gallagher and it went unpunished by the officials.

Twelve minutes later it would be the same player who would win it for the PSNI. The ball fell to him 20 yards out and his strike took a slight deflection, enough to take it into the corner of Farniok’s goal.

Moyola: Farniok, McAllister, Harris, McQuillan, Kelly, Black, Maguire, Gray, Dowie, McIlhatton, Magill Subs: Gallagher, Taggart, Waddell, Bradley, McNamee.

PSNI: Harrison, Gray, Quinn, McCulloch, McCullagh, Hutchinson, Anderson, McGowan, Agnew, McDermott, Moddy Subs: Adamczyk, McLaughlin, Simms, Blair, Hanley.