Football: Winton strike sees Tobermore past Coagh United

Apart from being a local derby this was a must-win game in the battle to avoid relegation for both sides.

Both Coagh United and Tobermore are in the bottom four of Championship Two and with two teams due to drop out under the new set up which will leave three leagues of twelve team this game was about more than bragging rights.

Coagh started with five new signings; Sean Heneghan, Stuart Forrest, Thai Blevins, Ryan Smith and Ian Todd having joined Coagh in the January window.

Three other January signings started on the bench; Jason Ferry, Garth Maguire and Glenn Clarke while manager Andy Smith opted not to start himself this week.

Coagh started well pressing the play with Mattie Kempton going clear on goal but McGaw made the save at the player’s feet. This was to be Kempton’s last action as he was carried off after a tackle and ended up in hospital needing stitches. Not the start Coagh would have wanted,

Ryan Smith replaced the injured player and came straight in, setting up Ian Todd, but he shot wide from close range. Stuart Forrest then fired wide.

Stuart Glasgow shot wide while Trevor Parkhill missed Tobermore’s chance again from the foot of Glasgow.

James Ferguson, playing in a new roll, went close while new man Todd again shot just off target for the visitors.

Coagh ended the half with Smith bringing the best out of McGaw while Ian Todd just failed to connect James Ferguson’s excellent cross.

The home side increased the tempo early in the second half. Conor Deans had a shot well saved by Hassan while Rory McCredie saw his shot deflected for a corner.

Coagh continued with their slow start to the half and the home side took advantage forcing another three corners.

From the third corner Connor Deans landed badly and had to be stretchered off, Seamus Brown replaced the Tobermore player. Coagh tried hard to get their rhythm back with Todd and Forrest shooting over.

Coagh woes continued with Thai Blevins going off injured, he made way for Glenn Clarke.

With everything seemingly going against Coagh both on and off the pitch, the home side took the advantage with an excellent strike from Ryan Winton.

Coagh brought on Jason Ferry for the injured Stephen Glasgow. Tobermore shut up shop and held on to take all three points.