Vital derby win for Annalong
Wednesday, 18 January 2012
Johnny Cranston of the Valley tries to shake off Matthew Newell, with Andrew Maybin covering. 03172im
Annalong Swifts 2. Valley Rangers 1.
ANNALONG Swifts played local rivals Valley Rangers for the third time this season and it was a typical derby tussle with no quarter asked or given.
Annalong started the brighter, testing the Valley rearguard on several occasions without getting a clear cut chance.
But midway through the half Annalong got the breakthrough their play deserved when they won a free kick some 30 yards out when Andrew McCoy brought down the lively Richard Gordon. Stevie Doran stepped up to curl a superb shot into the top corner, leaving Baillie in the Valley goal rooted to the spot.
The home side kept up the pressure and were rewarded five minutes later when Barry McVeigh beat his man and sent in a pinpoint cross for Matthew McConnell to head home.
Credit to the visitors, they didn't let their heads drop and pulled a goal back when, after good work by Raymond Hanna, Andrew Irvine was on hand to tap home. They had a great chance to equalise when the ball fell to Philip Johnston but he pulled the ball wide when well placed.
The second half started like the first, with Annalong in the ascendency. They won a corner which was whipped in and Matthew McConnell, who was a constant threat, brilliantly turned his marker but sent his shot inches wide.
Rangers brought on William Forsythe in an attempt to break down a resolute Annalong rearguard of Newell, Lockhart, Maybin and Hanna, but they stood firm, with Haughian dealing confidently with anything that broke through.
With only minutes remaining, Andrew McCoy thought he had salvaged a point for the visitors when he hit what looked an unstoppable shot that seemed destined for the top corner, but Haughian made a brilliant save to deny him and ensure Annalong won three precious points.
This result should give Annalong confidence for the rest of the season, especially as top scorer Stephen 'Fred' Burden and midfielder Leslie Maybin both missed this impressive result.
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