Late Lane victory keeps Redeemer on right road
REDEEMER CELTIC HAZEL LANE 1 0
IT might have taken until five minutes from time for Redeemer to nab the all important goal in the big match in division 2 on Sunday between second and third at the start of the day. But it was fully merited and hugely satisfying as they leapfrogged over their opponents in the table and take over as new leaders.
Even more sweetly they gained revenge for a disappointing defeat at the start of the campaign where they collapsed after opening a two nil lead and finished on the receiving end of a 6-2 hammering by Hazel.
Their fortune and form has under- gone a remarkable transformation since with this their fourth win on the bounce since losing to near neighbours Woodview, and announces them as genuine contenders for divisional honours.
It’s certainly mission accomplished at this early stage of the season, securing their place in the division, and now they are set to launch a push for the title, told manager Stephen Fisher.
“Our first aim was to survive in the division. With 21 points in the bag it is enough to secure our position and we can throw caution to the wind and push for the title”, he said with delight after the win.
Victory was a big incentive for both teams with only a point separating them. The hosts had to line out with regular defender Stephen McGuinness Pictures: Ken Finegan in goal with regular custodian Kyle Murphy away, but they were the better team throughout the first-half, only they didn’t convert a couple of good scoring opportunities..
They were forced into a change in formation at the start of the second-half with Sean McCourt injured and had to retire. The change worked in their favour with Andy McDermott emerging as their hero.
He collected the ball and cut in from the left wing and let fly from the corner of the penalty box and his shot flew into the opposite corner of the net. REDEEMER: Stephen McGuinness, Andy McDermott, Paul Gartland, Sean McCourt (Barry Grimes 45), Caolan Carroll, Dean McConnell, Martin Murphy, Woichech Gladyz, Kevin McCormack (Colm Bracken), Keith Harmon ( James Clinton), Chad McEneaney.