Own goal deflates United’s challenge

CHORD CELTIC 3

BELLURGAN UNITED 1

THE concession of an own goal on the stroke of half-time proved a very damaging turning point in this game that ended with Bellurgan United still to record a win after three games in the Premier Division of the North-East League.

Like in their two previous matches, the Peninsula outfit shipped three goals but it is scoring which is the big problem.

For manager Richie Watters admitted that he is more than pleased with the chances his players are creating.

This game was a real case in point as, frustratingly, United wasted enough openings to have won a number of games in the first half. Instead, they went in trailing at the break after Chord barely registered a shot on target before they opened the scoring with the last kick of the first period.

The Bellurgan manager made changes which had the desired impact only for Chord to snatch a second goal.

But the visitors swiftly hit back to reduce the deficit with Shane Finnegan applying the final touch to end of a good move with a great ball by Ray Finnegan taken in his stride by Cormac Renaghan to sidestep an opponent and round the Chord goalkeeper.

Chord wrapped up the points with a third goal 15 minutes from time.

Bellurgan gave a senior debut to Craig Tuohy with Watters turning to the youngster to deputise in goal with Callum Mulholland not available. He is the second 16 year-old that has come into the team in the last number of weeks with Caolan Sharkey-O’Neill making his first appearance against the champions Trim Celtic. BELLURGAN UNITED: Craig Tuohy, Seán McEvoy, Cormac Renaghan, Ray Finnegan , Gavin Gregory, John Smith, Shane Finnegan, Tadhg O’Connor, Daniel Kerr, Owen Armstrong, Caolan Sharkey-O’Neill. Subs: Ross Hynes, Daniel Finnegan, Aaron Farnon, rnon, Adam Bolton.