Mattock make winning start

Mattock Rangers Geraldines 2-9 1-10

GOALS from David Reid and James Caraher either side of the break helped Mattock Rangers get off to a winning start as they claimed a three-point win over Geraldines at Haggardstown.

Gers began with the wind in their backs and had two points on the board in the early stages. However, they failed to build on those scores after being unable to take advantage of the greater share of possession.

The Mattock men made them pay as three successive points from David Reid saw them edge ahead.

The Gers responded to the challenge and with the help of an excellent Glen Trainor point they went two points clear. However, Mattock had time to hit back and strike the first goal of the game through Reid to take a 1-4 to 0-5 lead into the interval.

Mattock extended their lead early in the second half before the hosts got a grip of the game, but again they failed to take advantage of their chances and will rue wasting a good goal opportunity.

As a result, the visitors remained in control as the scoreboard read 1-9 to 0-9, before Mike Englishby pulled off a fine save to deny Geraldines. Mattock took full advantage of that reprieve when they went up the other end and hit the net through James Caraher to make the game safe.

Jim McEneaney scored the Gers goal from a late penalty, but it was too little and too late to deny Mattock victory.