GREGG’S STREETWISE

Harrison treble earns him MOM award in easy victory

HILL STREET blazed a trail for the Mid-ulster League at the weekend when they eased through the fonacab Junior Cup tie of the round, defeating Aghadowey 6-2.

Star of the show for the Lurgan men was Gregg Harrison who bagged a hat-trick and earned himself the man of the match trophy.

From the kick-off both sides probed to get the first goal and it came in the 13th minute when Harrison tapped in from close range to give the visitors the lead.

The game became an end-to-end affair but it was Hill Street who again struck – Stephen Lawson driving home a low powerfully hit shot from 25 yards.

The visitors stretched their lead to 3-0 when Mathew Reynolds showed his shooting prowess when he drove the ball home from the edge of the 18, and a fourth arrived just before the half, Lawson leaving Aghadowey keeper Pearse Mcnicholl stranded from 12 yards out for his second of the game.

Aghadowey came to life on the restart and forced Karl Cullen in the Hill Street goal into action but couldn’t find a way past him.

However, when Harrison worked his way into the box to fire home the game was well and truly over despite Aghadowey’s Christopher Downey heading home on 80 minutes bringing the score to 1-5.

On 84 minutes Hill Street where awarded a penalty and it fell to man of the match Harrison to convert the spot-kick to complete his hat-trick.

However, the game had one last twist when Aghadowey’s Kevin Loughrey scored from a pinpoint Christopher Dempsey cross on 88 minutes to give the vanquished Aghadowey the last say.

Elsewhere on the day, Caledon Rovers were flying the flag for their league.

They won 4-1 at FC Whiteabbey, while the reserve teams of Moneyslane and Dollingstown progressed.

But Annalong were beaten by Sporting Lisburn, Armagh Blues went out to Beann Mhadaghain, Sandy Hill lost 4-0 to Strathroy Harps and Tandragee Rovers’ second string were beaten 9-0 by Rosario Reserves.

Meanwhile, trophy holders Enniskillen Rangers showed their class when they eased to a 5-0 home win over St Teresa’s, although there was a surprise defeat for former winners Harryville Homers who went down 5-2 on the road at Belfast Celtic YM.