Inverclyde Now Logo FOOTBALL — Last-Minute Goal Clinches Top-Of-The-Table Welfare League Clash

6 March, 2019 | Local

Blackthorn Rovers 2-1 Belleaire

SUNDAY’S top-of-the-table clash lived up to the billing as Greenock and District Welfare League leaders Blackthorn and second-place Belleaire played out a close, hard-fought match. The league leaders prevailed thanks to a last-minute goal.

The opening minutes were tight and the early midfield battle set the tone for the rest of the game with only a couple of half chances each end.

Midway through the half, ‘Thorn took the lead when a McCabe corner was volleyed towards goal by Fry, and nodded home by prolific centre-back Andy Brunton. The lead was short-lived, however, as within ten minutes Belleaire got themselves level with their own headed effort which found its way just inside the far post.

‘Thorn then had keeper Gordy McNeill to thank for an outstanding save from six yards to keep the score tied.

After the break, both sides continued to push forward but with limited success as the front men found both sets of defenders on form throughout.

With a five-point lead and a game in hand, a draw may have suited the league leaders but, with just a minute to go and with their 100 per cent record on the line, Blackthorn were awarded a corner which was swung in by substitute McAllister and headed past the helpless keeper by Jamie McCabe to secure the three points.

The result leaves the Blue Brazil needing four points from the remaining five games to secure the league title.

Blackthorn line-up: McNeill; McGraw, Harkin, Wiggins, Brunton; Hunter, Jordan, Fry, McCurdy, (McAllister); Smith (Mullen), McCabe.

This Sunday Blackthorn are in McShane Cup action with a 2pm kick-off at Battery Park versus Greenock Athletic. A win will guarantee progression into the semi-finals. Thorn currently sit atop Group A with two games remaining.

Blackthorn thank kit sponsor Koekibar (www.Koekibar.com) and general sponsor McD-76 Personalised Gifts for continued support.

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