As well as a full Championship programme there was a full Bluefin Sport Premier Intermediate League programme on Saturday with a significant change at the bottom of the table and a scare for two of the teams chasing promotion to look back on.
Annagh United 2 Portstewart 1
Annagh secured a massive win in this basement six pointed ad in doing so leap-frogged Saturday’s opponents, as well as Donegal Celtic and Newington, into 9th place. Annagh came out all guns blazing and were ahead as earlier as the fourth minute, holding onto their lead until half-time but the Seahawks eventually dragged themselves back on level terms. Annagh seen their chance to move off the foot of the table though and scored a winner through Scott McCordick. Portstewart have now replaced Annagh at the foot of the table. Annagh have since bolstered their squad with the signing of former Linfield, Portadown and Ballymena midfielder Michael Gault.
Armagh City 0 Moyola Park 1
Armagh missed another chance to climb up the table on Saturday and now find themselves sitting outside the top half of the table following this defeat against Moyola. Armagh started strongly but keeper Marcin Farniok dealt with anything that was thrown at him and after 30 minutes Craig McAllister and Stuart Forrest linked up for Moyola and the latter crossed for Daniel McIlhatton who scored what would turn out to be the game’s only goal and move Moyola above Lisburn Distillery into 4th place.
Banbridge Town 1 Lisburn Distillery 1
On their way to the game on Saturday most Distillery fans would likely have gladly accepted a point but left Crystal Park perhaps somewhat disappointed they couldn’t take all three. The Whites started the game like men on a mission and took an early lead thanks to a deflected Paul Young effort. Nick Beta had a glorious chance to double the Whites lead but couldn’t convert and former Distillery keeper Gerard McErlean had to be on his toes to save a Gary Workman corner that looked to be going in but after their promising start the Whites didn’t really look like scoring after the first 20 minutes. Banbridge gradually began to get back on top but it was the later stages of the game before they really looked like scoring themselves but the equaliser did eventually come in the 92nd minute when Michael Allison finished past Jonah Nicholl to ensure both teams would have to make do with a share of the points.
Donegal Celtic 1 Sport and Leisure Swifts 2
Sport and Leisure won the battle of West Belfast on Saturday thanks to a Gavin Johnson penalty and a further goal from Darren Gallagher. The Swifts were in control of the game and could have easily added to their lead despite a late DC consolation.Sport and Leisure are only separated from the top six by goal difference while DC slip another step closer to the relegation spot.
Dundela 3 Tobermore United 2
Dundela remain top of the table but had to survive an early scare after Conor Kearns gave the visitors an early lead, the lead didn’t last for too long though as Carl McComb scored the Duns equaliser and Daniel Burns put them in front. Tobermore had a goal disallowed and McComb then put the Duns two goals clear. Kearns added his second of the game to reduce the deficit but the Duns didn’t look like giving up there lead.
Queens University 4 Newington Youth Club 3
Both of these teams were looking points for different reasons on Saturday and it was relegation threatened Newington who raced into an early lead thanks to goals from Sean McAuley and Logan. Queens recovered from this shock and Ryan McCready and Ciaran O’Hare strikes seen them back on level terms before half-time. Barry Walsh put Queens ahead after the break but Newingto weren’t for giving up and were level again thanks to Ryan Morrison. Queens winner came from Conor Mulholland who reacted quickest when an earlier shot had been saved.
This weeks PIL fixtures are as follows:-
Armagh City v Lisburn Distillery
Donegal Celtic v Portstewart
Dundela v Banbridge Town
Moyola Park v Sport and Leisure Swifts
Newington Youth Club v Annagh United
Tobermore United v Queens University