There was a full programme in the Premier Intermediate League (PIL) on Saturday and we’re here once again to have a look back at all the action from the six matches.
Armagh City 4 Annagh United 1
It’s been a mixed start to the season for Armagh as their first two league games of the season produced a draw and a defeat so the Citymen will be delighted to final get something in the win column on Saturday. Annagh, on the other hand, couldn’t have had a worse start to the season with four defeats from four and an incredible 16 goals conceded already. The day was made even worse for Annagh when they lost the services of top goalscorer Aaron Duke who opted to return to Dollingstown and manager Gary Duke had also already stood down prior to Saturday’s match. The game was never really a contest with goals from Edi Tavares, Martin Lucas, Jack Clarke and Michael O’Hehir giving them a 4-0 lead before Annagh pulled a goal back from the penalty spot.
Banbridge Town 2 Donegal Celtic 2
In one of two PIL draws on Saturday Banbridge and Donegal Celtic shared the points at Chrystal Park on Saturday. DC took the lead twice in the game with Deccy Monaghan scoring both goals for them, one in each half. Banbridge equalisers came through Fra McGuiness in the first half and Stephen Teggart ensured they got their point with a second half equaliser. This result ensures that Banbridge continue their solid start to the season while Stephen Hatfield’s men would have expected to have had more points on the board at this stage.
Lisburn Distillery 1 Dundela 0
YESSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!! We’re gonna win the league!!!!!!!!!!! Well, it’s still early days but after recent seasons fans of Lisburn Distillery intend to enjoy every second of being top of the table. Matthew Ferguson, who scored in this fixture against Distillery last season, continued his own good start to the season by scoring the game’s only goal in the first half but in truth while it was a hard fought win Dundela will perhaps be scratching their heads as to how they didn’t leave New Grosvenor with at least a share of the spoils. One of the standout performers for Distillery this season has been young goalkeeper Jonah Nicholl and he cemented his value to the team when he spared Alan McMurtry’s blushes after the full back gave away a penalty, Nicholl guessed right and saved former Whites striker Jordan Hughes’ effort to his left-hand side. Distillery remain top as the only team to have won all their league games so far while Dundela drop down a place to third.
Moyola Park 1 v Queens University 2
Queens left it late to get their second win of the season but they did take the lead in the game after just five minutes through a long range Matthew Hughes goal. Queens started the game on the front foot drawing a save from goalkeeper Ben McCauley and hitting the woodwork but against the run of play, Jason Paul equalised for Moyola with a shot from inside the box that went in off the post. Both sides had chances after this and both keepers had to work to keep their sides in the game but it was Ciaran O’Hare who took advantage of some confusion in the Moyola box to snatch a win for the students.
Tobermore United 2 Portstewart 2
Tobermore and Portstewart played out the second of Saturday’s two PIL draws in an entertaining match at Fortwilliam Park. Tobermore had a perfect start to the match racing into a two goal lead thanks to Neil Lamont and Aidan McAuley after just eight minutes. Portstewart showed great resolve and fought their way back into the game with James Pedan reducing the deficit before Johnny Stewart got the equaliser.
Sport & Leisure Swifts 2 Newington Youth Club 1
Sport & Leisure have enjoyed a great start to the season and three wins from four see them currently sitting 2nd in the league, a far cry from last season when they spend the majority of the season at the foot of the table before escaping relegation dramatically on the last day of the season. Newington meanwhile sit second bottom but they do have a game in hand that they will play tonight. Sport & Leisure had the game wrapped up after 10 minutes through Pierce Tully and Darren Gallagher but they weren’t to have it all their own way as Joe McDonnell pulled a goal back but the damage had already been done.
There is one midweek game in the PIL this week as Newington take on Armagh at Seaview, we’ll return on Friday to have a look at that game as well as have a look at the PIL so far.