DRAW FOR AMATEURS AGAINST THE BLUES

The Amateurs took this game to Magherafelt in the early stages setting a high tempo for the game and they were rewarded for their efforts with Jordan Graham nodding home from an Adam Whitehurst corner on 20 mins. The game continued at a high pace and the Blues were handed an opportunity to equalise on 39 mins when they capitalised on an unfortunate trip by McAlister in central defence with their number 7 collecting the ball and firing a low shot into the Carniny net.

Carniny had the opportunity to take the lead when Barry Hamill cut in from the left flank and was brought down in the box. The same player stepped up to take the spot kick but Carniny saw his kick rebound off the post. This seemed to unsettle Carniny with Magherafelt looking to take control and they took the lead on 55 mins after hitting Carniny on the break with an impressive finish from their number 10. This kicked the Amateurs into life again with McGarry working tirelessly in midfield and Barry Hamill redeemed himself when he worked the ball across the Blues box and fired high into their net to draw level. Magherafelt were dangerous on the break seeing an effort cleared off the line and hitting the Carniny post in the process. It was now end to end stuff approaching the final whistle with the Amateurs seeing one cleared off the line and failing to convert from some quality crosses from Whitehurst on the right flank leaving it 2-2 at the final whistle.

The Amateurs proved more than a match for the Blues, who top the league, belying their current table position.

Panel; McNeilly, O'Mullan G, Montgomery, McAlister, Kearney, Whitehurst, McGarry(85), O'Neill, Hamill, Graham, Hanna, subs; O'Mullan M(85)not used, Wilkinson, McCartney, Magill