NORTEL have survived their biggest fright in years and will remain in the Premier Division of the Northern Amateur League next term, following this three goal win over Drumaness Mills in their final game at the Factory Grounds.
And it was just as well that Nortel did win, as their possible Plan B of Holywood FC losing their final two games didn't materialise, with Jamsie Todd's side shock one goal winners over Killyleagh Youth Club on Saturday. So, with Holywood winning, defeat for Nortel on Saturday and they would have been down, whereas now Holywood's fate lies in their own hands, a defeat or draw at Malachians in their final match, and they are relegated – a win, and it's Kilmore Rec who instead tumble through the trap door.
Granted it did help Nortel's case that Drumaness were no longer in the mix, having secured their own safety with a midweek win over Holywood of all people. Yet, even though Drumaness had nothing tangible to play for, it was still no easy task for a Nortel side, who needed to do what they hadn't achieved since beating Killyleagh away back in September - win a league match on home soil.
Certainly, with all due respects, Ricky Beggs coming back to 'lend a hand' didn't do Nortel any harm, for while Ricky may occasionally have his critics, since returning to the fold for that crucial clash at East Belfast, Nortel have taken eight points out of a possible 15, and this after collecting a mere five from their previous 48!
There wasn't a lot between the sides in the opening exchanges, with Drumaness going close through Niall Murray and Impressive number 7, Gavin McEvoy.
At the other end, Jodie Hill popping up on the right wing of all places, swung a cross into the side netting, while a Paul McCord drive just whistled over the bar.
Drumaness, nevertheless, still posed a threat and had a penalty appeal waived aside when Hill and Liam Sloane collided inside the box.
Aaron Bloomfield, meanwhile, was getting plenty of room to manoeuvre down the right flank and it was from one of his better crosses that Eric Faulkner nodded an unmarked header over the bar.
While Nortel desperately needed to win, it was difficult to see where the goals were going to come from - until the 'legendary' Gary Murray provided the answer with an opportunist strike on 33 minutes, a first time effort which keeper Gerard Marks could only help over the line. And what a time for ex Crusaders and Larne player Murray to mark what could be his Nortel swansong, with his first league goal of the season from open play.
A tale that Gary will no doubt fondly recount over the summer months, and Nortel could have been celebrating again but Paul McCord rifled his shot into the side netting, when a ball across the face of goal might have proved a better bet.
Not that Nortel were anywhere near safe yet, as Drumaness could have gone off back on terms, had Gary McMaster not hoisted McEvoy's tasty lay off high over the bar.
Nortel had grounds to grumble just after the break when Jason Von Meding was halted in his tracks by an offside whistle; referee David Gillen not spotting right back Joe Murphy clearly playing the striker onside.
However, on 56 minutes, Von Meding surprisingly was allowed to proceed, despite looking quite a few yards offside, crossing for the onrushing McCord to make no mistake.
Nortel made the game, and their season, safe on 78 minutes - and there was nothing wrong this time, as the persistent Von Meding once more charged down the right, lofting the ball over the oncoming keeper.
Nortel – Malone – Kyle, J Hill, Davis – Bloomfield (Bailie), Faulkner (Smith), Young, Conlin – McCord – Von Meding (McMinn), Murray.