FOOTBALL: Comrades Reserves too strong for Cookstown

The win keeps Ronnie Burns’ lads in pole position, eight points ahead of main rivals Mallusk Athletic and Newington YC II. They both also won at the weekend and have matches in hand, so there is still much to play for as we approach the run-in.

With the wind in their backs the Wee Reds dominated possession in the opening half hour without creating much, until the 35th minute when Scott Cummings and Woods just failed to connect with a Kyle Robinson cross with only the keeper to beat.

Just before the interval Scott Gault ghosted past four defenders, but his finishing effort flashed wide.

The pattern continued after the interval and eventually in the 65th minute Agnew broke the deadlock with a deflected shot that left the busy keeper flat-footed.

The introduction of Ryan Burke and Gregg McFaul had an immediate effect, with McFaul supplying the pass that led to Gault crossing in to the box where Woods tapped in to make sure of victory.

Manager Burns said: “I was pleased to get this result against a much improved Cookstown team from our previous encounter, and this win keeps us eight points clear in the Ballymena Junior League Division 1.”

Man of the Match: Scott Gault.

Comrades Reserves: McKnight, Todd, McCauley, Finn, Gault, Robinson, Haskins, Agnew, Fenton, Woods, Cummings. Subs: McFaul, Burke, Burns.