Reds gear up for Glenavon with win over Islandmagee

Ballyclare Comrades prepared for Wednesday evening’s clash with Irish Cup holders Glenavon with Saturday’s comprehensive 5-1 win over Islandmagee.
Ballyclare line up their defensive wall against Islandmagee.Ballyclare line up their defensive wall against Islandmagee.
Ballyclare line up their defensive wall against Islandmagee.

It was the Islanders who opened the scoring in the 25th minute when Andy Waide drilled in to the bottom corner from a free-kick on the edge of the box.

Just before half time Ryan Dunlop equalised in similar fashion, with the ball hitting both uprights before crossing the line.

Reds’ boss Eddie Hill made a string of changes for the second session and his side surged ahead with a Mark Wilkinson header, followed by a Daniel Smith solo strike.

Chris Trussell scored the best goal of the afternoon in the 71st minute when he out-muscled an opponent, before slipping a delicate chip past the onrushing keeper.

Trussell then turned provider, setting up the final goal for Wilkinson to nod home.

In the first half Gerard McAlea and Andrew Simpson were in charge in midfield, and Simon McGowan and Stuart McClean dominated in the same department after the interval. The introduction of so many pairs of fresh legs at half time proved to be too much for the Amateur League side.

“The result was of secondary importance to me, but we had a good work out,” said Hill.

“The lads are all in good shape and are looking forward to playing Glenavon (7.30 pm ko).”