Comrades grind out win over leaders Knockbreda

All the goals came in the first half, with Comrades 2-0 up before the Belfast men pulled one back just before the interval.

Although the second session was scoreless there was plenty of goalmouth activity, and there was a nervy finish with Eddie Hill’s lads holding out with 10 men, following the 79th minute dismissal of Chris Getty.

Simon McGowan opened the scoring in the 10th minute, netting his fourth penalty of the season following a foul on Chris Shimmon.

On the half hour the keeper did well to stop a Chris Monteith drive, before Kyle Agnew blazed an effort over the bar.

The Reds’ second came in the 39th minute when Shimmon and McGowan combined to create space for Agnew whose diagonal drive was deflected in the net by Knockbreda’s Hanna.

‘Breda had seldom tested keeper Paddy Flood, but set-piece specialist, Wright, expertly fired in a free-kick to reduce the deficit at the break.

Shimmon, was forced off injured in the 56th minute, but skipper Ricky Higgins was an obvious replacement.

The city side then had a purple patch and Flood had to be at his best to deal with efforts by Wright and Young, but Comrades were still dangerous, and McClurg headed wide with the keeper left flat-footed.

Getty got his marching orders when he collected his second yellow card 11 minutes from time but the Comrades held on to inflict a first home defeat on Knockbreda, who were denied the single point they need to clinch promotion.

Ballyclare Comrades: Flood; Monteith, Doyle, Getty, Buckley; Agnes, McGowan, McAlea, Simms (Gray 66’); McClurg (76’), Shimmon (Higgins 56’). Subs not used: Wilkinson, Forsythe.