Slick Town too good for Reds

The game did not start to plan with the ball falling to a Cliftonville midfielder who fired into the net with a great strike giving Tyler Boyce no chance.

The boys did not panic and continued to work hard and Ryan Finlay was starting to cause problems down the right continuing his fine form of late and also Oran McGuckin who looked a threat every time he got the ball.

The equalizer came when Declan O’Neill passed to Oran who controlled and lobbed the keeper with ease with a superb finish. The second goal was again from Oran with Andrew McIvor winning possession in midfield and finding Oran who again used his pace to give Lurgan the lead.

At this stage Lurgan were well on top with a succession of corners and when one fell in the box it was picked up by Rhys Jones who showed quick feet and trickery before being taken down for a penalty which Oran slotted home for his hat-trick.

Lurgan were bossing the game now and Cliftonville made a couple of good saves from Oran and Sam Tuxworth and with 10 minutes remaining in the 1st half Zach Annett gained possession on the left and with a chance to go alone he played a great pass to Ryan Finlay to fire home with a nice finish to give the boys a 4-1 lead and a just reward for Ryan’s good work rate and skill. Cliftonville went close and Tyler made a good save before they pulled one back just before half time.

In the second half Lurgan kept Cliftonville at bay and played quick counter attacking football with Oran also having a goal disallowed for a very tight offside. Chris Mallett went close with couple of efforts and the keeper made a great save to deny Chris from the edge of the box,The final goal to wrap the game up came from Ryan again who dribbled round two players before scoring.

Man of the day went to Oran McGuckin but a special mention also to Jamie Lamont and Ross McMorris.