Jennett nets a screamer for unbeatable Scarva

Scarva Park has witnessed some astonishing goals over the decades but Kyle Jennett’s first-half strike against Riverdale was up there with the very best.

It set the home side up for a 4-0 victory and there was no more fitting way to open the scoring.

The visiting Riverdale defence seemed to have little cause for concern when Jennett collected possession 35 yards from goal.

He struck the ball perfectly and it arrowed majestically into the top corner of the visitors’ goal.

It was a sensational strike and it ensured the hosts led 1-0 at the half time interval.

There wasn’t much to separate the sides during that first half but Scarva scored three times without reply in a defining 20 minute spell in the second to secure their eighth victory on the trot.

The second goal of the afternoon owed much to the guile and artistry of Neil Anderson who weaved past challenges before splitting the Riverdale defence with a delightful reverse pass. Greg Douglas fired a dangerous low cross across the face of the six yard box and Stephen Hendron coolly slotted the ball into the net.

The third goal came from a Greg Douglas corner which was steered clinically into the net by Dean McCammon.

Riverdale hadn’t done their homework or they would have realised how deadly Derek Patton is in front of goal.

When Greg Douglas somehow wriggled past his markers and cut the ball back from the touchline, Patton ghosted into the penalty area at the most opportune time and sent an unerring finish past the helpless keeper to make it 4-0.

A superb cross field pass from Alex Hammond then released Greg Douglas but his shot was saved.

At the other end, Ritchie McGivern reacted sharply to deny the visiting team a consolation goal. The ball ran loose but a follow up strike was blocked on the line by Neil Anderson.

Back in the Scarva Rangers atttack, another Greg Douglas goal attempt was saved by the Riverdale goalkeeper and in the closing minutes the hosts headed over the crossbar from a corner kick.

Best for Scarva Rangers on the day was Neil Anderson, the skipper giving yet another accomplished performance in central midfield.