Scarva Rangers lose out to Armagh Celtic side

It was a day of resolute defending and gilt-edged chances from open play were few and far between, so set pieces had an even greater significance as a potential source for a goal.

With the clock ticking towards full time and the game seemingly destined to end in a scoreless draw, Armagh Celtic forced a corner and took full advantage to score the goal’s first and in the end only goal.

It was harsh on the hosts, whose play was characterised by industry and determination and especially tough on young goalkeeper Stuart Wilson, who had saved impressively to deny the visitors in both halves of Saturday’s match.

The Armagh keeper was also in fine form, diving to divert Greg Douglas’s shot away for a corner after the Scarva player had been picked out inside the Celtic area with a clever free kick from his brother Rod.

The visiting keeper also did well to save Alex Hammond’s looping header, which seemed to be arcing over his head and into the net.

In the build up to that chance Gareth Dale sprayed a magnificent pass out to Mark Baird on the Scarva right and his cross was cleared out of play, with Baird’s resulting throw in creating the chance for Hammond’s header.

When the deadlock was finally broken Scarva had little time to fashion an equaliser and were left with no points to show for a hard working display.

Having conceded nine goals in their previous two games, there was at least the consolation of greater defensive solidity in this performance, however.

Best for Scarva Rangers on the day were Stuart Wilson and Greg Douglas.