Buchanan's header puts Village through

Seapatrick 2

After extra time

THE first round of the Premier Cup gave Seapatrick a tricky away draw against Armagh side Blackers Mill.

Blackers Mill started the better of the two sides and wouldn't allow Seapatrick to settle or give them time on the ball. They went on wave after wave of attack and were finding it easy to get in behind the Seapatrick back four only for their front men to misfire in front of goal and Seapatrick keeper Kris Fletcher to pull off some great saves.

It was, however, Seapatrick who almost got the first goal against the run of play. Striker Gary McGrath, with his back to goal, turned and hit a great effort that cannoned off the right hand post.

With the Seapatrick team momentarily losing concentration the ball was punted long up the pitch and with the Blackers Mill centre forward getting between the Seapatrick central defenders, his turn of pace left them on the back foot and he tucked his effort into the bottom corner.

It was nearly two a minute later. A great cross from the right hand side was met by a bullet header from the Mill’s centre forward only for Kris Fletcher to fingertip over the bar. The Village couldn't wait for the half time whistle which came moments later.

What a different Seapatrick came out for the second half. They were hungrier, organized and more composed than they had been in the first half.

As they pushed for an equalizer they were met by a stubborn Blackers Mill defence. Everytime Seapatrick attacked the Mills were equal to what was thrown at them.

With five minutes remaining the equalizer finally arrived. The lively Darren McGrath challenged in the box and as he was upended the referee pointed to the spot. Davy Dawson strode forward and dispatched the spot kick into the bottom corner with the keeper getting a touch on the ball.

With the game now gone into extra time both teams had efforts to finish the game and Blackers Mill were the unluckiest with a couple of back post headers that went narrowly wide.

As time ticked away Seapatrick won a free kick on the edge of the box. Aaron McAvoy sent over a pin point cross and as Aaron Buchanan rose highest, his great header hitting the top corner of the net, much to the jubilation of his team mates.

Team: Kris Fletcher, Aaron Buchanan, Adam Kerr, Davy Dawson, Martin Buchanan, Paul Frazer, Dean Andrews, Ian McDowell, Stephen Campbell, Gary McGrath, Clifford Sands, Darren McGrath, Aaron McAvoy.

Seapatrick would like to thank The Jockey Club Punters Club and Gilford Man City Club for their recent kind match sponsorship.