Draw ends losing streak... but it should have been a win

They last collected a league point at the end of October and facing Reserve Division Three league leaders Lurgan Town Reserves any respite from that lengthy run of defeats seemed remote.

Despite the odds, however, the village’s reserve side battled to a richly deserved point and might even have grabbed all three.

The visitors made a purposeful start but it was the hosts who took the lead when a superb pass from Gary McCune released Stephen Patton whose cross was headed majestically home at the back post by Kris Heron.

The visitors, as befitting a side at the top of the league, pinned Scarva back in the early stages of the second half but were sent reeling when the hosts doubled their advantage.

Gary McCune picked out Alex Hammond with an astute pass and the Scarva striker, who had posed constant problems for the visiting defence from the first whistle, lashed a venomous strike unerringly into the net to make it 2-0.

Lurgan Town Reserves clawed their way back into contention with a fortuitous goal that went in via a deflection and drew level with a swift counterattack.

It made for a dramatic ending, with both sides reckoning they could grab victory. At one end Alex Hammond sent a powerful header just over the crossbar and at the other Scarva goalkeeper Alan Hammond, who had been assured all afternoon, timed his challenge to perfection to snuff out the danger as a visiting player burst into the penalty area.

In the end a draw was a fair reflection of the game and all the Scarva players deserve credit for their impressive levels of commitment.

Best for Scarva Rangers Reserves – Alex Hammond took the Man of the Match plaudits with a highly accomplished performance, characterised by a phenomenal work rate, first class hold up play and of course a crucial goal. Fellow goal scorer Kris Heron is also worthy of individual mention. He worked tirelessly and was a constant threat when he picked up possession.