Lindsay hat-trick gives Magherafelt the Blues

The midfielder, who has just turned 17, has been turning in impressive displays recently, and on Saturday afternoon he came up trumps at Threemilewater Park to help secure victory.

The three points means Jonty Watson’s lads are just two points adrift of leaders Tobermore United Reserves.

The Wee Reds had been expected to collect home points from a team from the lower half of the table, but nobody was prepared for such a one-sided contest.

Centre-back Tony Liken opened the scoring in the 7th minute, when he blasted home from a Richard MacAuley corner, and Lindsay opened his account on the half hour when he confidently chipped the keeper.

After Jonathan Boyd rifled one home, and Lindsay netted in a one-against-one either side of the break, the floodgates opened.

Full-back Aaron Ibinson drilled in number five, and midfielder Harry Spence curled in a beauty to complete the half-dozen.

In the 70th minute Lindsay completed his hat-trick with a back-post volley, before striker Daniel Ellis got his name on the card.

Substitute Niall McErlean made it nine, and then Ellis doubled his tally by taking the score in to double figures with a rocket from 25 yards.

“It was one way all the way, as we continually broke down both wings, and the Magherafelt lads were chasing shadows all afternoon, while our keeper, Warren McAllister, scarcely had a touch - especially in the second half,” said boss Watson.

Ballyclare Comrades Reserves: McAllister, Lynch (C), Liken, Lunney, Ibinson; MacAuley, M Boyd, Spence, Lindsay; Ellis, J Boyd. Subs: McErlean, Wilson, Rainey.

Don’t miss this week’s Newtownabbey Times for reaction and superb photos from Ballyclare’s Steel Cup win over Kilmore Rec