Rathfriland hammer league leaders

Sirocco Works 1

RATHFRILAND entertained Sirocco at Iveagh Park on Saturday and beat the league leaders 5-1.

Another big crowd saw the home side play some excellent football and after a slow start, Rathfriland continued were they left off from last week.

The first 15 minutes was a keenly contested affair, with neither side really threatening. After a slow start Rathfriland increase the tempo of their plan and started to pressurise the away defence.

Mid-way through the first half Herron rose above the Sirocco defence to head powerfully into the roof of the net following an excellent corner from Black.

The home side should have increased the lead minutes later when they were awarded an indirect free kick inside the box for a back pass to their keeper. However, the Sirocco keeper made a great save following a powerful drive from Wilson. Last week's goal hero, Towell, then had to go off minutes before half-time with a pulled hamstring.

Whatever Adair said during his half-time talk seemed to work. After a lacklustre first half the home side right from the whistle wanted to show their intentions.

Rathfriland dominated the second half creating numerous chances. A great move by the home side saw Wilson's powerful drive from 20 yards beat the Sirocco keeper.

Moments later Ally Beck squared for Gibbons and his shot from the edge of the box was pushed round the post. The resultant corner saw the impressive Herron scored his second in the same fashion as his first.

Rathfriland at this stage were in complete control, with Sirocco rarely threatening the home keeper. In fact it was probably one of Wilton's quieter afternoon's following another solid performance by the home side defence.

Sirocco were then reduced to 10 men following a horrendous challenge on Black. It was the type of challenge that game does not need and the referee showed a red card immediately.

Ally Beck who replaced the injured Towell scored a well taken goal following good wing play by Evans and neat lay off by Wilson. This was just rewards for a fine comeback by the previously injured Beck.

Sirocco scored a late consolation goal when they were awarded a penalty with 10 minutes left. In the dying minutes of the game Wilson scored his second, when another powerful header by Herron was palmed away by the Sirocco keeper.

Overall it was another fine display of attacking football by the locals. Next week Rathfriland take on Annagh Utd in the Intermediate Cup.