Dergview...1 H&W Welders...1
So manager Richard Clarke didn't have to bring the golden generation out of retirement after all!
Following draws against Lisburn Distillery, DC and a woeful performance against Ballyclare Comrades it was rumoured Dicky had been on the blower to golden oldies 'Junior' Deery, 'Twinkle Toes' Mortland and cultured defender Trevor 'if-in-doubt-kick-it-out' Lecky to put a backbone in his team.
Widespread speculation that the class of 2016 were facing the axe worked a treat. On Tuesday evening Colin Robinson's charges displayed the passion, desire, spirit and skill deserving of the shirt. In defence they repelled the best Welders had to offer and going forward they attacked with pace, flair and imagination.
Early doors Andy Sproule danced his way through on the right but he ain't no Tommy 'four 10s' Nethery and Welders stopper Michael Dougherty saved well at his near post.
Scoreless at the break, the Welders players walked towards the dressing rooms with their heads down and admiring the drainage repair and sod laying expertise of Messrs Baxter, Clarke, McMenamin and company in recent weeks. One or two gestures suggested the visitors weren't all that impressed with the quality of the workmanship to which Bunty could be heard shouting, "excuse me chaps but Tillysburn Park ain't exactly Wembley either!"
As for the Dergview players they emerged for the second half with real fire in the bellies, so much so that Mattie Buchanan looked as if he could combust at any given moment. Dicky appeared totally relaxed, despite reports suggesting he was under investigation by the Historical Enquires Team as part of the ongoing probe into the payment of players at Portadown!
Dergview attacked with real menace as fullbacks James McClay and Dylan Forbes, the first Forbes with a cool head to play for the club (!), showing quality and composure on the ball at all times.
But on 66 minutes David threatened to 'Rainey' on the home side's parade as the former Crues striker fired the Welders into the lead to maintain their challenge for league glory. Given what was at stake, the city slickers decided to stick as the hosts piled forward in search of an equaliser. In maintaining the theme from the DC game a week earlier Porter, Sproule, Cashel, Ballard and McManus all squandered glorious opportunities as the clock ticked down.
Dicky had to reshuffle his pack. Goalkeeper Corey Wilson went walkabout in midfield, Lee Warnock joined the attack and after the big centre-back skittled over a few Welders defenders the hosts dramatically levelled in stoppage-time.
With the Reverend Orr down on his knees praying for assistance, young Forbes swept over a delightful cross from the right and before our very eyes the miracle happened, Dergview at long last had scored. Cashel had delivered ............albeit from six inches out! Hallelujah.
The entertainment continues this evening against Lurgan Celtic with the reserves taking on Beragh Swifts. Kick off 8 and 7pm respectively.
