Crucial win over Cranford for The Reds

The visitors though will feel that a draw would have been a fair result, having dominated the second half after pulling a goal back through James McBride shortly after half time.

Drumoghill needed to rely on a bit of good fortune, as well as the brilliance of Calum Crampsie in goals in that second half, both of which were evident on 88 minutes when Crampsie tipped a point blank header from Danny McBride onto the bar to preserve his side’s slender lead.

Drumoghill though will reflect on a first half in which they should really have had the game out of sight. Although the game was a evenly matched, Drumoghill failed to convert all of their chances and had to settle for a 2-0 lead at half time.

That lead was given to them coutesy of two fine goals that really showed Drumoghill at their best.

Rebuen Doherty was the player of that first half with a goal and an assist. His creativity was evident on 25 minutes when his delicate pass found Ben Cassidy to hammer home before he finished with a deadly finish on 35 minutes after being set up by Philip Doran.

However, Cranford showed their own quality in the second half.

Having reduced the deficit through McBride on 47 minutes, Cranford were the better side in the second half and always looked the more likely to get the next goal.

The home side had to endure a number of opportunities for the visitors, as well as a few goalmouth scrambles, as time wore on/ Domhnall Sweeney also forced a good save from Crampsie on 80 minutes as the visitors applied the pressure in search of an equaliser.

By this time, Cranford had introduced Philip Buchannan from the substitutes bench and he too was a threat having created a few openings from distance, but Drumoghill held out for a crucial 3 points.

Well done to both sides on an entertaining encounter and our thanks to Eamonn Sheridan who was excellent as today’s referee.