Magherafelt Sky Blues..............2

Strabane.....................................1

STRABANE were narrowly beaten on Saturday last in the Intermediate League, going down to Magherafelt Sky Blues by 2-1 in a game where the result was in doubt until the last kick.

After an opening period when both sides were cautious in their approach as they sized each other up, the South Derry team went ahead when the striker bust through from midfield in the eighth minute and shot low and hard into the corner of the net eluding keeper Blee's dive.

Blee, who was making a rare appearance for Strabane, having reached the veteran stage had to be quick on his toes six minutes later as he deftly punched the ball clear from a corner kick.

In the 25th minute he was picking the ball out of his net again when a run down the left by Kelly caught the defenders flat-footed and a quick cross allowed a team mate time and room to pick his spot.

Strabane looked to be heading for a heavy defeat, but they stuck at their task and four minutes from half time Thomas Moore brought them right back into the game when he ran onto a good pass from Barry McCay and shot past the advancing keeper to leave the game at 2-1 at half time and with all to play for in the second half.

The home side came out in the second half with all guns blazing as they set about the Strabane defence, but they found the Tyrone men in defiant mood as they repelled several dangerous attacks with McCay and Nelson stealing up the middle and McCrory and Conroy cutting down service to the wide men. Anything that got through was dealt with by Blee, who was at his best as the game progressed.

In the final 15 minutes Strabane got on top with Donaghy, Casey and McDermott finding more room in midfield, resulting in better service to McNamee and Coyle up front. It was the local Sky Blues who were now forced to defend and with time running out Strabane were on the receiving end of some bad luck when a free kick from Stephen McCrory beat the keeper, only for the ball to crash back from the crossbar to Conroy, but his header went wide.

This was a real let off for the home side and allowed them to troop of the field with three points when it could have been a share of them. This was a battling performance by the Strabane team and they will feel disappointed at getting nothing for their efforts.

Strabane are at home on Saturday when they will have near neighbours Newbuildings United as visitors to Melvin Park in a League fixture. Matches between the teams are always keenly contested and Saturday should be no different. Kick off is at 2.30pm.