Colhoun buoyed by marked improvement
ARMAGH CITY....................................................1
DERGVIEW.........................................................0
By Tommy Nethery
DESPITE watching his side slump to a second defeat in three days, new Dergview boss Colin Colhoun was delighted with the marked improvement in the performance of his young and developing side in Tuesday's night visit to Armagh City.
"We did everything only put the ball in the net and we were denied two cast iron penalty decisions as we pushed forward in attack in the second half," said the Derryman.
"Midfielder Blaine Burns was sent sprawling in the box and substitute John McLaughlin had the shirt almost taken off his back right at the death.
"Obviously the final outcome was disappointing but in terms of effort and getting the ball down this is the best we have played since the beginning of the season."
John and Paul Carlin and Eamon Donnelly all came back into the side for Tuesday night's trip to Holm Park with Lecky brothers, Adam and Mark and defender Colin Robinson, who is still feeling his way back from injury, all getting a run out in the second string's impressive 5-1 thumping of Omagh Hospitals.
And from the start the Co Tyrone visitors took the game to their opponents with Donnelly and Paul Carlin whipping a number of inviting crosses into the danger area. On one such occasion the City defence failed to clear a teasing delivery by lone striker Gareth Sproule but John Carlin's goalbound shot was scrambled away to safety.
Moments later a lapse in concentration allowed Armagh, who competed in the Premier League last season, to steal in for the decisive goal of the game but, despite facing the elements, it was Dergview that continued to pose the greater threat in front of goal, prompted by the efforts of Gary Dickson, Burns and the Carlins, Hugh and Paul from midfield.
Dergview now turn their attentions to Friday night's trip to Ballyclare Comrades for the first leg of their round one Cooperative Insurance Cup tie.
"I'll have to consult with those in charge of the reserves who had another good result tonight," added Colhoun.
"There is likely to be a few additions to the squad for Ballyclare and we will certainly have to have a look at John Montgomery who is banging in the goals."
Team: J O'Reilly; J Carlin; N Coulter; C Sharkey; E Donnelly; G Dickson; H Carlin; B Burns; M Catterson (J McLaughlin 70); P Carlin; G Sproule.
Subs: L Donaldson; A Lynch; J McGilloway; D Fulton.
