More Rec-reation for Annagh!
Annagh United got their long awaited pre-season underway with a friendly at home to Dunmurry Rec. Dunmurry looked fresh having already played several friendlies including matches against Glentoran, Linfield and Distillery,
Annagh started in a familiar 4-4-2 formation, with some new and welcome faces in the starting eleven. Kyle Nelson resumed in goal with David Bell starting at right back, U.S.A. bound Scott Best at left back and the evergreen Keith Percy joining Colin Bingham in central-defence as last season’s young player of the year Gary Topley opted to re-join newly promoted Portadown. Jamie 'New Dad of one' Uprichard started on the right of midfield, Andrew Simmons on the left with Gareth King and Coalisland man Marty Hughes in the centre. Last season’s two top scorers Brian Quilty and John Guy started up front. Debuts therefore for Percy and Bell in defence and Hughes in midfield.
Despite Rec's advantage of 4 games under their belt, it was Annagh who started brightest creating the game’s first opening when John Guy’s curling shot from the edge of the box crept past the upright. After Guy’s initial opportunity Annagh soon took the lead. A quick throw-in by new boy Bell rang the changes for Annagh, he sent Uprichard clear down the right – he looked up and picked out Quilty inside the box with his cut-back. Last season’s top scorer picked up where he left off by tucking the ball past the keeper and into the bottom corner. The home side were dealt a blow however when King (looking sharp and trim (!!) from a good pre-season) had to be replaced after going over his ankle. King looks set for a spell on the sidelines having cracked a bone and damaged ankle ligaments. Local young lad Raymond Harpur, who has decided to commit to the club this season, came on for King, Uprichard moved into a more familiar central midfield position and the shuffle was complete as Harpur took up a wide position on the right, putting in a respectable first game.
Annagh continued to press and took a 2 goal lead when John Guy finished from a wide angle when what looked suspiciously like a fluffed cross managed to trundle past the shocked Rec 'keeper after Feablely Shooting Guy had pranced right of the box after a one on one sent him wide.
Dunmurry were handed a lifeline just before the half when Colin Bingham’s clumsy challenge brought down a Rec forward in the box and the ‘veteran’ referee, who at this stage wondered if he would get home in one piece for his cocoa and crossword, pointed to the spot much to the disappointment of an innocent looking Bingham. But it was an in form Nelson in the Annagh goal who produced a stunning save to turn away a finely struck penalty.
HT: 2-0
The second half was a rather boring affair as neither side created many chances, Annagh had started to tire slightly and were still fit to deal with any attacks from the visitors. Guy had a goal bound shot saved well by the keeper and Dunmurry almost pulled one back when they struck the Annagh post. The Rec men started to look the fitter side as the second half progressed and enjoyed plenty of possession, although Wilkinson will be pleased by the effort shown by United as they held their hosts at bay. The game ended with Nelson and his defence earning a well deserved clean sheet. Opportunities were given for Wilkinson to play all his men as his preparation for the new season continues.
FT: 2-0
Team: Nelson (Currie), Bell, Percy, Bingham, Best, Uprichard, Hughes, King (Harper), Simmons (Nesbitt), Guy (Woolsey), Quilty (c) (Malone)
Article Added: Mon 3rd Aug 2009 (13:21:32)
