Lurgan BBOB hosted high flying Dungannon Rovers in a well contested match, where BBOB created the better goalscoring chances and had two penalty appeals dismissed, but ultimately neither team could break the deadlock as the match ended goalless.

Dungannon opened in positive form and threatened the BBOB goal early on but BBOB’s defence and goalkeeper Aaron McGlade stood firm. BBOB soon began to press from the defence out and through midfield, which forced Dungannon to resort to longer ball tactics, while BBOB’s front two of Bryan Archer and Alex Wright were always offering and full of running. BBOB midfielder Steven Willis in particular began to play some decent balls to his attack, which threatened to break the deadlock, while Philip Cowan did well on the right in both defence and attack with some surging runs. BBOB won a series of corner kicks on the right side that Willis also expertly delivered, which BBOB just failed to capitalise on, although Mark Russell did see a goal bound header saved by a Dungannon defender’s hand but the penalty appeal was waved away as the scores remained goalless at the break.

Again BBOB pressed from the start in the second half and Archer soon did well to pick up the ball on the right edge of the Dungannon penalty area but was taken down just as he nipped past the defender and was ready to get his shot in. However, once more BBOB’s penalty appeal was dismissed. Throughout the second half, BBOB’s back three of Matt Kennedy and Paul and Stephen Heasley played a really solid high line that offered Dungannon little opportunity, while goalkeeper McGlade behind took total command of his penalty area. This solid platform gave the BBOB midfield duo of Derek Wilson and Russell the confidence to dictate most of the play. Alan Dowey produced an inviting cross, after a fine run down the left, but the BBOB forwards were unable to latch onto his centre. The lively Willis just missed a good opportunity with his shot from the right. Willis also slipped a ball through the middle to striker Archer, who still had a lot to do with defenders in front, and the striker then fired a low shot that was saved by the goalkeeper. Late on Willis again put Archer in on the right side of the penalty area for possibly the best chance of the game but the BBOB striker just fired over as the final score remained at nil all.

BBOB will feel that they probably deserved more than a point from the game but will be delighted with a clean sheet from a hardworking team display by all, although they will continue to look to improve in front of goal. This Saturday BBOB host Ballymacash Rangers II in the Junior Cup, while BBOB II travel to Dollingstown II and BBOB Youth host Lurgan Town Boys.

BBOB: Aaron McGlade, Philip Cowan**, Alan Dowey, Matthew Kennedy, Paul Heasley (c), Stephen Heasley, Derek Wilson, Mark Russell, Alex Wright*, Bryan Archer, Steven Willis. Subs: Brian Miller, Stephen Lutton, Philip Allen, Matthew Greer**, Jonathan Willis.

Date: September 19, 2009     Venue: Kernan