ANNAGH UNITED RESERVES 4 SCARVA RANGERS 4

AN ENCOURAGING performance earned Scarva Rangers a richly deserved away point on Saturday.

 

It was the local side’s third draw on the trot and their sixth of the season, by far the highest total in the division.

 

Had they capitalised on all the chances they created, they would have left Annagh Reserves’ Portadown home with all three points.

 

Equally they could have left empty handed, as the hosts squandered a gilt edged opportunity to win the match in the dying moments.

 

Annagh’s reserve team sent Scarva reeling with a powerful header in the opening five minutes of the game.

 

The village side responded well to the early setback, creating a number of promising opportunities before striker Gareth Fulton secured the goal his side’s display deserved.

 

But Annagh hit back almost immediately with a breathtaking long range strike that rocketed into the top corner of the Scarva goal.

 

The hosts retained their 2-1 advantage until Mark Bicker was bundled over inside the area after the interval and Stephen Anderson produced another emphatic finish from the penalty spot.

 

Annagh conjured up a second moment of long range magic, this time from a free kick, to send a see saw encounter swinging back in their favour.

 

But a resilient Scarva side came back once again and a flowing move ended with Rod Douglas clinically heading home a pinpoint Ryan Dodds cross.

 

Gary McCune put his side ahead for the first time in the game with a superb low shot from the edge of the penalty area but with just five minutes left Annagh scored from a corner for the second time in the game.

 

It was the end of the goals but not the goal scoring chances.

 

Derek Wilson forced the home keeper to make a terrific save and at the other end the hosts shot wide when a goal seemed certain.

 

Best for Scarva Rangers – Gareth Dillon and Rodney Douglas.