SCARVA RANGERS RESERVES 2 GLENAVY RESERVES 1

the surface of it there was nothing remarkable about this narrow home success for Scarva’s reserve team.

But they were reduced to ten men after only ten minutes, with the game goalless, and the richly deserved victory was built on a performance of terrific character and commitment.

The red card wasn’t the only setback for the hosts, who also lost central midfielder Scott Jardine to injury in the opening stages of Saturday’s league clash at Scarva Park.

But they were determined not to taste defeat and managed to make it to the half-time interval on level terms.

They actually carried the greater attacking threat in the second half, with Patton and midfielder Wes Baird combining to good effect on the left.

The home side broke the deadlock when Wayne Jordan slipped the ball to Freddie McKelvey who swung a deep cross into the heart of the Glenavy penalty area. Player manager Mo Brown, who switched to central midfield after the injury to Jardine, rose highest and knocked the ball into the path of Gary Dodds and the striker volleyed clinically home.

When the visitors levelled matters during a rare attacking foray it seemed the game would end in deadlock but then Wes Baird sent the ball spiralling into the top corner of the Glenavy net from an acute angle on the Scarva left.

The locals had other chances to extend their lead, with the visiting keeper saving well from a Gary Dodds header and a superb Stephen McNeill cross fired over the crossbar.

The home side were increasingly under the cosh in the final minutes of the game but they weathered the storm to deservedly claim the three points.

Man of the Match – Wes Baird. An energy filled performance from the left sided midfielder who combined an attacking threat with diligent trekking back to help out defensively. A special mention must also go to goalkeeper David Stewart, whose composure between the posts played a key role in the win.