Lisbellaw United 2 Killen Rangers 1

Lisbellaw United made it two wins on the trot as they followed up their win over Enniskillen Rangers last Tuesday with a 2-1 victory against Killen Rangers at Drumad on Saturday.

A dominant first half saw the ‘Law go in at the break with a two goal advantage following goals from Sam Lindsay and Richard Woods and they remained comfortable throughout the second half before Scott Sproule converted an injury penalty for Killen.

“It is really good to get back to back wins and it’s always nice to get the three ponts but the most pleasing thing is the level of performance at the minute,” said Lisbellaw manager Kyle McCleery.

“There is a good intensity to our game, we are creating chances and we are looking solid at the back so we are delighted with things at the minute,” he added.

Lisbellaw started the game on the front foot and played the early stages of the game in the Killen half with the pressure telling as they made the breakthrough after only four minutes.

Philip Beacom’s deep cross was headed back into the box by Lewis Vance and Sam Lindsay produced a crisply struck volley from 12 yards to make it 1-0.

Boosted by the goal, Lisbellaw remained in the ascendancy and they went on to bag a second after 19 minutes.

Vance picked up the ball on the right before feeding Woods and he cut inside before rifling a shot to the top corner to double the home side’s advantage.

The chances continued to arrive for the ‘Law as they looked to further extend their lead. Scott Moutray drilled a low shot just past the post while Lindsay was narrowly wide with a good effort after he was slipped in by Paul McGrath.

Moutray went even closer with a strike that hit the inside of the post but stayed out while Jay Tayloe fizzed a half volley that was saved by the away keeper.

Killen though rode out the storm and they went on to finish the half strongly as they enjoyed their best spell of the game.

Indeed, the visitors had a great chance to pull a goal back late in the half when Garth Milligan broke into the box. His effort was blocked but the ball fell invitingly to Jamie Sproule on the penalty spot but his shot was saved by the feet of goalkeeper Willie McFrederick before Vance headed clear as it remained 2-0 at the interval.

Killen had a further opportunity after the break but the ball hit the outside of the post following s scramble from a corner.

Lisbellaw though were able to control matters after this and Robbie Little had a chance to make it three when he was put through by Calvin McElroy but he hit the face of the post while Beacom then saw the ball fall to him six yards out from a corner but the goalkeeper made the stop.

Killen did grab a late consolation when Matthew Woods was adjudged to have fouled in the area and Scott Sproule calmly tucked away the spot kick but the final whistle went soon after as Lisbellaw deservedly claimed the points.

Next up for Lisbellaw is a meeting with Enniskillen Athletic this Saturday with Athletic also coming into the contest on the back of two good wins.

“They will be confident after two big wins in which they scored 12 goals and conceded none and their pitch is always a difficult place to play.

“But, we will go there with confidence too and hopefully we can build on these last couple of results,” said McCleery.