Maguiresbridge 2 Augher Stars 2

Maguiresbridge surrendered a two-goal lead as Augher Stars mounted a fightback to claim a share of the points.

Two goals in two minutes from Shane Ingram and Ciaran Campbell had given the home side an early advantage, but Travis Charleton pulled one back before half time, and Jonathan Winser found an equaliser five minutes from time.

Maguiresbridge Manager Simon McCusker was frustrated they did not capitalise on their good start, but knows the point could still prove to be a valuable one as they look to stay out of the reach of the relegation zone.

“We could have won it and we could have lost it, so maybe we should be happy with a point in the end,” he admitted.

“We started strong and went at them and we were two goals up after 12 minutes, but they came back at us.

“We aren’t in a great position after getting beaten by Lisnarick last week, but it’s the same thing every week with players not available.

“We had Ronan McManus playing centre midfield instead of centre back. We have Shane O’Neill away, and Philly McTeggart injured, and that was our two main midfielders out on Saturday.

“Adam Chartres dropped back into midfield, and he ended up Man of The Match.

“It’s just hard to get boys out at the minute. We have Orchard Farm the week after next and they are going well at the minute, so that will be tough as well.”

Maguiresbridge were immediately on the front foot and were rewarded with a goal ten minutes into the match.

Adam Chartres lofted a pass over the top of the Stars’ defence for Ciaran Campbell to run on to, and his high cross was headed in from close range by Shane Ingram.

Within two minutes the home team had added a second goal, with the two players involved in the first goal switching roles.

This time around it was Campbell’s turn to fire past the goalkeeper, with Ingram claiming the assist with a low cross to the back post.

Stars’ were trying to dominate physically and picked up two Yellow Cards, but they did manage to claw a goal back when Travis picked up a loose ball after a free kick and slotted past Kuba Isbaner.

Despite the setback Maguiresbridge were still pressing forward and just before the half-time interval missed a great opportunity when Tommy McDonald headed over from inside the six yard box.

Ten minutes into the second half, Isbaner produced a great double save to preserve his team’s advantage, while at the other end McDonald came close with a long-range drive that was touched around the post by the goalkeeper.

Five minutes from time, Stars drew level when Winser headed in an equaliser, but there was still time for both sides to miss potential match-winning chances.

Lorcan McKenna raced through on goal as Maguiresbridge looked for a winning goal, but his effort was saved and Ingram’s follow up was cleared off the line, before Augher had an effort headed over the bar in the dying seconds of the match.