Maguiresbridge 1

Orchard Farm 0

A second half Ryan Moran goal was enough to seal victory for Maguiresbridge and lift them three points above the Division Two drop zone with three games remaining in their season. It is now three goals in two games for Moran, but Saturday’s goal could prove to be most valuable one of the lot.

“It was a massive win. We really needed it,” admitted manager Simon McCusker.

“We have Galaxy on Saturday and if we can beat them and Lisnarick drop points then that should hopefully be enough for us, but it’s not done yet because after Galaxy we have Castlederg and Irvinestown left, so it’s tricky enough.

“You don’t want to be going to Irvinestown looking for a win. It was always the aim to stay up this year after the overhaul of the squad and the new singings coming in, so if we can avoid relegation we will be more than happy.”

The defeat means Orchard Farm are not out of the relegation scrap either. They lie four points ahead of the relegation zone, and although they have two games in hand, manager Stewart Armstrong is not taking their survival for granted.

“I was very disappointed with the result,” he admitted. “I think a few of the lads are already on the beach and think we are safe, but we are getting pulled into a relegation battle that we didn’t need to be in.

“It is up to me now to motivate the boys to keep going. We can look forward to the four games left, that we go into as underdogs. Hopefully we can pick up the one win that we need to keep us up.”

There was little to choose between the sides through the contest, and with Orchard Farm missing the goal scoring threat of Seamus Quigley up front they struggled to break down a hard working Maguiresbridge defence.

Orchard Farm’s best chances of a cagey first 45 minutes fell to Jamie Keenan, but he had a free kick and later a volleyed effort both saved by Maguiresbridge goal keeper Kuba Isbaner. The closest Maguiresbridge came to a first half goal came after half an hour, but Ronan McManus’ headed effort rebounded off the crossbar.

The home team created a good opportunity five minutes into the second half when Shane O’Neill released Moran, but with Shane Ingram in space at the back post, Moran’s attempted pass was intercepted.

The decisive goal finally arrived just before the hour mark when Ciaran Campbell flicked the ball on for Moran. The Farm defender look favourite to win possession but Moran emerged with the ball and fired past Carson to give Maguiresbridge the lead.

Orchard Farm battled hard to find a way back into the match. Scott Armstrong came within inches when his free kick after 80 minutes struck the post and then Barry Mulholland had a back post header saved, but the ‘Bridge held on for a valuable three points.