Tummery Athletic 1-0 Ardstraw

A first-half goal from Shea Devlin was enough to give Tummery victory over Ardstraw and maintain a three-way tie at the top of the first division.  

The in-form striker found the net after 33 minutes to record his ninth league goal of the campaign, as Tummery completed a league double over Ardstraw. 

Tummery manager Kevin McAleer acknowledged his side were pushed all the way by Ardstraw, and he was delighted to come away with three points despite not delivering a vintage performance.  

“It was hard fought,” he admitted. “It was a tough game in tough conditions that didn’t really suit us.

"The conditions were maybe a leveller for us. It wasn’t pretty. It was a battle, and Ardstraw made it tough for us.

"There weren’t many chances in the first half, and conditions in the second half got worse with the wind and the rain. At 1-0, it was nervy enough, but in the end it is three points and a clean sheet.

"We definitely weren’t at our best, but if you come away with a  win when you are not at your best it can only be a positive.” 

The clean sheet confirmed Tummery’s status as the meanest defence in the league with only six goals conceded from 11 matches, but McAleer was also delighted with the attacking threat they have shown in recent weeks.  

“We are very solid,” he said.  “I try not to change our back line, but I was forced into a few changes with sickness and injuries this week.

"Aidy McCaffrey started at left back for us which wouldn’t be a normal position for him, but he did well on the day.  

"Blain (Campbell) wasn’t one hundred percent so Declan Molloy was back in there and it is great to have someone like that with experience to come in. Our defensive record is standing us in good stead, but we are also a threat going forward.

"We have lightening pace and we can always create chances. It’s just can we put them away.” 

The focal point of their attacking threat this season has been Shea Devlin, and he once again proved to be the match winner.

Thirty-five minutes into the contest it was his direct running that brought the only goal of the game.

The 23-year-old gathered a long clearance in Ardstraw’s half and burst through two tackles before lashing the ball past Jack McFarland to score the winner.