NFC Kesh 2-0 Dergview Reserves

Kesh remain tied on points with Enniskillen Town and Tummery Athletic at the top of the Mercer League table following their win on Saturday afternoon.

A stunning free kick from Lee Walker followed Ryan Campbell’s early penalty to see Kesh stay in second, who are only behind leaders Town on goal difference.

Kesh goalkeeper TJ McMulkin’s kick-out found Jack Kerr and he played through Campbell in behind before the forward was taken down in the box with a penalty awarded after seven minutes.

The player/manager converted from the spot to give the home side an early lead.

They had a second with just under 25 minutes played as Walker’s 30-yard free flew into the top right corner of the net.

Kerr had a chance to make it 3-0 when he came on to a pass but he couldn’t wrap his foot around the ball to steer it on target.

A reasonably comfortable second half saw Kesh make it eight wins from ten, with their only league defeat coming against leaders Town in October.

Speaking after the game, Campbell said: “Yeah I was happy with it. We hadn’t played in a few weeks and that was twice in a row we’ve played now.

"We played them (Dergview) on November 9th and we hadn’t played anyone since then, so, it was pleasing as I had to make five different changes to the starting eleven from that game, with boys missing.

"I had to pull boys up from the reserves and in fairness, they stepped up to the mark too, so, it was pleasing to see that.

"Alvin Anderson came off the bench, rolled back the years and done well the last 20 minutes. Likewise with Gareth Keys up from the reserves and wee Steven Doherty had his first game with me.

"It was pleasing knowing you were a bit light and them boys stepped up to the mark. It was good to get the three points.”

When asked to compare where his side were at this stage last year, Campbell responded: “Last year, we took it one game at a time and see where it took us. We are doing the same this year, I have sent them a target come Christmas to be within touching distance if not there, in the league and in the hat for the Junior (Cup) come January.

"So far, that’s what we are doing, we’re in the hat for January and we’re sitting there or thereabouts with two games before the break.

"Hopefully, we can get a couple of results in our next two games away to Lisbellaw and Strathroy. If we can get through them games with the points I’ll be happy enough going into the new year.”

Lisbellaw are the only other side to take points from Kesh after they drew 2-2 in September, the sides meet again at Drumad this Saturday.