Premiership title in the melting pot

The ONE 1918 Premiership was blown wide open, after leaders Cookstown lost to Banbridge and Annadale inflicted a 4-1 defeat on Lisnagarvey.

It promises to be one of the tightest run-ins to the end of the season, and with Instonians winning at Raphoe, the title could go to any one of four teams.

Two goals a-piece from Peter Caruth and Conor Allison saw Annadale come from behind to stun Lisnagarvey, who blasted seven goals home last week against Three Rock in the IHL.

John Gray opened the scoring for Lisnagarvey after only 11 minutes, tucking home a cross from Mark Daniels.

But, in the 23rd minute Annadale’s Irish International Caruth, carved his way into the Garvey circle to level it with an unstoppable reverse stick shot which flew into the net.

Seven minutes after the restart, Timmy Cockram was put clear by Mark Raphael but Johnny Moore spotted the danger and was quickly off his line to smother the shot.

Annadale were always dangerous on the break and Caruth put them ahead on 55 minutes as he smashed home a cross from Gareth Kidd.

And minutes later in a carbon-copy of their second, Kidd again cut along the by-line only this time to spot Allison lurking at the far post with a pin-point pass for him to guide the ball home.

Two minutes later, Annadale wrapped up the points, Allison grabbing his second when he was put clear by Ian Hamilton sending his shot past David Williamson.

After the game Annadale coach Andy Smyth said:

“I wasn’t too sure what to expect today, especially after Garvey won seven nil last week and we were poor against Cookstown. But the guys put in a brilliant performance, and that will shake things up a bit. I just hope that our game against Cookstown isn’t played at a silly time as it could be a very important game for both sides.”

A solitary Dane Ward goal gave Banbridge three very valuable points against Cookstown, in an uninspiring game to keep the Havelock Park side in the title race.

Two goals from Steven Redpath and one each from Chris Kirk and Stuart McWilliams, left Raphoe at the foot of the table, and it now only seems that a miracle will stop the Donegal side dropping out of the Premiership.

Results

ONE 1918 Premiership
Raphoe 2 Instonians 4
Lisnagarvey 1 Annadale 4
Banbridge 1 Cookstown 0