League title to be decided via play-off

Ballymena & Provincial Intermediate League

Strabane Athletic....0

St James Swifts....0

THE top two teams in the Ballymena & Provincial League must meet again next Saturday at Allen Park after Saturday's title decider ended in stalemate at Melvin.

A play-off is now required because the sides have finished with identical points and goal difference.

Strabane Athletic will reflect on an excellent display that had everything but a goal.

In the first 15 minutes they saw the ball rebound off the woodwork three times courtesy of a Dan Doran header, a stunning Niall McGinley free kick and a superb overhead effort from Gary Merritt.

St James also saw a great chance go begging when the inrushing forwards just failed to connect with a low cross. The game calmed down a bit after this but it was always Strabane in the ascendancy.

A free kick from Conor McDermott of the Swifts forced home keeper Tom McDermott into a low diving save, while Strabane’s Aaron O’Hagan saw a header narrowly clear the crossbar just before the half time whistle.

The Belfast side fashioned a few early second half corners one of which ended in a goal bound shot which was deflected.

Athletic however were soon dominating possession again and creating several good chances.

Sean McCallion’s low cross was cleared off the line, Merritt’s shot was blocked and Simon McGlynn fired over the bar.

A lovely through ball from Merritt found McGinley but he shot straight at St James’ keeper Paul McLaughlin.

The big crowd of home supporters were celebrating around the 70th minute when Liam McMenamin headed home Conal Crawford’s superb cross.

The referee appeared to award a goal only to change the decision after consultation with his assistant who hadn’t raised a flag.

With time running out the Co Antrim men produced a quick break but the shot was wide and at the other end Paul McLaughlin produced superb saves to deny McMenamin and McGlynn.

A stoppage time chance saw McGlynn hit the side netting before the referee blew the final whistle.

A very fine team performance but ultimately a frustrating afternoon for the local side.

Raymond Foy’s men will be hoping for a similar display next Saturday but this time with a few goals to show for it.

After the game the Strabane Athletic Committee offered thanks to all who provided valuable help on the day.

A spokesperson added: "To John Fahy & Co Solicitors for match sponsorship, Strabane Sigersons GAA for parking facilities, the gate and catering staff, council staff, stewards and last but certainly not least the fantastic crowd who turned out to support the team."

Strabane Athletic: Tom McDermott; Luke McGeehan (captain) Liam McMenamin; Aaron O’Hagan; Conal Crawford; Niall McGinley; Dan Doran; Blaine Burns; Sean McCallion; Gary Merritt; Simon McGlynn.

Subs: Ryan Galvin (GK); Aaron McGurk; Declan Sharkey; Oisin Porter; Aodhan Doherty; Oran McShane; Aaron McCready.