Strabane defeat Wellington to progress in cup

McComb's Coach TravelNI Intermediate Cup

Strabane Athletic.....5

Wellington Rec.....2

STRABANE Athletic are in the hat for the next round of this season’s Intermediate Cup after defeating Larne side Wellington Rec at Melvin on Saturday.

Athletic had early chances through Cathal McShane one of which was cleared off the line.

McShane fought hard to win possession and help set up midfielder Bradley Callaghan for the opening goal after 15 minutes.

It was all looking good for Strabane when Gary Merritt converted a penalty on the half hour mark.

It was almost three minutes later but Dylan Woods saw his effort hit the post.

The complexion of the game changed dramatically in the lead up to half time when the visitors rallied to draw level with two good finishes.

It was an even contest now and both teams had half chances at the start of the second half.

Just after the hour mark Sean McCallion’s fine pass picked out substitute Oisin Duffy who gave Athletic the lead again with a superb finish.

An 82nd minute debut goal for Shea Devlin restored Strabane’s two goal margin but it took a brilliant penalty save from Ruairi McElroy to preserve it in added time.

Athletic sealed the deal before the final whistle when Duffy struck again to make it 5-2.

Last night's (Tuesday) North West Senior Cup final against Limavady United was postponed due to weather so next up Strabane travel to face Dergview in this weekend’s local derby at Darragh Park.