Annagh exit marks end for Kernaghan

Annagh United's Jordan Campbell (centre) - one of the scorers against Glentoran - during the post-match celebrations. Pic by PressEye Ltd.

The NIFL League Cup shock at Tandragee Road sparked home celebrations but proved the end of the road for Kernaghan and Glentoran - with a post-match review of the 3-2 result ending in the manager offering his resignation.

Roy Coyle will take temporary charge at The Oval as Glentoran officials begin the search for Kernaghan’s replacement less than 10 months after handing the former Republic of Ireland international the Belfast hot-seat.

The future may remain under a cloud for Glentoran but Annagh will be hoping to turn a first win of the season into a starting point towards a bright era.

“Football is a roller-coaster and we suffered a bad derby defeat to Loughgall last Friday but the boys were superb tonight,” said Annagh United manager Paul Matchett. “After a disappointing start to the league, this result will give the whole club a lift.

“We have a young squad so the lads can remember this win for a long time.

“Now we want to use the momentum to improve our league position.”

Annagh kicked off the scoring thanks to Jaime Gardiner’s goal against the run of play before Jordan Campbell converted a cross by Jake Richardson, the latter on loan from Portadown, to double the lead.

Ciaran Caldwell cut the gap for the Glens but Steven Park capped a superb midfield display with the decisive third goal.

Former Glasgow Rangers star Nacho Novo scored his first goal for Glentoran in the closing stages but the captain’s late finish failed to complete a fightback.

ANNAGH UNITED: Hughes, Richardson, Campbell, Stewart, Taylor (Riddle, 90), White, Whitten, Park, Gardiner, McClurg, Judge. Subs not used: McElroy, Smith, Wilson.

GLENTORAN: Morris, Smyth, Redman, Birney, Magee, Harmon, Caldwell, Foley (Kane, 66), Novo, Allen, Lavery. Subs not used: Nelson, Ferrin, Gordon, Cafolla.

Referee: Shane Andrews.