Cup deflection settles exit for Swifts on frustrating return

A goalkeeper issue forced Simon Andrews to swap his outfield spot on the teamsheet for a slot between the posts as an emergency number one.

Andrews, who played in nets during is grassroots days with Portadown Boys, proved sharp. however, over the course of play despite the final 4-3 tally.

Michael Dobbs’ finish served up the sole reward across a first-half deficit of 2-1 for the Swifts before Oxford Sunnyside moved back on top on two additional occasions.

Neil Shaw and Bobby Sturgeon helped the Swifts sit level at, respectively, 2-2 and 3-3 - with the latter’s strike finding the net off the underside of the crossbar.

However, a late deflection provided Sunnyside with the decisive strike in the high-scoring home date.

MARKETHILL SWIFTS: Simon Andrews, Carl Wilson, Scott Cully, Jordan Boyd, Adam Cooley, Michael Dobbs, Neil Shaw, Bobby Sturgeon, Ian McCracken. Subs: Matthew Black, Kyle Irwin, Jordan Stephens.

COACHING

Markethill Swifts and Armagh City Ladies will team up to stage a Coaching Excellence workship tonight (Friday) from 7.30.

Presentations have been confirmed in Markethill’s The Courthouse with, according to the Mid-Ulster Football League outfit, “the aim of improving the coaching experience we offer as a club and hopefully as a result we can produce the best talent in the area”.

The line-up will feature Conor Marlin (Club NI), Austin Speight (Coerver Coaching), Stephen Crawford (Coaching 4 Christ) and Sam Gamble (Ballinamallard United).

Text 07564026184.