Saints march past derby test with clean sheet

Lower Maze, the division’s bottom side, had a line-up bolstered by the firsts’ blank date and Rovers’ problems continued with a red card on 20 minutes.

The hosts held a 1-0 half-time lead, with Andrew Simmons’ shot against the upright the key Rovers sight of goal.

Another set-piece goal left Lower Maze clear by 2-0 before Simmons tucked away a pass from Andrew Proctor.

Niall Fleming came close but an equaliser arrived when Dean McCammon displayed strength and composure to chase down an upfield ball and score under pressure.

McCammon doubled his tally to cap good work between Simmons and Ian Walker.

However, Lower Maze hit back with two late goals - with Rovers protests against decisions dismissed.

A brace by Neil Bradshaw and Michael Dobbs finish left Markethill Swifts on top with a 3-1 success over AFC Craigavon.

Eamon Liggett, Ryan McVeigh and Luke Carvill grabbed goals in St Mary’s 3-0 success against Hanover.

Goals from Andrew Martin, Michael Irwin and substitute Darren Marshall offered little consolation to The Ambassadors in a 6-3 defeat by Dungannon Rovers across Mid-Ulster Reserve League Division Two.

David McQuiggan’s hat-trick set Laurelvale on the way to victory over Richhill - with Gary Hunniford’s double the other key contribution.

Depleted Richhill had Brent Murray and captain Glenn Spence on the scoresheet in the 5-2 derby defeat.

Ben Steen scored two goals to help Broomhill wrap up a Mid-Ulster Reserve League Division Four victory over Aghalee Village.

Alex Dowey and Jonathan Millar were the other scorers in a 4-1 success.

Stuart Treanor’s treble marked one of five appearances on the Rectory Rangers scoresheet in a 7-2 defeat of Newmills within the Mid-Ulster League Cup.

Mark Richardson, Jake Gilpin, Corey Blair and Harry McFadden wrapped up the margin of victory.