Strollers clinch first ever title

Nutt (1)

Maghera Strollers...(1) 1

O’Donnell (40)

A Mark O’Donnell strike in the first half earned Maghera Strollers the point they needed to pip Lincoln Courts, to the Premier Division title.

Played in sweltering hot conditions the Strollers in truth deserved their priceless point, as a draw was a fair result, as neither Lee Simpson nor Lorcan McKenna in either goal were really tested.

Although Strollers probably shaded things throughout, for all their possession they never really threatened in the final third.

As for Courts they knew coming into the game they needed a victory to force a play-off, but they too struggled to create anything worthwhile, despite getting off to the perfect start.

The Waterside men took the lead after just 44 seconds when Kolyn Patterson’s pass over the top released Gary Nutt and the ex-BBOB striker made no mistake from just inside the box, side footing home past McKenna.

After that whirlwind start Courts were unlucky not to add a second but Nutt’s pass into the six yard box would have found Patterson, but for some brave keeping by McKenna.

Five minutes before the break O’Donnell levelled things when Simpson could only parry Mark O’Connor’s initial 20 yard strike and the alert front-man was on hand to turn home the loose ball.

On 58 minutes good battling play by Billy Hutchman ended with the Courts midfielder’s right wing centre catching out McKenna, but Nutt was unable to turn the ball home.

Ten minutes from time a long throw by Ryan Hutchinson found Patterson but the talented striker’s header failed to trouble McKenna and flew over.

Soon after Strollers went close to taking the lead but Caolan McKee’s 20 yard shot was saved by Simpson.

As Courts started to push men forward for that all important second goal, they were nearly caught out at the back in the closing stages.

A four against two situation in favour of Strollers ended with Chris O’Kane’s curling shot, which had Simpson beaten, came back off the post and Stefan O’Donnell’s follow up effort flew wide.

Despite that O’Kane chance hitting the woodwork neither side created anything in the closing stages and referee Victor South blew the final whistle for the season to spark wild celebrations for the Strollers, who claimed their first ever Premier Division title.

Lincoln Courts: Lee Simpson, Darren Craig, Gordon Murray, Mark Sproule, Jason Dougherty, Kolyn Patterson, Dean Cooke, Billy Hutchman, Stephen Mooney, Gary Nutt, Gary Hamilton. Subs: Ryan Hutchinson, Tyler Moore, Craig Young, Raymond Campbell.

Maghera Strollers: Lorcan McKenna, Declan McErlean, Ryan Winton, Ciaran McEldowney, Stephen Merron, Caolan McGuckin, Mark O’Connor, Caolan McKee, Jermone McKenna, Mark O’Donnell, Chris O’Kane. Subs: Conal McKee, Michael Scullion, Stefan O’Donnell, Pearse McCallan, Colm Sargent.

Referee: Victor South.