Homers are spot-on in final

An Ian Millar goal from the penalty spot after half an hour was enough to land the trophy for Homers in a game in which both sides ended with nine men.

The first effort of the game came on 20 minutes when a Gary Baird cross from the left was only half cleared to David Gibson and he caught the ball on the volley but his effort was well saved by Brian Martin in the Saints goal.

The only goal of the game came on the half hour mark when Alan Rainey was adjudged to been fouled in the Saints box and the penalty was awarded. Ian Millar stepped up and fired home the spot kick. Saints then started to get more into the game and had their first effort on goal when Chris Smiley dragged a shot just past the post, before they forced a number of corners but once again couldn’t force the equaliser before the break.

Saints almost drew level with 25 minutes to go when a poor clearance by Homers keeper Darren Crawford fell to Chris Smiley 40 yards out and he hit the ball on the volley trying to catch Homers out but the ball bounced agonisingly over the bar.

The game then spiralled out of control as both teams were reduced to 10 men on 80 minutes for a scuffle, and then within five minutes both teams had a further man sent off. The game was very open after this and Homers should have made it 2-0 on the break but Brian Martin did well to save at the feet of Alan Rainey.

In the dying minutes as Saints took the game to Homers trying to force extra time they had a glorious chance when Chris Smiley cut in from the left but fired his shot wide with only the Homers keeper to beat and as Homers held on to win.

After the final whistle Alan Kirk of sponsors Arkmedia handed the cup over to the winning Homers Captain Ian Millar and the celebrations began.

All Saints OB: Brian Martin, Eoin Hudson, Damien Kelly, Steven McAvoy, Colin Laffin, Gerard Spurgeon, Peter McReynolds, Stephen Tully, Kieran McKeown, Chris Smiley, Liam Cassley. Subs: Darren Burgoyne, Brian Watt, Ally McGarry, Paul McCallin, Conor Crilly.

Harryville Homers: Darren Crawford, Robert Ritchie, Keith Wylie, Ian Russell, John McDowell, Gary Baird, Steven McKay, Alan Rainey, Paul McNeill, Ian Millar, David Gibson. Subs: Gary Bonnes, Stephen Hutchinson, Barry McDowell, Chris McDonald.

Referee: Mr Paul Berry. Assistant Referees: Mr Lindsay McConnell and Mr Brian Patterson.