SML round-up: Homers wrap up fourth successive league title

Harryville Homers celebrate another league title after it was secured with a 3-0 win over Clough Rangers in their penultimate league game at Wakehurst on Saturday. INBT 21-186CS

Needing just one point from their remaining two matches, Robert Duddy’s side duly wrapped up the championship with a 3-0 win over Clough Rangers.

After their midweek win over nearest challengers Ahoghill Thistle, Homers went into their ninth high pressure game in just twenty four days knowing that a point would secure a fourth consecutive BSML league title.

Both teams cancelled each other out during the opening phases but the game burst into life midway through the half when Ryan Stewart powered his way into the Clough box before squaring for David McWhirter to guide the ball in for the opener.

Saturday Morning League secretary Brian Montgomery hands over the league trophy to Harryville Homers captain Gary Bones after their league clinching win over Carniny Rangers at Wakehurst on Saturday morning. INBT 21-188CS

Homers took to the field knowing that if their miserly defence could keep a 26th clean sheet of the season they’d be crowned champions.

The Harryville side doubled their lead 15 minutes into the second half as in-form defender Ian Russell scored his fourth goal in six games, pouncing on a loose ball from a corner to drive the ball home.

With time running out Darren Campbell scored a third and decisive goal.

The box to box midfielder was on hand to convert David McWhirter’s left wing cross with aplomb to ensure another championship for the Harryville men.

OTHER RESULTS

firmus energy BSML Division One: Harryville Homers 8, Raceview 0; Glenravel 1, Carniny Rangers 5; Harryville Homers 3, Ahoghill Thistle 1.

firmus energy BSML Division Two: Michelin 5, Randalstown 1; Carnlough Swifts 3, Cloughmills 0

Leighinmohr House Hotel (Division Two Playoff) Cup Semi Finals: Ahoghill Rovers 3 Cushendall 3 (Ahoghill Rovers 3-2 on penalties); Seven Towers 4 FC Penarol 5 (AET)

Montgomery Cup - Group A: Southside Rangers 7, Steadfast 0; Templepatrick 5, Cullybackey Olympic 2; St Comgalls 3, Cullybackey Olympic 1; Steadfast 0, St Comgalls 2.

Montgomery Cup - Group B: Atletico Antrim 1, Carniny Amateurs & Youth 0; Ruby’s Rovers 3, Northend & District 1; Northend & District 3, Atletico Antrim 3; Wakehurst Star 0, Northend & District 0; Atletico Antrim 4, Ruby’s Rovers 1.

FIXTURES

Tuesday, May 24 (7pm) - Rainey Cup Semi Finals: All Saints OB v Harryville Homers (Ahoghill); Carnlough Swifts v Ahoghill Rovers (Ballykeel).

Wednesday, May 25 (7pm) - Montgomery Cup Group A: Cullybackey Olympic v Southside Rangers (Tober Park).

Thursday, May 26 (7pm) - firmus energy Division One: Carniny Rangers v Harryville Homers (Wakehurst 1)

Leighinmohr House Hotel (Division Two Playoff) Cup Final: Ahoghill Rovers v FC Penarol (Wakehurst 2).

Saturday, May 28 (11am) - Rainey Cup final: All Saints OB/Harryville Homers v Carnlough Swifts/Ahoghill Rovers (Connor).