Wakehurst return to winning ways

The Ballymena side returned to winning ways with a comprehensive 4-0 Belfast Telegraph Championship Two victory over neighbours Chimney Corner at Allen Park.

“It was important that we responded in the right way after two defeats and I was pleased at the way we went about it.

“We got a goal after 15 minutes which settled us and we controlled it from there - that was the difference from the previous week where we didn’t get that early goal.

“It was more or less done and dusted by half-time as we were 3-0 up and even though Marc Maybin gave away a penalty, he redeemed himself by saving it,” added Gregg.

Jason Paul put Wakehurst ahead after 13 minutes, firing home from 5 yards after keeper Rogan failed to hold Ryan Gregg’s well hit shot.

Surprisingly, given their domination, Wakehurst didn’t increase their lead until the half hour. Conor Gregg, who had been torturing the home defence from the ‘off’ received a measured pass from his brother Ryan and burst past both central defenders before picking his spot, leaving Rogan helpless - a classy goal from the in-form striker.

In a rare breakaway Corner were awarded a penalty when Marc Maybin’s misjudged attempt to knock the ball away from Jamie Willinghan only succeeded in bringing the striker down and presented Corner with a great opportunity right on half-time. Up stepped Ryan Jenkins whose well hit spot-kick was superbly saved by Maybin low to his right to retain his team’s 3-goal advantage at the interval.

Roy Colville replaced injured captain Dougie Stevenson at half-time and Wakehurst continued their hold on the game without ever getting out of second gear.

Wakehurst scored a fourth goal late on with David Gage outjumping the Corner defence to head home a well delivered free-kick from McCaughern.

Wakehurst have no game this Saturday as scheduled opponents Ballyclare Comrades are involved in Steel & Sons CUp semi-final action.

Wakehurst: M Maybin, P Alexander, D Stevenson, R Culbertson, D Gage, L McCaughern, S Mellon, A Laughlin, R Gregg, C Gregg, J Paul. Subs: M Crawford, R Colville, S McKinney, D Parker, G Mark.