Tuesday 24th May 2005 @ Ravenscraig Stadium
Benburb 3-3 Greenock Juniors
League Match
Graham Black heads home the goal that ensures Greenock safety in Division One
Greenock all but ensured their survival in the Central league Division one for next season with this hard fought draw against a Benburb side fighting for their lives. A reasonable crowd turned out to see this relegation battle and i'd think most found it an entertaining match. The opening goal arrived after 5 minutes when John Paul Dow charged down a Billy Davidson clearance to go through on goal. He squared the ball for strike partner Graham Black to fire home from 5 yards out. This lead did not last long however when 3 minutes later a free kick from Benburb's right was fired into the crowded penalty area by Bobby McMillan and seemed to decieve everyone and end up inside Meechans right hand post. Greenock were looking the most dangerous of the 2 sides with Graham Black looking most likely for the visitors. Greenock regained the lead in 37 minutes when Graham Balck again went at the Benburb defence only to be pulled down just inside the area and to the amazement of the Greenock players the referee waved the claims away. With the Greenock players still protesting the Bens clearance fell to Gordon Lappin who controlled before sending a tremendous right foot volley home via the crossbar
Half-time 2-1
With Benburb fighting for their lives they came out all guns blazing at the start of the 2nd half and were duly rewarded. After 51 minutes a corner from the Bens right was floated right onto Meechans bar and was then headed home by the waiting Donnie McDonald to level things. This was not sufficient for the home side who required the win to have any chance of survival and they took the lead for the first time in this game and again it came from another set piece. A free kick from the right was headed goalwards by McDonald but Meechan saved well only to see Alan Thomson follow up to fire home to the delight of the home support. Benburb then started to sit back a bit and allow Greenock into the game. They did however almost increase their lead when a cross come shot from O'Malley came off the top of Meechans bar. Greenock were probing for the equaliser and good work by Aldo McIntyre on the left won Greenock a free kick. Gus Gault floated in a dangerous cross where Graham Black got across his marker at the front post to glance home the goal that gave Greenock the point that keeps them in the Central District Division One for next season. Benburb threw everything forward including their keeper in a vain attempt to get the winner late on but Greenock stood firm to gain a well deserved point. Greenock now finish there season this Friday night when they host St Anthony's
Teamlines:
Greenock Juniors: Meechan, McAllister, McMillan, Docherty,Gault, McIntyre, Power, Lappin, Black, Dow, Monaghan(trialist)
Benburb: Stewart, Canning, MacMillan, Davidson, Sheridan, McDonald, McCall, Gilogley(O'Malley 45), O'Neil, Thomson, Davis.
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Goals: Greenock Juniors: Black (5, 67), Lappin (37)
Benburb: MacMillan (8), McDonald (51), Thomson (55)
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