'Law move into driving seat

Lisbellaw are favourites to win the league title after a narrow victory over top of the table Tummery on Saturday. 
The three points lift the 'Law to within five points of their opponents with five games in hand, and with Strathroy only three points ahead having played three games more it now looks like a straight fight between Harps and Lisbellaw to claim the first division crown.
Lisbellaw manager Andy Reilly has been reluctant to talk about his team as title challengers, but six points from their two recent games against Tummery means he can no longer deny his side have a great chance of winning the league.
“We’ve given ourselves a good chance now,” he admitted. “The game was nip and tuck all the way with both sets of players working tremendously hard. We expected them to put us under pressure but in truth our defence were magnificent and our keeper had little to do”
Tummery manager Benny McElholm admits the defeat probably spells the end of their title hopes. “It doesn’t take an expert to know that we are probably out of it now and it’s probably a two horse race between Lisbellaw and Strathroy,” he acknowledged. “These last two games against Lisbellaw told a story, but we weren’t far away. It is only fine margins between the top three teams at the top.”
It was Lisbellaw who started brightly and had the first effort at goal, but Lee Glass dragged his shot wide of the goal after being put in by a Tiarnan Magee pass.
Tummery came into the game more as the half progressed and carved out a couple of half chances, but both Ryan Cunningham and Matty Callaghan saw their shots comfortably saved by Lisbellaw’s debutant keeper Matty Moutray. Chris Catterson in the Tummery was also called into action, saving a dipping volley from Lisbellaw striker Magee to keep the game goalless at half time.
The away side started the second half in the ascendancy. Ryan Cunningham came within inches of scoring when his half volley struck the outside of the post.
Lisbellaw then threatened again, a neat one-two between Glass and Magee and with the latter about to pull the trigger Blaine Campbell produced a wonderful last ditch challenge. Campbell would again save the visitors with another tackle to deny substitute Ryan O’Keefe after he muscled his way past Benny McElholm. Then came the all-important goal for the hosts when Little’s cross was met decisively at the back post by Woods.
Lisbellaw could have doubled their lead but Andrew Copeland missed the target, and they were almost paid to pay in the closing minutes of the match as Tummery piled forward in search of an equaliser. Colm McCullagh fired a half volley just over the bar and Ryan McCallion had a header saved, and with time almost up Cunningham headed against the crossbar from a McCullough free kick, but Lisbellaw held on to secure the vital win.