Lisbellaw United 4 Killen Rangers 0

Lisbellaw made it two league wins in a row as they continue their fight back from a poor start to the season. After consecutive defeats marred the opening of their title defence they have now put together convincing wins against Magheraveely and Killen, with Saturday’s victory coming courtesy of goals from Matty Woods, Sam Lindsay, Tiarnan Magee and Raymond Carroll.
Lisbellaw boss Andy Reilly has been delighted with the way his team have responded to their early season setbacks, and is confident they can claw their way back into contention.
“The boys were terrific,” said the manager. 
“Every man won their personal battle and I can’t ask any more of them. The work on the training pitch is paying off but they must continue to put the effort in at training and hopefully we can put a run together and climb up the table. We’ve a tough few weeks coming up with Junior Cup, Town, Strule and Tummery but we will just take it one game at a time. There’s a massive improvement from everyone but we’re aware we can’t afford too many more slip ups.”
Lisbellaw started like a team intent on taking an early lead, and they pushed Killen back with Tiarnan Magee and Ryan O’Keefe looking very lively. 
O’Keefe was the first to test keeper after he cut in from the right wing but Ward in the Killen goal able to keep the ball out. Another good move involving Woods, Kyle McCleery, O’Keefe and Magee would see Ward again called into action to save with his feet from Magee. 
A succession of Lisbellaw corners could not force the breakthrough, but eventually their pressure paid off with McGrath finding Magee who was felled in the box.
Matty Woods stepped up to send Ward the wrong way to put Lisbellaw 1-0 ahead. 
They continued to take the game to their opponents and another good move down the right saw Sam Lindsay finish at the back post to give the home team a two goal cushion at the interval.
The second half started in a similar fashion to the first with Lisbellaw again on the front foot. The McCleery brothers were influential in the centre of midfield and the inevitable third goal came when the impressive Magee struck.
Magee then turned provider when his mis-hit shot was headed past the keeper by Raymond Carroll to make it 4-0. Some impressive defending from Cochrane late on ensured a second successive clean sheet for the champions as their recovery continued.