NFC Kesh 3 Magheraveely 1

NFC Kesh continue to increase their lead at the top of Division One, with their latest victory coming against relegation threatened Magheraveely. 
Kesh had the game all but won after 50 minutes thanks to two goals from Josh Flack and one from Nathan Cashel, and although Magheraveely pulled one back from Sean Mullaney, Kesh held on to maintain their title challenge.
Manager Nicky Noble was delighted to claim the points, even though he thought his side did not reach the heights they have often scaled this season. 
“We hadn’t had a game the week before and we were a bit lacklustre,” said the manager. 
“We could have been out of sight before half time, but we missed a couple of chances. 
“Magheraveely put it up to us and they are not a bad team. They never stopped working and kept going, but I thought we had another couple of gears to move into if we needed them. 
“When we were 3-0 up we took the foot of the gas a bit, but it is three points and that is all that we had needed. 
“We have Town now next Tuesday night which is our last home game. After that we have two games left and the others still have a lot to play. We will just look after ourselves and see what happens.”
Magheraveely boss Richard Farrell admitted the better side won the game, but reckons the performance of his team bodes well for the remainder of the campaign. 
“We know we put in a good performance and going forward if we can repeat that week in and week out then we will be picking up points before the end of the season,” he said. 
“They showed why they are top of the league. When they break on you they hit you with numbers and flood the box. 
“You can see the extra quality they have and you can see why they are top of the league.”
Magheraveely are a point clear of Mountjoy in the race to avoid the second relegation spot and with a favourable run of fixtures at the end of the season they are hopeful they can claim enough points to stay in the top flight. 
“If we can gain points over the next two or three games, then we are left with four games and all of them at home,” said Richard. 
“Mountjoy have games in hand over us, but it’s up to us to win our games. If we can put the points on the board that’s the most important thing, because that puts the pressure on Mountjoy. 
“We are still in with a fighting chance but it’s all down to our performances on match days.”
Magheraveely made a bright start to the game and came close to opening the scoring only for Matthew Johnston’s goal to be ruled out for offside. 
Moments later Kesh grabbed the initiative with the game’s first goal. Alex Holder made a powerful run down the right and swung a cross for Josh Flack to convert a volley at the back post. 
Mark Jones then almost added to their lead but his shot struck the upright, with Flack missing the target from the rebound.
Alan Gregg fired an effort over the bar in a rare Magheraveely attack but before the break Kesh went further ahead when Flack’s cross was converted by Nathan Cashel at the back post.
Kesh continued to press forward at the start of the second half, with Cashel having a shot well saved. 
Cashel then turned provider, crossing for Flack to score his second of the day.
A Sean Mullaney header after an hour gave Magheraveely hope, but they were not able to reduce the deficit any further and Kesh claimed the win to keep their title challenge intact.