NFC Kesh 3 Magheraveely 1

Kesh bounced back from their first league defeat of the season with a convincing victory over bottom-placed club Magheraveely, who are still searching for their first win of the campaign.

Kesh were two ahead at half time thanks to goals from Ryan Campbell and Lee Walker, and a second half Campbell penalty sealed the win, with Joshua Johnston’s goal merely a consolation for the visitors.

Kesh manager Ryan Campbell felt his team were fully deserving of the three points.

“We never really thought we were in any bother during the game. We always felt in control,” he said.

“I told the boys it was a good fixture at home to get back to winning ways, and I was happy we did that. At half time I thought our passing was a bit sloppy but we were two nil up so I couldn’t complain too much. We controlled the game from start to finish. I was happy enough with the performance.”

Magheraveely boss Keith Douglas conceded Kesh deserved the victory, but had no complaints about his side’s efforts.

“We competed well enough with them, but we huffed and puffed in the final third and they were clinical,” he admitted.

“We didn’t have nearly as much of the ball as they had, but it seems to be a recurring theme. We are competing against the bigger teams, but we are just not getting the results.

“We were going up against Kesh who are within the big five within the league, and you know what you are coming up against. We competed well and I couldn’t have asked for any more from the boys. They gave it their all but unfortunately, our all wasn’t good enough on the day. No qualms about the result. Kesh took their chances. They were able to score goals and we weren’t.

It took 12 minutes for Kesh to take the lead. Lee Walker picked up possession just inside the Magheraveely half and lofted a first-time pass over the top of the Magheraveely defence for Ryan Campbell to run on to and lob the keeper with a first-time finish.

Walker and Campbell combined again, and Walker thought he had doubled the lead, but his strike was ruled out for offside.

Luke Allison had a rare effort on target for Magheraveely, but from TJ McMulkin’s save Kesh broke forward and Campbell’s cutback from the byline was headed in by Walker.

The pair combined again early in the second half but Walker blasted over the bar before Sam Robb was fouled inside the penalty area and Campbell dispatched the spot kick to make it 3-0.

Nathan Cashel had a shot saved at the front post and Robb had an effort saved from the edge of the penalty area. Magheraveely scored a late consolation when Joshua Johnston’s long-range effort was deflected past McMulkin, but Kesh comfortably held on to take the points.

Kesh are away to Irvinestown in a derby tussle on Saturday while Magheraveely host Lisbellaw.