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United claim derby victory

Thursday, 5 January 2012

Limavady Uniteds Trevor Parkhill in action against Institute on New Years Eve. 01519KDR

LIMAVADY United may have gone into their derby match with a squad down to the bare bones and having already lost three times to their hosts but the Roesiders produced a gritty performance at the Riverside on Saturday to record a deserved 2-0 win against their high-flying neighbours through a goal in each half from Ricky Close and Gareth McConachie.
The Roesiders were well worth their win and ended their four match scoring drought in the process.
United nearly took the lead as early as the fifth minute when Browne's header back to his keeper under pressure had Wilson scrambling to turn the ball round the post.
But Institute hit back in 11 minutes when Kelly burst down the left, cut in and unleashed a fierce shot over the bar. Five minutes later United went close at the other end when the aptly named Close connected with Doherty's wicked cross and blasted the ball towards goal but his goal-bound effort was blocked. However he was not to be denied and on 24 minutes he broke the deadlock with a powerful header from McConachie's deep free-kick, rising unchallenged to blast the ball into the net.
Institute were rocked but just after the half hour spurned a great chance when Carlyle hurried his shot after neat interplay around the box.
Then Parkhouse had a curling shot that McCormick may just have got a fingertip to as it went narrowly over. Patrick replied with a shot from distance that went wide and Unitaed complained that they should have had a penalty when Doherty was upended in the box but their appeals went unheard.
The half finished with McKeever shooting straight at McCormick after Institute's crisp interpassing opened up the visitors' defence, but Limavady were well worth their lead.
The second half opened with Parkhouse getting to Kelly's cross but missing a great chance to equalise. Patrick should have doubled United's advantage with a trademark header from a 52nd minute corner but his close range effort lacked power and direction.
However on 58 minutes they deservedly scored their second after two great chances in quick succession, the first being blocked by Wilson from point blank range and the second forced out from under the bar by Harkin with his hand. Referee Wallace sent the midfielder off and awarded a penalty which Gareth McConachie dispatched with aplomb.
As the rain poured down in torrents there was a flurry of substitutes on both sides but little football of note as United defended resolutely and snuffed out Institute's attempts to get back in the match. McCormick was well shielded by his defence and the midfield- in which Patrick was imperious-was unrecognisable from the sorry performers in their previousmatch, and while their was little skill on display there was honest endeavour aplenty.
As derby victories go, this was a resolute answer to the team's critics, and a good platform for the second half of the season.
With the squad expected to be added to in the window, the players have shown that they have enough ability to climb up the table to a more realistic placing if they can repeat Saturday's efforts in the coming weeks.

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