Ulster Cup Quarter Final
Tuesday 27 August 1996
How did it go - well I'll keep you in suspense and give you the details. Match began and we were under (territorial) pressure but no real dangerous moments. Bit like the first game and we were taking time to settle. Then 1-0 TO US! Ball went wide to O'Dowd and (I think) Surgey surged at a defender who (on tackling) only put the ball in McCallen's path. Picked his spot. 2o minutes later and we're 2-0 up - McCallen again. Similar surge from the wee man and McCallen controlled in front of a net guarded by at least 11 Glenavon men! Buried it in the corner. Happy days - and memories of the last game at Mourneview come flooding back. And we could have had more - every time we broke they were in deep shits. HALF TIME 2-0 Glenavon brought on 2 subs (McCoy and someone) and guess what? Yes 3-0! What a cross from McAuley (actually everyone else said O'Dowd but who cares and Surgey won his 200th header of the season and the ball nestled in the corner. Well they pulled 1 back from James McCarten shortly after and really had lots of territorial advantage - but we were just as dangerous when we broke. Breaks were becoming less frequent but they were pretty damned awful and sorely missing Ferguson. Anyway final whistle 3-1 to us and naturally our boys celebrated - Crusher tried to take on all their stewards - no police, the programme said their stewards could cope! Bottles, glasses fired onto the pitch 2 just missing Dermot O'Neill!
MOM Surgey
PS Probably got assisters etc. wrong but who cares - I'll check the paper tonite. Brunton & McAuley booked. Usual team - no subs (Sam Shiels played with 300 stitches above hie eye).
PPS Cheer up Niggle Best.
- 1. Wesley Lamont
- He gives me kittens.
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- 2. Oliver McAuley
- Super-Ol
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- 3. Robbie Brunton
- Bust Darren Murphy. Played very well.
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- 4. Brendan Aspinall
- Commanding - settling in well.
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- 5. Paul Gaston
- You'll never beat Paul Gaston.
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- 6. Eamon Doherty
- Solid in midfield.
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- 7. Sam Shiels
- Quiet - needed ref's permission to play.
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- 8. Greg O'Dowd
- Super cross for third goal.
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- 9. David McCallan
- Poached with panache.
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- 10. Pat McAllister
- Pushed his weary limbs to the limits.
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- 11. Michael Surgeon
- A revelation. Keegan-esque heading ability. Man of the Match again.
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