Loughgall earned a valuable point away at H&W Welders thanks to Paul Dickson’s own goal to deny Ethan Boylan’s opener for the hosts.
Boylan netted after only 7 minutes when he scored from a rebound after Danny McKee’s initial effort was well parried by ‘keeper Gareth Buchanan.
The Welders should have scored before their goal when in the 3rd minute a counter-attack saw McKee set-up strike partner Michael McLellan however he fired wide when he should have done better. And McLellan threatened again as he struck the crossbar with a well-hit free-kick from 25 yards on 20 minutes.
Loughgall became stronger as the half progressed and they almost equalised on 23 minutes. Jack Upritchard’s corner fell for Ricky Copeland inside the penalty area, he struck low towards the corner of the net however Dickson was well placed to clear off the goalie.
Paul Dickson scored an unfortunate own goal on 28 minutes when he was challenging with Warner Mullen in the penalty area to clear Upritchard’s cross. Dickson connected with the ball however he mis-hit it beyond his own goalkeeper Samuel Johnston.
Loughgall had ‘keeper Buchanan to thank just before the break when he rushed out to deny McLellan after Ryan Deans slipped the forward clean through with a great pass.
The second period provided no clear cut chances as neither side took control. The best opportunity came late on when Stuart Mallen’s corner was headed goal wards by Copeland however Welders ‘keeper Johnston was equal to the effort.
Loughgall: Buchanan, Devlin, Mallen, Copeland, Finlay, Dallas, Ferguson, Upritchard, Uprichard (Canning 76m), Mullen, McConnell. Unused subs: Hudson, Elliott, Campbell, McMaster.
H&W Welders: Johnston, Dickson (McMillan 80m), Harris, Middleton, McMurray, Nixon, Deans, K Devine (S Devine 68m), McKee, McLellan, Boylan (Bowers 86m). Unused sub: Armstrong.
