A last-minute goal from Andy Hoey denied Loughgall all three points in this keenly fought local derby. Loughgall were without Graeme Taylor and Gary Henderson from last week’s credible draw against H&W Welders, while Ricky Copeland and Stuart Mallen also missed out due to injury and suspension respectively.
Daniel Ryan put Loughgall into the lead after 13 minutes when he raced clear before rounding City ‘keeper Sean Morgan and slotting home.
The lead only lasted two minutes as Stefan Lavery beat the offside trap before curling a fantastic strike in off the far post leaving Loughgall goalkeeper Gareth Buchanan no chance.
Loughgall utilised Ryan’s frightening pace again on 29 minutes when strike partner Warner Mullen released him into space where he confidently smashed the ball past Morgan.
Armagh City equalised in the 72nd minute when Hoey picked up a loose ball on the edge of the Loughgall penalty area to hit a first-time shot that crept inside the post.
The hosts scored their third goal of the game with 7 minutes remaining and again Daniel Ryan was involved. He teased a low cross across the goalmouth that was turned into his own goal by the unlucky Armagh City defender Eion Toal.
That wasn’t to be the end of the scoring as Hoey nodded home at the back post in injury time to restore parity. And Hoey effected the game yet again when he did brilliantly to clear Steven Ferguson’s shot off the goalline following a corner.
Loughgall: Buchanan, Carson, Stretton (Taveres 57m), Finlay, Hudson, Walsh, Ferguson, Drylie (Dallas 85m), Mullen, Ryan, Rea. Unused subs: Dane, Blevins.
Armagh City: Morgan, Bell, R McGerrigan, Lennon (Cullen 53m), Toal, Kelly, Hoey, Mallon, Lavery, Donnelly, S McGerrigan. Unused subs: Moore, Clarke, McNamee, Rice.
