Premier Intermediate

NEW YEAR, NEW LEADERS

11 Jan 2025
football
© Johnny Evans Action from Moyola Park's defeat of Portstewart

Warrenpoint Town moved to the top of the table as the first Playr-Fit Premier Intermediate League action of 2025 also produced a late winner for Moyola Park and draws at Hagan Park and The Dub.

Warrenpoint hit four goals past Dergview at Milltown to step into pole position.

'Point moved in front very early in the game when the unmarked John Boyle did well to control the ball and fire home from inside the box.

Jim O'Hanlon then doubled the home advantage on eight minutes from the spot after Rory Powell had been brought down.

The visitors were reduced to ten men just after the half-hour mark when Sam Sproule was sent-off following an incident with Christopher Crane.

Bobby Sweeney pulled one back for Dergview on 51 minutes but, just a couple of minutes after that, Declan Loye restored Warrenpoint's two-goal cushion with a lob over the onrushing keeper.

Crane then completed the scoring seven minutes from time with a header from a corner.

Morning leaders Dollingstown squandered a three-goal lead to settle for a point from a thrilling encounter with Queen's University at The Dub.

Daniel Gordon opened the scoring for the Dollybirds early on with a great finish from a great build up but the Students hit back soon after through Andrew Clarke on his debut.

The visitors regained the lead later in the first half through Henry Cromack, with the same player hitting a third just after the half-hour mark.

Gordon then bagged his second of the game midway through the second period to seemingly put the outcome beyond doubt.

However Clarke pulled one back with time running out, followed moments later by a third for Queen's from Charlie Chapman.

Then, in stoppage time, Clarke popped up to convert from the spot to snatch a point for the Students.

Adam Gray grabbed the only goal of the game as Moyola Park defeated Portstewart at Mullaghacall.

The 33-year-old knocked home what turned out to the winner with just two minutes remaining with a stunning finish from the just inside the area into the far top corner after Luca Doherty had knocked the ball on down the left.

Lee McLaughlin might have added a second for the visitors deep into stoppage time only to fail to convert from the spot.

And two goals midway through the second half saw Coagh United and Tobermore United share the spoils at Hagan Park.

Scoreless at the break, Owen McKeown edged the visitors in front on 66 minutes.

However, they only held the lead for just three minutes until Matthew McMenemy, recently signed from Killymoon Rangers, marked his debut with the equaliser.