Leaders Balnamore suffer title setback

Leaders Balnamore suffered a setback in their quest as they went down to Riverside Athletic, a result that put Riverside right back into title contention.

Mountview Athletic also dropped points in a surprise draw against in-form FC Macosquin.

This week sees the start of the midweek fixtures in the league which will start a hectic schedule for some over the next three to four weeks.

Clash of the evening will probably be at Rugby Avenue in Coleraine where Mountview entertain Berthas FC in what will be billed as a six pointer for both teams. Other title contenders Hazelbank and Riverside Athletic have important contests against Somerset and Dunaghy Old Boys respectively.

The delegates of the Hutchinson Tiles League wish to pass on their best wishes to Ballyrashane Coronation player Hawk Barnes who suffered a broken leg at the weekend. We all wish Hawk a speedy recovery.

Balnamore 0, Riverside Athletic 2

The visitors began the game at a high tempo which was just as well as the in form Balnamore came at them right from the off, although the defensive quartet of Blair, Dunlop, Shields and Hanna worked hard to keep their attackers away from Archibald's goal.

Midway through the half a foul on McGoldrick resulted in a free kick, which Leighton took with the ball finding its way past Elder in the Balnamore goal via a bad bounce.

Riverside made it 2 - 0 five minutes from time when Duffy, on for the injured Thompson, played in McGoldrick for an stunning finish and more or less wrap up the points.

Man of the Match: Gareth Leighton (Riverside Athletic)

FC Macosquin 1, Mountview FC 1

Mountview, who are challenging for the title, started strong favourites in this encounter albeit Macosquin being on a four match winning streak.

The home side took the lead in the 15th minute when a perfectly weighted through ball from Watson put the on form Gibson in, who coolly slide the ball past McClarty and into the Mountview goal.

The visitors were reduced to ten men when Mearns beat Farquhar with a nice bit of skill only to be scythed down by a combative midfielder who received his second yellow of the match.

This didn't seem to hinder Mountview because within five minutes secured a point with an equaliser

After an excellent run directly at the heart of the Macosquin defence by Reid, Smyth was on hand at the back post to bend the ball into the net.

Man of the Match: Jason Gibson (FC Macosquin)

Berthas FC 3, Somerset 0

A beautiful Saturday morning out in the 'Rock saw high flying Berthas take on what they thought was to be a tough Somerset side but the away side could only muster nine players.

Berthas, missing a few regulars including the injured Drake who broke his ankle during the week, started a bit sluggish but soon found their feet.

The deadlock was soon broken when Ridgell’s header found the feet of Cochrane who coolly slotted home from six yards.

Berthas got their second through the hard working Rainey who unleashed an unstoppable drive from 20 yards, the 'keeper had no chance.

It was all Berthas with Cochrane, Graham and Greene all having good chances to add to Somerset’s misery but the away 'keeper was in fine form and kept the score line respectable and his team mates’ morale up.

Elder replaced the injured Bond and thought he had found the net but once again the away keeper pounced at his feet to snuff out the chance. Some Berthas players, realising that Somerset were struggling, began to take pot shots, prompting the game to be delayed due to lack of footballs.

Righ back David Hoey crashed home an absolute corker from 35 yards for Bertha’s third - his first goal in the Tiles League.

Man of the Match: David Hoey (Berthas FC)

Hazelbank FC 4, Ballyrashane Coronation 0