McGrath seals the points as Ants take bragging rights

Ants Website Header

In Association with our Main Club Sponsor

Gary McGrath

(Photo courtesy of Stephen Kennedy - www.thejuniors.info)

A second half strike by Gary McGrath was all that seperated the two Govan sides in the second of at least three Govan derbies this season and ensured The Ants fans hold the bragging rights until the next meeting. It also ensure the Ants maintained their stunning start to the season which leaves them with a 100% record in the league after three games and unbeaten in their seven competitive games to date

The game started in glorious sunshine at McKenna Park although it was Benburb who probably started the match better, putting the Ants on the back foot for the first ten minutes or so before the Ants started to find their feet after their midweek exertions against Shettleston. The match itself was scrappy with neither side really holding onto possession for great deals of time however as the half progressed the Ants started to look dangerous when going forward.

On fire frontman Chris Mackie nearly opened the scoring when he flicked the ball goalwards with a backheel whilst spinning but the ball hit the top of the crossbar and White maybe could have done better when racing in but the Bens defence reached the ball before him. Mackie then headed over, and Bernie McDonald saw an effort cleared off the line. Miller also went close but his header just went over the bar. The Bens for their part had one effort of note in the opening half but Matty Carr got down well to save. Half time came at the wrong time as the Ants were beginning to mount serious pressure on the Bens goal but the half remained goal-less

Half Time - Ants 0 v 0 Benburb

The second half began with the clouds hovering ominously over McKenna Park and it wasn't long before a torrential downpour which dampened the quality of football on show and turned the second half into a damp squib. Chances were at a premium throughout the half however midway through the second half The Ants took the lead when Mackie, White and McGrath combined to see the latter beat Tiropoulous in the Bens goal with a fine strike which hit the inside of the Keepers near post before spinning over the line.

Benburb started throwing caution to the wind with the Ants quite happy to play them on the break as they threw men forward in the chase for the equaliser but Carr was rarely, if at all tested as The Ants defence, superbly marshalled by Captain and Man of the Match Ronnie McDonald, stayed resolute to ensure that all three points stayed at McKenna Park and their unbeaten record continues

Full Time - Ants 1 v 0 Benburb

Ants Website Man of the Match - Ronnie McDonald