Loughgall had plenty to think about in the first half as they played against a strong wind and Lurgan were hoping to capitalise on this advantage but Loughgall stood firm and attacked Lurgan well when given a chance.  When lurgan did manage to create chances Loughgall goalkeeper Mark McKitterick was in fine form protecting his goal in very tough conditions. Loughgall opened the scoring after 20mins when Jason Ellison whipped in an inch perfect free kick into the box and Matthew Loney was there to strike the ball home. The last few minutes of the first half were very tense as Lurgan pushed for a goal but Loughgall stood firm and held them off.

Loughgall looked to take advantage in the second half but like lurgan in the first half they never got the chance to use the windy conditions however they nearly extended their lead when Jackson Holmes just shot wide from 20 yards. As the half continued Loughgall started to get stronger and the Lurgan attacks were getting less but then disaster stuck when Loughgall lost the ball in the centre of midfield and Lurgan attacked in numbers with the ball ending up in the Loughgall goal. As we entered the last 10mins the game it was an end to end affair as both teams went for the win but Loughgall began to get stronger as the final few minutes approached and Ben Neill broke free and tried to score at the near post but the Lurgan Goalkeeper made a fine save and earned Lurgan a point.

Normally a point against Lurgan would have been a good result but there were a few disappointed faces in the Loughgall dressing room showing the progress this set of players are achieving this season with recent performances and hopefully the points will follow soon. Next week Loughgall are due to take on Ridgeway Rovers @ Wallace with a 11.15 kick off.

Squad: Mark McKitterick, Adam Morrow, Jason Ellison, Aaron Maye, James McCoy, Keith Kearney, Ben Neill, Jackson Holmes, Matthew Loney, Kyle Hamilton, Harry McNeely, James Smyth, Oisin McNally.

Loughgall struggled to make an impact in this game as Hillsborough remained in the Loughgall half for most of the first half and it was no surprise they took the lead. Loughgall were glad to see half time when they were able to regroup and it worked as Loughgall started the second half brightly and were soon causing Hillsborough major problems. As the half continued Loughgall finally got the goal they deserved when Jason Ellison completely confused the Hillsborough defence as he took the slightest touch with the ball falling to Matthew Loney who put the ball into the net.

Loughgall continued to put on the pressure and Declan Hughes hit the post soon after. As the game continued it looked as though Loughgall were the team that were going to win but then Hillsborough broke and Loughgall were not able to clear the danger and Hillsborough scored. The last few minutes was all Loughgall as they went after a deserved goal but Hillsborough nearly added a third but Aaron Maye got back to clear the danger. Loughgall like so many other games this season deserved something from this game especially with their second half display but unfortunately lost a very close game 2-1. Next week Loughgall are due to take on Lurgan in Lurgan with a 09.30 kick off.

Squad: Mark McKitterick, Adam Morrow, Ben Browne, Jason Ellison, Aaron Maye, James McCoy, Keith Kearney, Declan Hughes, Ben Neill, Jackson Holmes, Matthew Loney, Kyle Hamilton, Harry McNeely, James Smyth.

Loughgall put Crusaders under a lot of pressure in the opening minutes as they pushed for the opening goal coming close on a few occasions including missing a penalty.  After the penalty miss Loughgall kept their heads up and continued to put pressure on Crusaders and Harry McNeely came closest to opening the scoreline. After 20mins of the game Ben Neill scored the first goal of the game when he won the ball in midfield and battled past the defence putting the ball by an out-coming keeper. Keith Kearney nearly doubled the lead but the keeper pushed the ball past the post. As half time approached Crusaders started to pressure the Loughgall goal and equalised in the final few minutes as Loughgall failed to clear a corner.

The second half was a more even affair as both sides played in a very enjoyable end to end game of football and as both teams started to tire a few gaps started to appear with both keepers being kept on their toes.  Loughgall deserved to take all three points after their 1st half display but were happy to walk away with a share of the points after Mark McKitterick made a vital save from a free kick in the final few seconds. This was a great performance all the pitch and hopefully we bring this form to the next game.

Next week Loughgall are due to take on Hillsborough @ Barbour with a 11.15 kick off.

Squad: Mark McKitterick, Adam Morrow, Ben Browne, Jason Ellison, Aaron Maye, James McCoy, Keith Kearney, Declan Hughes, Ben Neill, Jackson Holmes, Matthew Loney, Kyle Hamilton, Harry McNeely, James Smyth.

Loughgall started brightly against Portadown and soaked up the early pressure without Portadown causing many goal chances. As the game continued Declan Hughes had a couple of chances on goal followed by James McCoy. With these chances Loughgall grew in confidence and almost broke the deadlock when Ben Neill skipped through the defence and put the ball into the box where Jackson Holmes shot just flashed by the post. Loughgall ended the half the stronger of the two teams. Portadown made a few changes at the break and as the 2^nd half continued Portadown started to get the upper hand and opened the scoring as Loughgall failed to clear their lines. After this goal Portadown grew in confidence but were hit a very well organized Loughgall team who were fighting for every ball. Portadown got their second goal when Loughgall failed to clear a corner and the ball was bundled into the net. As the game came to a close Portadown added a third and secured three points and Loughgall walked away with their heads held up high as all involved in this game proved we can take on anyone in this league and make a game off it. Next week Loughgall are due to take on Ballymacash Rangers @ Rushmore 09.30 kick off.

Squad: Mark McKitterick, Adam Morrow, Ben Browne, Jason Ellison, Aaron Maye, James McCoy, Declan Hughes, Ben Neill, Jackson Holmes, Matthew Loney, Kyle Hamilton, Harry McNeely, William Irwin, James Smyth