Cloney kick off with a win

Cloney were hoping to kick off the season with a win against a team last season which proved to be their bogey team.

Cloney played with the advantage of the wind in the first half and they looked dangerous through front pairing of Steven Leckey and new signing Barry Tait, with fellow debutant Keith Johnston providing good width on the right and Chris Shields on form on the left wing.

Tait had a few good efforts from long range but failed to find the target while Leckey full of running never gave the opposition any time on the ball.

It was Leckey who scored the opening goal of the game showing great control to pull down a great ball by McAdam in the box and had enough composure to supply the finishing touch.

Cloney had a few scares at the back but Haire was not forced into making a save of note while Knox, Dickson, McAdam and McKinley provided good defensive cover.

But they were caught cold at the start of the second half as Glenanne broke through and scored within the opening minute.

With Glenanne now having the wind advantage Higgins and Brooker in the middle battled hard to keep Cloney on top.

Again it was Leckey who continued to look dangerous and he put Cloney further ahead when he saw his shot saved only to be quick enough to collect the rebound and slot home.

Cloney could have further extended their lead with Dickson rattling the cross bar and Shields seeing a fiercely struck free-kick pushed over the bar by the opposition keeper.

Substitute Robinson could have bagged a couple only for wasteful finishing, while fellow subs Beattie added some steel to the midfield and Woods brought some much needed composure to the back line.

In all it was a great result to get off the mark with a victory. Glenanne are a team that never lie down and Cloney did well to restrict their opportunities. Every player put in a good shift with Shields impressing on the left, but it was Leckey that takes the plaudits for best on the day as his pace, work rate and finishing were the main difference between the teams.