FOOTBALL: Ballynure extend lead the at top of the table

Killymoon Rangers were under the cosh for most of the time at Cookstown Sports Arena against the undefeated leaders, who are now three points clear of main rivals Newtowne.

Robert Houston got the show on the road in the 12th minute when he finished off a good link-up between Denver Leckey and Ricky Higgins, who then bagged one himself with a header from a Paul McIntyre corner.

Number three was fired in by McIntyre from a pass by Josh McIlroy, who had replaced Houston after he was forced off with a muscle strain. Approaching the interval David Higgins made it 4-0 when he turned in a Denver Leckey pass at full stretch.

After the locals pulled one back with a shot that gave Paul Hughes no chance, McIlroy restored his side’s four goal advantage from the edge of the box, and it was left to Ricky Higgins to complete the rout, with a neat turn and finish from a deep throw-in.

Man of the Match was central midfielder Denver Leckey.

Commenting Andy Forsythe, who was standing in for Gary Burns, said: “It was a very easy win. The boys were passing the ball well so that Killymoon were always chasing the game. Denver Leckey controlled everything from midfield, while Paul McIntyre is a flying machine who always extends defenders down the left flank.”

Seven wins from the past eight outings keep the ‘Nure lads on track to retain their coveted Ballymena Premier League title.

Ballynure OB: Hughes; Penny, Leckey, Robinson; D Higgins, Duff (C), D Leckey, McIntyre; Houston, R Higgins, Ellis. Subs G Curlett, McIlroy.