Ashley’s late double a winner

ASHLEY Parker scored twice in the last ten minutes of the South Antrim League’s Supplementary Cup final at Bog Road on Friday night to give Sporting Lisburn a 3-2 win over Belvoir FC.

Parker’s double strike not only won the final for Sporting but earned him the Man of the Match Award and deservedly so as he had also been prominent throughout the game.

Sporting have a habit of finals so this one gave them plenty to celebrate, but it was cruel for Belvoir, who played well for much of the game and led 2-0 after 25 minutes.

They went ahead on 15 minutes with a fine goal. A free kick was taken on the chest by Stephen Patterson and he volleyed home.

Ten minutes later it was 2-0 when Belvoir were awarded a penalty and Darryl Finlay slotted home.

Sporting got a lifeline five minutes from half-time when they were awarded a penalty and Michael McNeice put them back in the game.

Sporting came into the game after the break but lost Chris Hill who was injured after ten minutes and time appeared to be running out when, with ten minutes left Jason Hamilton provided the cross for Parker to put Sporting on level terms.

Belvoir’s defending had been questionable at this stage and Parker was again on hand to bang in the rebound when the keeper could only parry a shot with three minutes left.

Disappointment for Belvoir, joy for Sporting, but the large crowd were more than satisfied with an entertaining match.

The trophy was presented by League chairman, Clifford Hanna.