Bushmills down Riada

In difficult wintry conditions at the JDLC Bushmills settled well with new signing Trevor McLernon and Adrian Thompson linking well in midfield. On 20 minutes a cross from Gareth Hanna was turned home by Thompson for 1-0. And 10 minutes later Ryan Moffitt made it two.

One minute before half-time Riada reduced the deficit from the penalty spot and Bushmills were reduced to 10 men.Bushmills came out strong at the start of the second half, playing against the wind, and scored twice in the first nine minutes. Thompson crossed for Gerald Kane to head home for 3-1 and soon after Thompson released Moffitt to make it 4-1.

Riada kept battling and Matty McDowell headed home a corner for 4-2 with 20 minutes remaining. But from the centre McLernon found Ryan Jamison and following his perseverance Thompson’s shot was parried out to Moffitt who completed his hat-trick.

Riada pushed four men up front and pulled two goals back through Nicholl and McVicker with 5 minutes remaining to set up a tense finish. However the 10 men of the Bush stood firm to collect three valuable points. Bushmills boss Stephen Kane said he was very proud of the commitment shown by his players.