Declan Loye was the hero for Cleary Celtic on Monday when his second-half goal won the Mid-Ulster Shield for the Carnbane League Premier Division leaders.
At Armagh City’s well-filled Holm Park, the Newry men had to come from behind to claim the prestigious trophy against Division One side Portadown BBOB who lost a player to a red card early in the game.
Despite that setback, the Killicomaine-based club took the lead through Josh Mathers after only 19 minutes when he shot home an angled drive from inside the box.
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Parity was restored however before the break when Mark Cleary directed a powerful close range header into the top corner.
On the restart, and despite being a man down, Portadown BBOB played their part in an end-to-end game which was finally settled in the 81st minute when Declan Loye rose the highest to head home his team’s second in the 81st minute to claim the trophy, which was presented to them by sponsor Alan Donaldson of Euro Electrics along with Mid-Ulster Football Association chairman Maurice Johnston.
Hero Loye won the Man of the Match award, fittingly presented to him by the daughter of the former MUFA Secretary, the late Billy McVicker who was also one time chairman of Newry Town.
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