Moyola Park 0 PSNI 1

Football returned to Mill Meadow with the opening game of the 15/16 league season. Moyola Park played host to last years Championship 1 side PSNI.

Both sides were keen to get off to a good start and it was the PSNI who started brighter without creating any real chances. The first moment of concern for Moyola was in the 12min, a long ball over top forced Farniok to charge off his line and clear on the edge of his box with a header. The game was bogged down in midfield and the games first clear cut chance fell to Moyola in the 36min. A ball from the left found Dowie 6 yards out and his shot was saved by the visiting keeper, and his follow up striking the upright. Five minutes later Gray found space in the middle of the park to pick up the ball and drive towards the PSNI goal, with his shot saved. Moyola finished the half stronger and had another chance on the stroke of half time when McIlhatton danced through the PSNI defence but his finished went over the bar when well placed.

The second half followed the same suit as the first half, the PSNI neat in possession but Moyola looking the more likely to score. The 63rd minute brought another good chance for Moyola. A counter attack found Dowie who held the ball up and squared for Gray who was bearing down on goal, but a last ditch block from the defender brought an end to the chance. Gray again had another chance in the 74 minute when his strike from the edge of the box brought a save from the PSNI keeper. A rare chance for the PSNI on the 78th minute but the strike was well collected by Farniok. 12 minutes later the ball fell to a PSNI player 20 yards out and his strike took a slight deflection, enough to take it into the corner of Farnioks goal.

Final score 0-1

Moyola: Farniok, McAllister, Harris, McQuillan, Kelly, Black, Maguire, Gray, Dowie, McIlhatton, Magill Subs: Gallagher, Taggart, Waddell, Bradley, McNamee

Ref: T Clarke
Assistant Ref: N Gallagher
C McDonald