Tandragee Rovers entertained league leaders Killymoon Rangers on Saturday and produced one of their best performances of the season to run out 5-2 winners. Both teams showed their intent from the kick off by playing attacking 3-4-3 formations but it was a first half of few chances with both teams cancelling each other out. Tandragee had a good 15 minute spell midway through the half and almost broke the deadlock but Darren Bruce couldn’t hit the target with his free header. Killymoon, who looked threatening from set pieces, got back into the game to end the half on top and Steven Vance had to be alert to push a goal bound shot past the post.

Second half Tandragee started the quicker of the two sides and had several chances before they finally opened the scoring, starting an amazing second half goal fest.  After a Killymoon attack broke down, a long ball out from Vance was latched onto by Bruce and after brushing off his marker he calmly beat the keeper from 12 yards. Within 12 minutes Tandragee had ran into a 4-0 lead. A cheeky back heel by Bruce on the edge of the box was hammered into the top corner by Ally Allen, then Gerard Kerr ripped through the Killymoon defence before squaring for Allen to tap in and Kyle Jennett made it 4 when his unstoppable 25 yard free kick flew into the top left hand corner of the net. But Killymoon never gave up and replied with 2 quick goals of their own in the space of 5 minutes. Killymoon had Tandragee on the back foot and missed a great chance to make it 4-3. This was a warning to Tandragee and they quickly tightened up before going close again when Allen’s shot clipped the post. As Killymoon pushed everything up field Tandragee found more space in attack and went close on several occasions before Darren Bruce made the game safe for the Rovers by adding his second of the game with another excellent finish from a Finty Kelly pass. Top class entertainment and an excellent match for the spectators but an important win for Tandragee.

Team: Steven Vance, Scott Greenaway, Kyle Jennett, Charlie McLaughlin, Gary Whiteside, Philip Pedlow, Lee Wells, Chris Sandford, Darren Bruce, Ally Allen, Gerard Kerr. Subs: Steven Mason, Mark Ruddy, Finty Kelly.

Tandragee Rovers had a frustrating afternoon as they beat AFC Craigavon 3-0. Playing against a strong wind in the first half Tandragee started at a fast pace and put the AFC defence under sustained periods of pressure. Tandragee’s first real chance came from a corner but David Dillon could only find the side netting with his header. Gareth Dobbs had the ball in the net after the AFC keeper diverted an Ally Allen shot into his path but the referee deemed he was in an offside position. Tandragee had captain Philly Pedlow to thank after he cleared a goal bound shot off the line after a rare AFC attack.  After 30 mins AFC were reduced to 10 men and the numerical advantage allowed Tandragee to through more bodies forward. Lee Well nearly opened the scoring but his 20 yard drive just went over the crossbar. Dermot Kelly had the ball in the net again for Tandragee but like before the goal was disallowed, this time for a hand ball. After a stern team talk by manager Tony Bell Tandragee came out for the second determined to convert their dominance into goals. With the wind now at their backs Tandragee again continued to control the game but were finding clear cut chances hard to come by as AFC defended deep. After the hour mark the Rovers did manage to break the deadlock when Gareth Dobbs was on hand to fire into the net after the AFC keeper again had made a good block from an Allen shot. Tandragee continued to shot at will but they failed to trouble the AFC keeper until Scott Greenaway picked the ball up just outside the box and his shot beat the keeper at his near post. Steven Mason then got number 3 for Tandragee when he found time and space on the edge of the box before firing into the top left hand corner.

Team: Steven Vance, Gareth Dobbs, Kyle Jennett, Charlie McLaughlin, Gary Whiteside, Philip Pedlow, Lee Wells, Chris Sandford, Dermot Kelly, David Dillon, Ally Allen. Subs: Scott Greenaway, Steven Mason, Finty Kelly.

Both teams went into the game having not played a few weeks due to the weather. Laurelvale started brightly with a slight wind at their backs and were pressuring the ball at every opportunity. Tandragee were finding it hard to get going on the soft pitch, which had held up well despite the recent weather. Despite playing well and causing Tandragee problems in the middle of the pitch, Laurelvale could not force a clear cut opportunity. However, after 25 minutes, a David Taylor free kick was fumbled by the Tandragee keeper and Peter Duke was alert to stab the ball home from six yards. Laurelvale were well on top at this stage although they did have keeper Andrew Topley to thank when he saved well down to his left to deny Tandragee a quick reply through Gerard Kerr. However, 5 minutes later, after a Laurelvale counter attack broke down, Tandragee broke themselves and Darren Bruce ran on to a through ball from Gareth Dobbs to finish well and make it 1-1. Bruce then could have put Tandragee into the lead but he failed to control a cross ball and Topley was able to gather the ball easily.

In the second half Tandragee came into the match more with Lee Wells and Chris Sandford becoming more dominant in midfield but Laurelvale still posed a threat on the break. With 20 minutes left, Tandragee were reduced to 10 men after an off the ball incident. This seemed to spur Tandragee on and they started to cause a few more problems for Topley, but he was up to the challenge pulling off 3 very good saves from shots just outside the area from Bruce, Dobbs and Ally Allen. Gareth Thornbury then had a good chance to make it 2-1 to Laurelvale after a break away but his shot was easily saved by the Tandragee keeper. At the final whistle Tandragee were disappointed not to have taken all 3 points based on the chances they had created.Tandragee Rovers would like to thank Dunlop and Hamilton, Portadown for their recent match sponsorship.

Team: Steven Vance, Steven Mason, Gareth Dobbs, Philip Pedlow, Gary Whiteside, Charlie McLaughlin, Lee Wells, Chris Sandford, Darren Bruce, Ally Allen, Gerard Kerr. Subs: Finty Kelly, Dermot Kelly, Kyle Jennett

Tandragee Rovers will be disappointed not to have come away from their trip to Fivemiletown with all 3 points after the home team played for most of the game with 10 men. Tandragee had the upperhand in the early stages on a very heavy pitch but Fivemiletown took the lead after 15 minutes against the run of play when they were awarded a penalty. Fivemiletown were reduced to 10 men 5 minutes later after a dangerous tackle on David Dillon. Tandragee took advantage of having the extra man and had Fivemiletown encamped in their own half for long period of the first half. They went close through Lee Wells and Darren Bruce before Finty Kelly was on hand at the back post to tap home Gareth Dobbs right wing cross. Tandragee came out for the second full of confidence that they could go on and win the game but they got of to the worse possible start when they gifted Fivemiletown with a soft goal. Being ahead with a man down Fivemiletown were happy to sit back and defend and hit Tandragee on the break. Tandragee found it hard to breakdown the Fivemiletown defence but they got a deserved equaliser when Kyle Jennett's shot from 30 yards flew into the top left hand corner. Tandragee felt they should have had a penalty when the ball appeared to strike the hand of a Fivemiletown defender but their appeals were waved away by the ref. Best for Tandragee was midfielder Chris Sandford. 

Team: Steven Vance, Gareth Dobbs, Kyle Jennett, Philly Pedlow, Gary Whiteside, David Dillon, Lee Wells, Chris Sandford, Darren Bruce, Gerard Kerr, Finty Kelly. Subs: Neil Rowntree, Mark Ruddy

Tandragee Rovers continued their impressive form with a comfortable 3-0 win over Bournview. Tandragee dominated the game for long periods and played some good football but poor finishing prevented them from increasing the score line. Tandragee had early chances to break the deadlock but Darren Bruce couldn’t get a touch on Gareth Dobbs cross and Gerard Kerr couldn’t direct a header on goal. Lee Wells and Chris Sandford were pulling the strings for Tandragee in midfield and these two players were heavily involved in the Rovers opening goal. Sandford picked the ball up inside his own half before bursting through the Bournview midfield, he found Wells who’s first time pass was flicked back by Darren Bruce to Sandford who slide the ball through to Steven Mason who smashed the ball into the roof of the net. Tandragee extended their lead through Bruce when he tapped home from close range after good work by Dobbs after a mix up in the Bournview defence.

Second half the tempo of the game dropped but Tandragee continued to dominate and they went close to a third goal when Finty Kellys diving header just clipped the cross bar and Sandford should have done better when put through on goal. Rovers did however get a third goal when Steven White was on hand to tap in Bruces cross with 25 minutes left. Rovers had further chances to stretch their lead but Dermot Kelly and Bruce but they failed to get their shots on target. Manager Tony Bell was pleased with his teams performance as they continue their climb up the table.

Team: Steven Vance, Steven Mason, Gareth Dobbs, Charlie McLaughlin, Philip Pedlow, David Dillon, Lee Wells, Chris Sandford, Darren Bruce, Gerard Kerr, Finty Kelly. Subs: Dermot Kelly, Steven White, Gary Whiteside.

Things started well as Laurelvale attacked immediately and forced a corner within 30 seconds, however, things went downhill from then on. Tandragee's biggest threat was their long throw and when Laurelvale failed to deal with one after 15 minutes they found themselves 1-0 down. After Steven Mason headed goalwards from the throw, his effort was saved but he was on hand to poke home. Laurelvale heads dropped and misplaced short passes along with long balls meant they did not get any rhythm going in their play. Tandragee were still posing a threat with pace up front and their long throws still causing problems. When all was set up for another long throw, Charlie McLoughlin ran from defence for a short throw and his first time cross eventually fell to Ally Allen who shot into the bottom corner of the net to make it 2-0. Inconsistent refereeing decisions seen Laurelvale lose concentration and vent their anger at the referee, but they made it to half time 2-0 down after keeper Andrew Topley made a good save to deny Tandragee a third goal.

The second half seen Laurelvale improve but never create anything going forward. Tandragee thought they had made it 3-0 when Chris Sandford shot home from a rebound but he was correctly given offside. Despite forcing corners and free kicks in wide positions Laurelvale never tested Steven Vance in the Tandragee net. Tandragee played out the second half, knowing that no mistakes would see them take the 3 points and they fully deserved their win.

Team: Steven Vance, Steven Mason, Gareth Dobbs, Charlie McLaughlin, Philip Pedlow, David Dillon, Gerard Kerr, Lee Wells, Chris Sandford, Darren Bruce, Ally Allen. Subs: Finty Kelly, Steven White, Kyle Jennett.

Tandragee Rovers produced their best performance of the season as they beat league leaders Dollingstown 4-1 at Madden Road. Tandragee started brightly and could have taken an early lead, first through Gareth Dobbs and then through Steven Mason. Dollingstown were finding it difficult to cope with the Rovers one touch football and it was no surprise when Tandragee did open the scoring through Dobbs, who fired the ball into the top right hand corner after controlling a cross from the right. Darren Bruce made it 2-0 ten minutes later after he turned in a David Dillon knock down from a corner. But Tandragee let Dollingstown back into the game when they conceded a penalty after giving the ball away. Dollingstown made no mistake from the spot and this give them some renewed confidence as they had Tandragee on the back foot for the remaining 10 minutes of the half.

Dollingstown started the second half where they left off applying pressuring as they went in search of the equaliser but they couldn’t breach the resolute Rovers backline. Midway through the second half manager Tony Bell introduced Gerard Kerr and Steven White and they made an immediate impact on the game as their pace caused Dollingstowns defence all sorts of problems. White got a debut goal when he was quickest to react after the keeper failed to hold a Bruce shot, picking the ball up before skipping round the keeper to fire home. White then turned provider for number four when he raced down the right wing before squaring the ball to the onrushing Lee Wells who made no mistake from 5 yards. Dollingstown continued to battle on but Tandragee where just too strong for them all over the park.

Team: Steven Vance, Steven Mason, Gareth Dobbs, Charlie McLaughlin, Philip Pedlow, David Dillon, Dermot Kelly, Lee Wells, Chris Sandford, Darren Bruce, Ally Allen. Subs: Gerard Kerr, Steven White, Gary Whiteside.

The opening stages of the match were evenly contested between both sides with plenty of hard but fair tackling. Hanover however took the lead after half an hour through Glenn Moffet despite Tandragee strong appeal for offside. Tandragee had a chance to draw level before half time through Gerard Kerr but his shot went over the bar. In the second half Tandragee came out the stronger of the two sides and had a goal disallowed for an alleged push on the goal line by Gareth Dobbs. Hanover replied with a few half chances with Moffet shooting straight at Stephen Vance the most notable. The Rovers had another goal disallowed, this time for a foul on goalkeeper David Crawford. In injury time, Rovers almost snatched the equaliser that they deserved but Darren Bruce failed to convert a cross from Barry Spence after good approach play from Finty Kelly, David Dillion and Philip Pedlow. Tandragee Rovers would like to thank electrical wholesaler Dunlop & Hamilton, Portadown, for sponsoring a match ball.

Team: Stephen Vance, Charlie McLaughlin, David Dillon, Philip Pedlow, Dermot Kelly, Chris Sandford, Lee Wells, Steven Mason, Gareth Dobbs, Darren Bruce, Gerard Kerr. Subs: Finty Kelly, Barry Spence, Ally Allen

Tandragee Rovers Reserves travelled to Cookstown to play Killymoon Rangers Reserves as they continued the defence of the O’Hara Cup. Tandragee got off to the worst possible start when the conceded an early penalty which was converted but they replied soon after when captain Gary Magee was on hand to fire home after Killymoon failed to clear a Rovers corner. Mark Taggert put the Rovers ahead before halftime when he met a cross from the left to volley into the bottom corner. Danny Cullen nearly made it 3-1 immediately after the goal but his lob just clipped the top of the crossbar. Second half Killymoon put Tandragee under more pressure as they searched for the equaliser but they failed to trouble John Michael McCann in the Rovers goal. Tandragee looked dangerous on the attack but where unable to extend their lead until stoppage time when the lively Taggert raced clear, rounded the onrushing keeper and rolled the ball into the empty net.

Team: John Michael McCann, Gary Magee, Neil Rowntree, Gary Whiteside, Jamie Rooney, Roy Anderson, Jordan Bell, Scott Greenaway, Danny Cullen, Mark Cunningham, Mark Taggert. Subs: Neil Wright, Jason Lavery, Stephen Cassidy.

Tandragee Rovers travelled to Dollingstown for their first match in 2008 and a combination of slack defending and poor finishing resulted a 3-0 defeat. Dollingstown started the match with more hunger and had the Rovers on the back foot from the off. They took the lead after 15 minutes when their forward knocked his Rover marker off the ball to easily to leave Steven Vance with no chance. Barry Spence then had the ball in the net for Tandragee but the referee disallowed the goal as he judged Chris Sandford to be in an offside position. Tandragee had a number of chances after this but were unable to hit the target. Dollingstown increased their need near the break when the Rovers defence failed to clear a ball into the box and a Dollingstown player found the corner of the net from the edge of the area. Tandragee came out after halftime determined to get back into the game and had Dollingstown under pressure for long periods. Tandragee did have chances after the Dollingstown keeper had spilled a couple of shots but both Darren Bruce and Charlie McLaughlin were unable to hit the target and Chris Loney forced a good save from the keeper. Dollingstown made it 3-0 when they hit Tandragee with a break away goal after a Rovers attack broke down.

Team: Steven Vance, Philly Pedlow, Gareth Dobbs, Charlie McLaughlin, Gary Whiteside, David Dillon, Barry Spence, Chris Sandford, Finty Kelly, Darren Bruce, Gerard Kerr. Subs: Chris Loney, Ally Allen, Lee Wells.

Tandragee Rovers Reserves played their first match in almost 5 weeks but you wouldn’t have known as they hit league leaders Ballymacash Rangers for 6. Ballymacash took the lead but doubles from Mark Cunningham, Steven White and Mark Taggert put the Rovers 6-1 in front before Ballymacash got a consolation before the end.

Team: John Michael McCann, Roy Anderson, Gary Magee, Jamie Rooney, Neil Rowntree, Mark Taggert, Scott Greenaway, Steven Mason, Jordan Bell, Steven White, Mark Cunningham. Subs: Danny Cullen, Stephen Cassidy, John Cullen.

Tandragee Rovers ended off the year in the best possible way by beating a strong and determined Fivemiletown United. Rover’s striker Gerard Kerr was a constant threat in the first half as the Fivemiletown defence found it difficult to cope with his pace and he went close twice in the opening 10 minutes while Darren Bruce failed to hit the target when he rose highest to meet a Philly Pedlow cross from the right. Bruce did however break the deadlock when he converted a Kerr cross after he had raced clear of the Fivemiletown defence. Five minutes later Kerr again crossed for Bruce to make it 2-0 after a good flowing move down the right involving Sandford, Loney and Pedlow. However after this goal Rovers took their foot off the pedal and allowed Fivemiletown back into the game and goalkeeper Steven Vance was called into action with a number of outstanding saves, one of which resulted in David Dillon clearing off the line after he had tipped a fierce drive onto the post. Fivemiletown did get a goal back just before halftime when they were awarded a penalty after a Rovers player was adjudged to have handled a goal bound shot.

Fivemiletown enjoyed long periods of sustained pressure in the second half as they searched for the equaliser but they rarely troubled Vance’s goal. Tandragee on the other hand were dangerous on the break and should have increased their lead with Bruce, Kerr and Ally Allen all shooting straight at the keeper when played through with only him to beat. Tandragee did however get a third goal near the end when Allen reacted quickest after the keeper had again saved from Bruce. Minutes later Chris Sandford should have made it four when he burst through the Fivemiletown defence but his shot was just the wrong the side of the post. Manager Tony Bell was pleased with the amount of chances his side created but disappointed with some of the finishing. The match also seen a goal scoring return for Ally Allen who has been out injured since 29^th September.

Team: Steven Vance, Philly Pedlow, Fintan Kelly, Charlie McLaughlin, Gary Whiteside, David Dillon, Barry Spence, Chris Sandford, Darren Bruce, Gerard Kerr, Chris Loney. Subs: Ally Allen, Gareth Dobbs, Steven Mason.

Tandragee Rovers didn’t have luck on their side as they crashed out of the Marshall Cup on Saturday 2-1 at home to Warrenpoint Town as they were denied twice by the wood work and then had a shout for a penalty waved away by the ref.

Warrenpoint settled into the game straight away and had Tandragee on the back foot early on with their quick pass and move game. The Rovers started to compete in midfield and were looking dangerous down the right with Gareth Dobbs and Darren Bruce. Warrenpoint went ahead midway through the first half when a cross wasn’t cleared and their forward was on hand to force the ball over the line. It didn’t take Tandragee long to get back on level terms when David Dillon reacted quickest to a corner and his header down was blasted into the roof of the net by Darren Bruce.

With the wind now at their backs for the second half Tandragee enjoyed most of the possession in the Warrenpoint half as they went in search of the winner. The Warrenpoint keeper was kept busy by the Rovers forwards as he saved at the feet of Gerard Kerr before getting his foot to a Darren Bruce shot to take it onto the post. Warrenpoint were a constant threat on the break and they took the lead with only 10 minutes remaining when a free kick wasn’t cleared and although Rovers keeper Stephen Vance did well to block the initial shot he was unable to prevent a Warrenpoint forward from stabbing home the rebound. Tandragee continued to pile the pressure on the Warrenpoint goal but they were again denied by the post before the referee somehow waved away a Rovers penalty appeal when the ball clearly struck a Warrenpoint defenders hand in the box.

Team: Stephen Vance, Gareth Dobbs, Dermot Kelly, Philip Pedlow, Gary Whiteside, David Dillon, Lee Wells, Fintan Kelly, Gerard Kerr, Darren Bruce, Barry Spence. Subs: Chris Sandford, Chris Loney, Charlie McLaughlin.

Tandragee took the lead after 10 mins when David Dillion rose above his marker to head in from a Mark Cunningham corner and shortly after Cunningham scored direct from a corner. Rovers third goal came after great work down the right by Gerard Kerr, who after beating 2 men, crossed for Cunningham to score. Kerr made it 4-0 when he chased down a pass before beating 2 defenders and taking it round the keeper to score into the empty net . Warrenpoint got 1 back with 20 mins left after bad marking at a corner but straight from the restart Mark Teggert increased Rovers lead again. Warrenpoint again scored from another corner, but Cunningham was on hand to complete his hatrick with 5 minutes left and round of a good performance by Tandragee. Best on the day for Tandragee were Gerard Kerr and Mark Cunningham.

Team: John Michael McCann, Gary Magee, Neil Wright, David Dillon, Neil Rowntree, Roy Anderson, Scott Greenaway, Jordan Bell, Finty Kelly, Mark Cunningham, Gerard Kerr. Subs: Danny Cullen, Paul McWilliams, Mark Taggert.

Tandragee Rovers Reserves were involved in a 10 goal thriller away to Lurgan Town. They found themselves 4-0 down at half time but Gary Magee started the second half fight back making it 4-1 before an own goal and Marty Nixon got the Rovers back to within 1 goal. Lurgan then scored again to make it 5-3 but late goals from Roy Anderson and then Mark Cunningham ensured that Tandragee went home with a well deserved point.

Team: John Cullen, Neil Wright, Charlie McLaughlin, Neil Rowntree, Stephen Cassidy, Gareth Dillon, Gary Magee, Scott Greenaway, Danny Cullen, Roy Anderson, Mark Cunningham. Subs: Marty Nixon, Paul McWilliams

Tandragee Rovers got back to league action on Saturday when they travelled to Lisburn to face Ballymacash Rangers. Despite the difficult weather conditions Tandragee settled in the game quicker and had the best of the early exchanges and were only denied the lead by the width of the post after Chris Sandford’s shot form 10 yards had their keeper well beaten. But Ballymacash are always a tough proposition at home and they soon got themselves back into the match. Rovers goalkeeper Steven Vance had to be at his best to push over a number of deceiving free kicks. Ballymacash were also causing a threat from corners and it was from a corner that they broke the deadlock, with a defender losing his marker to head unchallenged into the net. Manager Tony Bell made a change at half time bringing on Gerard Kerr and this move seemed to add an extra dimension to the Rovers attack. As Rovers chased for an equaliser the game began to open up much more and they were able to find space in behind the Ballymacash backline. Rovers created chance after chance but Steven Mason, Darren Bruce and Dermot Kelly were all guilty of missing the easiest of chances. Tandragee did get on level terms from a corner when captain Philly Pedlow was first to react in the box after a good save by the Ballymacash keeper. Tandragee could have won it at the end but Kerr was unable to direct his header past the keeper. Tandragee can be pleased with their second half performance but will rue their missed opportunities.

Team: Steven Vance, Gareth Dobbs, Dermot Kelly, Philly Pedlow, Gary Whiteside, David Dillon, Steven Mason, Chris Sandford, Darren Bruce, Chris Loney, Finty Kelly. Subs: Gerard Kerr, Barry Spence, Paul McWilliams

Tandragee went into their third cup match in three weeks without 5 first team regulars but were able to welcome injury victims Scott Greenaway and Gerard Kerr back into the squad for their Mid Ulster Cup tie against Bournview. Tandragee got off to a good start when they were awarded a penalty after 15 minutes when Steven Mason was judged to have been pulled down in the box while trying to get onto the end of Philly Pedlow’s long throw in. Lee Wells stepped up to blast the ball into the top left hand corner. Tandragee failed to build on this lead and found it difficult to get their passing game going. Bournview, with the wind at their backs, threatened from corners and free kicks aimed high into the box although they could find no way past Rovers captain Philly Pedlow at the heart of the Rovers defence. After a stern halftime team talk from manager Tony Bell Tandragee came out for the second half with much more determination to take the game to Bournview. The Rovers midfield of Kelly, Wells, Mason and Dobbs started to dominate possession and provide their forwards with a number of good chances. First Chris Loney missed a one on one with the keeper after he was played through by Dobbs, Darren Bruce fired over the bar from close range and Finty Kelly went close before Steven mason showed them how it was done when he was first to react in the 6 yard box after Bruce had flicked on another Pedlow long throw. Bournview tried to get back into the game and had a sustained period of pressure where they again threatened from free kicks deep into the Rovers box. They were given a glimmer of hope with 10 minutes to go when they managed to pull one goal back but Tandragee held firm at the back and Gareth Dobbs should have put the game out of reach but his shot shaved the post with only the goal keeper to beat. Tandragee manager Tony Bell was disappointed with his teams overall performance especially after they way they had played against Downpatrick and Cliftionville Olympic in the weeks previous but was pleased with the return of Greenaway and Kerr.

Team: Stephen Hatfield, Gareth Dobbs, Finty Kelly, Dermot Kelly, Gary Whiteside, Philip Pedlow, Steven Mason, Lee Wells, Darren Bruce, Barry Spence, Chris Loney. Subs: Scott Greenaway, Gerard Kerr, Danny Cullen.

Tandragee Rovers put in excellent performance against Cliftonville Olympic on Saturday in the WKD Intermediate Cup before losing 2-1. Tandragee settled into the game immediately and had the best of the early possession, with Chris Sandford controlling the midfield. However the Belfast side raised their game and started to put pressure on the Rovers backline with numerous attacks involving their wide players. One of these attacks lead to their opening goal when a cross from the left was miscontrolled on the edge of the box and a Cliftonville forward managed to spectacularly find the top corner after some neat footwork. It wasn’t long before Cliftonville increased their lead after another defensive laps, this time an unmarked Cliftonville player had a simple tap in at the back post after another cross was misjudged. Tandragee didn’t drop their heads and the front line of Bruce, Spence and Loney were causing problems for the Cliftonville defence. Tandragee started the second half determined to get back into the match and for long periods dominated the game but we unable to breach the strong Cliftonville defence. They did come close however when a David Dillon free kick was met at the back post by Barry Spence but his header was well saved. Dillon did give the Rovers some hope when he was on hand to tap in at the back post from a Spence corner with ten minutes to go but for all their pressure in the closing stages they couldn’t manage an equaliser and Cliftonville hung on to progress to the next round. It was a great performance overall by Tandragee who will rue those mistakes in the first half. 

Team: Steven Vance, Steven Mason, Finty Kelly, Philip Pedlow, Gary Whiteside, David Dillon, Gareth Dobbs, Chris Sandford, Barry Spence, Darren Bruce, Chris Loney. Subs: Dermot Kelly, Scott Greenaway, Gerard Kerr

Tandragee Rovers put up a brave fight against high flying Amateur League Premier Division side Downpatrick in round 2 of the JJB Sports Irish Cup before losing out controversially 2-1. Downpatrick entered the game unbeaten this season and their confidence was clear to see as they started the game positively, putting the Rovers under serious amounts of pressure with their quick passing and movement off the ball. Rovers keeper Steven Vance was reliable as usual, pulling off a number of crucial saves in the early stages. Once Tandragee got to grips with the pace of the game they started to look more composed all over the pitch and Darren Bruce was leading the line well against a strong Downpatrick defence. Rover took the lead after the half hour mark when Chris Sandford picked the ball up inside his own half, burst through the midfield before releasing Bruce on the right who’s first time cross was meet by Chris Loney who powerfully placed the ball in the bottom corner. But all Tandragee’s hard work was undone a minute before the break when slack defending allowed a Downpatrick to get a shot in from the edge of the box that left Vance in the Rovers goal with no chance. Tandragee came out for the second half with the confidence to go on and win the game and had Downpatrick under sustained pressure for long periods. The first incident of controversy came when Chris Loney picked the ball up outside the box and tried to chip a pass through to Darren Bruce, but as a Downpatrick defender closed him down he put his hands up to stop the ball hitting his face. As the Rovers players claimed for the penalty the referee somehow waved play on and Downpatrick broke away in numbers and made it 2-1. Rovers picked themselves up and went in search of an equaliser and in the final minute of the game David Dillon headed in after a goal mouth scramble only for the referee to blow his whistle for a dubious foul on the Downpatrick keeper. At the final whistle Tandragee manager Tony Bell was disappointed to narrowly lose out as he felt his team’s display deserved more but he was pleased that his side were a match for such a good all over the pitch.

Tandragee Rovers got back to league action for the first time in a month with the visit of Lurgan Town. Rovers started the game with plenty of enthusiasm and for the opening 15 minutes had Lurgan on the back foot. Chris Loney was just inches away from connecting with a Gareth Dobbs cross after good build up play through the Rovers midfield. Lurgan came into the game more with their lively forward causing the Rovers backline a few problems. Lurgan Towns goalkeeper was called into action mid way through the first half, first to block a Lee Wells effort from the edge of the box and then a follow up shot from Dobbs. Dobbs was causing the Lurgan defence all sorts of problems on his Rovers debut. Lurgan Town nearly went ahead when a corner was deflected towards the bottom corner only for Steven Vance to some how get down to push the ball past the post. Tandragee then had a series of corners from which the Lurgan keeper again pulled off another fine double save to deny Darren Bruce with two headers. After the break Tandragee again continued to pile on the pressure in search of the opening goal but they failed to breach the Lurgan Town backline. When Darern Bruce did manage to lose his marker and lob the advancing keeper to put the ball in the net he was blown up for offside. At the final whistle Lurgan Town will have been the happier of the two sides with the point as Tandragee will feel that they had enough chances to win the game.

Team: Steven Vance, Finty Kelly, Dermot Kelly, Kyle Jennett, Philip Pedlow, David Dillon, Lee Wells, Chris Sandford, Darren Bruce, Chris Loney, Gareth Dobbs. Subs: Steven Mason, Gary Whiteside, Barry Spence.

Tandragee Rovers travelled to Carrickfergus on Saturday to take on Amateur League Premier Division side Barn United in the first found of the JJB Sports Irish Cup. The match began at a frantic pace with Barn settling into the game the quicker of the two sides. Barn were causing problems for the Rovers from their set pieces and it was from a corner that they opened the scoring. As the ball arrived into the box it came off a Tandragee players back, fell into the path of an unmarked Barn player who made no mistake from close range. Tandragee didn’t drop their heads and fought their way back into the game and went close with efforts from Chris Loney and Chris Sandford before Darren Bruce tapped in from 5 yards after unselfish work by Finty Kelly. Tandragee started the second half with a good period of possession and it was during this spell that they moved ahead with two quick fire goals. Kyle Jennett’s free kick from all of 35 yards deceived the Barn keeper to put the Rovers 2-1 up then shortly after Finty Kelly was fowled in the box and Lee Wells extended their lead from the spot. This prompted a fight back from Barn and even though they were reduced to 10 men with 15 minutes to go they still managed to go close on a number of occasions, again mainly from set pieces, including a header from a corner that hit the post. But the Rovers held out to progress to the next round. 

Team: Steven Vance, Finty Kelly, Kyle Jennett, Philip Pedlow, Gary Whiteside, David Dillon, Lee Wells, Chris Sandford, Darren Bruce, Chris Loney, Gerard Kerr. Subs: Steven Mason, Dermot Kelly, Gareth Dobbs.

Tandragee started brightly and had an early chance when the ball was whipped in from the left and headed over the bar by Jason Laverty. The away team came more into the game as it went on and had a few long range efforts which were dealt well by the home keeper. Tandragee broke the deadlock from a corner with Gary Magee heading in at the back post. The second half was a case of missed chances by both teams, but 10 minutes from time slack defending let the away team back into the game to take it to extra time. With both teams tiring chances were at a minimum, with 5 minutes remaining a great ball was played in from the left and Neil Sinton hit a sweet volley into the bottom right hand corner to take the Rovers through.

Team: John Michael McCann,Paul McWilliams, Gary Magee, Neil Sinton, Neil Rowntree, Roy Anderson, Alan Huddleston, Graeme Bell, Thomas Dunn, Tai Blevins, Jason Laverty. Subs: Neil Wright, Dale Hobson, John Cullen

Tandragee Rovers progressed to the next round of the Irish Cup on Saturday with a 2-0 win over Belfast side Shorts at Madden Road. Tandragee should have taken the lead in the opening minutes when Ally Allen was played through but with only the keeper to beat he shot narrowly wide. This happened to be the only clear goal scoring opportunity of the half as both team were restricted to chances from corners and free kicks. Tandragee started the second half with more intent and after a tactical change by manager Tony Bell they began to control the game. Steven Mason blasted over the bar from 15 yards after the Shorts defence failed to clear a cross before Philly Pedlow set up the opening goal for Darren Bruce, his cross from the right was volleyed by Bruce into the roof of the net. This spurred Rovers on and they should have gone further ahead when Ally Allen headed in Kyle Jennetts left wing cross but he was harshly adjudged to have been offside. As Shorts pressed for an equaliser the game began to open up and Jordan Bell could have finished it off when he beat the offside trap but again with only the keeper to beat he shot narrowly wide. However it wasn’t long before the game was over as a contest when Lee Well’s cross field ball was controlled by Finty Kelly on the left wing and he lobbed the ball over the keeper from 20 yards. Overall it was a good performance by the Rovers, keeping their 4th clean sheet in 5 games but they will be disappointed not to have won by a greater margin.

Team: Steven Vance, Philip Pedlow, Kyle Jennett, David Dillon, Gary Whiteside, Dermot Kelly, Steven Mason, Lee Wells, Darren Bruce, Ally Allen, Gerard Kerr. Subs: Finty Kelly, Jordan Bell, Thomas Dunn.

Tandragee Rovers put in a disappointing performance as they progressed into the next round of the Bob Ratcliffe Cup against Intermediate B side Richhill. Although there was no lack of commitment and effort from the players there was a lack of quality as Rovers struggled to create chances in a game that they dominated from start to finish. Finty Kelly had a shot from 20 yards tipped onto the cross bar by the Richhill keeper and Steven Mason also went close when his shot just from distance just missed the target before Rovers were awarded a penalty when a Richhill defender handled in the box. In the second half Rovers should have increased their lead when Philip Pedlow blazed over from close range and Steven Mason again shot narrowly wide. Gerard Kerr made his Rovers debut from the bench with half an hour to go and although short of match fitness he looked lively and went close on a number of occasions. Rovers survived a scare near the end of the game when a shot was deflected onto the cross bar off a Tandragee defenders knee. 

Team: Steven Vance, Jordan Bell, Dermot Kelly, Philip Pedlow, Gary Whiteside, David Dillon, Lee Wells, Steven Mason, Chris Loney, Darren Bruce, Finty Kelly. Subs: Kyle Jennett, Thomas Dunn, Gerard Kerr.

Tandragee Rovers were left to rue their missed chances as they exited the Premier Cup on Saturday. Rovers hadn’t played a game in over 2 and half weeks and made the long journey to Fivemiletown United with 4 players out but you wouldn’t have known it as they dominated the first half, playing their best football of the season. Barry Spence had Rovers first clear cut chance of the half when he shot over from close range. Lee Wells then found Ally Allen in space but as he lifted his shot over the on rushing keeper the ball clipped the top of the bar and went over. Minutes later Tandragee hit the woodwork again as Steven Mason’s header from a Chris Loney free kick hit the foot of the post. And just before the break from another set piece Philip Pedlow’s header was somehow cleared of the line. Rovers began the second half as they finished the first with a lot of possession but as the half went on Fivemiletown came back into the game and they began to pile the pressure on the Rovers backline. The Rovers defence stood firm but when Fivemiletown did manage to get a shot in on goal goalkeeper Steven Vance reacted quickly to tip the ball round the post. With the scores level at full time the game went into extra time and there was some frantic defending with both teams going all out to win but in the end the tie was decided by penalty kicks, Fivemiletown winning 5-4.

Team: Steven Vance, Finty Kelly, Dermot Kelly, Chris Sandford, Gary Whiteside, Philip Pedlow, Steven Mason, Lee Wells, Chris Loney, Ally Allen, Barry Spence. Subs: Jordan Bell, Alan Huddleson, Thomas Dunn.

Tandragee Rovers got their Mid Ulster Intermediate A League campaign of to a winning start with a 2-0 win over Blackers Mill at Madden Road. Rovers got off to a flying start when Chris Loney received the ball out on the left wing, cut inside his marker and found last seasons leading goal scorer Darren Bruce in space in the box and he made no mistake from 10 yards to open his account for this season. The referee clocked the goal at 38 seconds. Tandragee were enjoying a lot of possession and felt that they should have had a penalty when Ally Allen was fouled in the box but the referee waved away the Rovers appeals. Rovers went close on a number of occasions but couldn’t extend their lead. Blackers Mill forced their way back into the game before the break and looked dangerous from a number of set pieces. 

Blackers Mill started the second half determined to get back on level terms and they went close when a free kick hit the post. Tandragee soaked up the Mill pressure and got themselves further ahead when Ally Allen was quickest to react to a Kyle Jennett cross from the left and found the bottom corner. Rovers then had another two appeals for a penalty turned down when first a Steven Mason shot seemed to be turned round the post by a Blackers Mill defenders hand and then Chris Loney was upended as he ran on to a pass but the covering defender was somehow adjudged to have got some of the ball. Blackers Mill finished strongly but the Rovers backline defended strongly and from an attack that broke down Darren Bruce was put through on goal but he shot straight at the goal keeper. Overall it was solid performance from the Rovers who were pleased to get 3 points on the board in their first game of the season. 

Team: Steven Vance, Scott Greenaway, David Dillon, Philip Pedlow, Gary Whiteside, Chris Sandford, Lee Wells, Jordan Bell, Darren Bruce, Chris Loney, Ally Allen. Subs: Kyle Jennett, Steven Mason, Barry Spence.