AMATEUR LEAGUE: Weekend review

Action from Whitehead Eagles' 4-1 victory over Grange Rangers in the Northern Amateur League. INCT 39-026-PSB

Nortel moved up two Premier Division places after a 3-2 success at Crumlin United in the top-versus-bottom clash. Lee McCartney’s men did the damage in the opening 25 minutes, racing ahead through goals from Adam Richmond, Elliott McKimm and William Bingham.

For the second week in a row, though, Nortel were indebted to a crucial penalty save from Kris Malone early in the second half, though Crumlin did eventually end up within touching distance with two long-range strikes.

It was a weekend to forget for Davy Rollo’s Islandmagee who were thumped 8-1 at home to league leaders Downpatrick.

Hovering just one off the bottom in Division 1A are Barn United who lost 2-1 at Orangefield OB.

The Cregagh Sports Club is never the easiest ground to play at, but on a sunny Saturday Barn boss Jim Pherson conceded: “It was as good as it’s going to be, only you don’t really get time to play much football up there. It’s always going to be end-to-end.

“It’s our own fault. We should never have lost. Very disappointing, not the same application, attitude or quality there has been over the past few weeks.”

Matt Doyle gave Barn a 65th-minute advantage after Rob Armstrong’s 30-yarder hit the post, but back came the Old Boys five minutes later, following a mix-up at a corner.

Barn were soon reduced to 10 men; Matt Bingham seeing red after being awarded the free-kick and it was the home side who exploited the numbers game 10 minutes from time.

It was 10-a-side, though, for the final two minutes after a home defender was shown a second yellow.

Larne Tech ended their three-game drought in Division 1A with a 3-0 victory at home to Dromara Village courtesy of two from Reece McGinley (one a penalty) and one from Niall McAllister.

Wellington Rec got back to winning ways in 1B with a 2-1 success at Donard Hospital. Andy Phillips and Andy Waide got their goals. Rec stay second, behind leaders Ballynahinch Olympic who were 6-2 winners over an understrength Rathfern Rangers, whose marksmen were Gary Orr and David Moore.

Newington Rangers claimed their second league win of the season with a 3-2 success at Dromore Amateurs, while Whitehead Eagles were 4-1 winners at home to Grange Rangers in Division 2C.