25/01/2026
๐ก๐ตMATCH RESULT ๐ก๐ต
Goodyear Reserves traveled to Dromara Village on a wet and blustery afternoon, putting in a gritty performance to secure a hard-fought victory.
The visitors started brightly, utilizing the wind at their backs to move the ball effectively along the deck. Despite an early setback when Nathan McComb was forced off with a quad injury, the momentum remained with Goodyear as Ronan Watkins was introduced to the fray.
The breakthrough came within the opening 10 minutes. Watkinsโ relentless pressing forced the Dromara goalkeeper into a rushed clearance, which fell perfectly for the in-form Mickey McCavigan. The striker showed great composure, taking a touch before calmly slotting home to make it 1โ0.
Goodyear continued to dictate play and were unlucky not to be awarded a penalty when Liam Russell was bundled over in the box. However, Russellโs persistence eventually paid off when he was brought down again moments later. McCavigan stepped up to the spot and coolly dispatched the penalty, recording his second of the game and reaching double figures for the season.
The second half proved to be a different challenge. Playing into a stiff headwind, Goodyear faced a rejuvenated Dromara side. The conditions made distribution difficult for goalkeeper Shea Loughran, but wing-backs Aidan Hanratty and Declan Mallon were exceptional, working tirelessly to provide an outlet. To maintain fresh legs, manager Jason Baylis introduced Marty Douglas for Liam Russell in a like-for-like change.
Dromara managed to pull a goal back when a sharp through ball caught the Goodyear backline out, resulting in a clinical finish to make it 2โ1. This set the stage for a tense final period, but the midfield trio of Adam McGeown, Dan Alison, and Sean Farren remained resolute, breaking up play and shielding the defense.
The decisive moment arrived when Sean Farren chased down a back pass to the Dromara keeper. The attempted clearance ricocheted off the charging Farren and into the net, restoring the two-goal cushion. Conor Lavery was later introduced for McGeown, helping to see out the 3โ1 victory.
It was a professional performance from the Reserves, who showed immense character to maintain their strong run of form.
Tommy French Sports Betting Man of the Match: Sean Farren. An outstanding display of work rate and pressing that epitomized the team's performance.
Big thanks to our match sponsor the Goodyear Community Fund
Next Up: Goodyear Reserves face Tullyvallen in league action next week.
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