A bright and breezy day and a perfect pitch greeted the teams for the opening day of the new season. Player availability at the start of the season is often a problem for Queen's and Phil Prenter and Stuart Harper were missing as was Brenden McAleese who has returned home to America. New faces were goalkeeper Gerard Duff plus Paddy Donnelly from Banbridge Town and Tony Tumelty from Distillery Seconds.
It was a scrappy opening period with no chances made until Queen's, out of the blue, took the lead on 13 mins through Paul McDonald whose right foot volley from 20 yards flew past Celtic keeper Kieran McKerr. Queen's were on top for the rest of the half and went close when James Lavery's far post header was saved by McKerr.
Just 5 mins after the break a good run and pass by McDonald set up a good chance for Tumelty and he slotted the ball between keeper McKerr's legs. It was Tumelty again soon after, this time a magnificent pass by Paddy Donnelly setting up an easy finish from 10 yards. Lurgan Celtic's job became more difficult a few minutes later when Paul Smith who was being substituted was sent of for comments made to referee Davey. It was a dream debut for Tumelty as he fired home a great drive from outside the box to complete his hattrick. Queen's were rampant now and late sub Connor Mulholland scored three in 13 mins. His first was from the penalty spot, followed by a toe poke in off the post before a neat finish from David Magee's low left wing cross completed an easy win for Queen's.
This was a very promising start to the season for Queen's though much more difficult games lie ahead. Many Lurgan Celtic regular's were missing on this occasion and no doubt the return fixture will be a much greater test. Next fixtures are Killyleagh YC (away) on Sat 14th August ko 2:30 in the Steel Cup followed by Knockbreda Parish (away) ko 7pm on Mon 16th Aug
Teams: -
Queen's:
G. Duff, R. Budden, D. Tumilty, P. Smyth, M. McManus, G. Higgins, D. Magee, P. Donnelly, P. McDonald, T. Tumelty, J. Lavery
Subs: , K. Briggs, P. Kennedy, C. Mulholland, E. Black, M.Allison
Lurgan Celtic: