Jamie McGonigle's loan move from Coleraine FC is paying immediate dividends for Limavady United, with the striker scoring the winner against Cliftonville to go joint-top of the Irish Premiership scoring charts. The 30-year-old found the net in the 20th minute to secure a 1-0 victory for his temporary club this week.
That decisive finish took McGonigle's league tally to five goals for the season. It puts him level with his Coleraine teammate Matthew Shevlin, who also has five, at the summit of the division's scoring list. Shevlin was on target in Coleraine's last outing, a 3-1 defeat to Linfield, but the league leaders remain in a strong position overall.
Goal elevates McGonigle to summit of scoring charts
McGonigle's goal was a classic poacher's effort, a moment Limavady manager Paul Owens was quick to praise. "It was a brilliant finish, and there is no one else you would want that to fall to," Owens said. The manager added he was "absolutely delighted to get three points" from a tight contest. The result continues a remarkable turnaround for the newly-promoted side, who lost their first four games back in the top flight.
Limavady United's rise under Paul Owens
Limavady have now won three of their last four matches, a run that has lifted them to ninth in the table where they sit level on points with Ballymena United. Their improved form provides a fascinating subplot to McGonigle's success. Coleraine, who beat Limavady 1-0 just last month, will be encouraged by their player's sharpness and contribution.
Back at The Showgrounds, Oran Kearney's side remain focused on their own campaign. Coleraine FC sit first in the Premiership with 22 points from nine games, claiming a record of seven wins, one draw and one loss. Their recent form shows four wins from their last five outings. They face a trip to face Bangor, who are 11th, in their next fixture on 4 October. Fans can check the full schedule on the club's fixtures page and see how the table shapes up in the standings.
McGonigle's performance against Cliftonville was his second winning goal in as many games for Limavady, having also netted the decisive strike in a 2-1 victory over Dungannon Swifts the previous week. The striker's form is a significant boost for a Limavady side that has tightened its defence during this positive run, keeping two clean sheets in their last four outings. The win over Cliftonville, a traditionally strong Premiership side, is seen as a statement result for Owens' team as they continue to adapt to life in the top division.
This story first appeared at bbc.com
