The Blackstone switched their focus from Sammy Moore cup dreams to concentrate on league matters once again as they ran out 2-0 winners against Cloughmills at Wakehurst to continue their promotion drive.

The Rovers enjoyed the perfect start to the game as Mick McClean’s right wing cross was fumbled by the Cloughmills keeper and the on-rushing Rab Fleck poked home the loose ball.  This goal served to settle any pre-match nerves for the Blackstone but this was proving to be a hard-fought contest, with Cloughmills matching the Blackstone in the midfield aerial battle.  Cloughmills were being restricted to long range efforts by the Rovers’ backline while at the other end Peter Scullion was looking particularly dangerous.  Scullion was getting the better of his man and blazed a couple of efforts over the bar after going on trademark rampaging runs.  He then turned provider as another run led him to the by-line where he squared the ball to Rab Fleck but the midfield maestro could not add another goal as his effort sailed over the bar.  Cloughmills did cause a couple of moments of panic amongst the Rovers’ defence, in particular towards the end of the half, when Mike Stevenson and Brian Bogle had to scramble to deal with a long through ball. Between them they just managed to get the ball cleared to safety, ensuring that the Rovers held the advantage at the break.

The second half saw a tactical switch, with McClean shifting to the right of midfield and Dave Latimer moving up front.  Again Scullion looked like being the most potent attacking weapon for the Rovers and he was causing the replacement right back all sorts of problems with his pace and trickery.  Another run down the left once again picked out Rab Fleck and his powerful shot was well saved by the legs of the Cloughmills keeper, but McClean ensured the Rovers doubled their lead by applying a clinical finish.  The tie never appeared in doubt after this and the Blackstone began to dominate as Cloughmills rested a number of players for their semi final second leg.  The Rovers could afford no such luxury but thankfully they did not suffer any further injury worries as they began to cruise towards victory.  Ciaran McKinley almost added a third but headed just over from a free kick and Dave Latimer went even closer but his cheeky backheel drifted just wide of the far post.  Peter Scullion looked destined not to score as he cut through another couple of times but could not find the target and Chris Blayney also saw chances go a begging.

The second goal of the game ensured a comfortable enough route to victory for the Rovers after a difficult first half and ensures that they keep pace with fellow promotion chasers.