Raphoe complete double with Ulster Intermediate title

Raphoe Mens firsts travelled to Foyle College to face Portrush, knowing a point would gain them promotion back to the Premier League - but took the honours with a fine away win.

Portrush 0-3 Raphoe

Jonny Long, Matthew Lecky and an own goal sealed the victory for Richard Tinney's side and promotion and the Royal & Prior based club added to the success in the Linden Cup final, where they defeated CIYMS 4-3 in a thrilling decider in March.

Portrush started the game faster as Raphoe struggled to control possession. Raphoe were lucky to go in following the first quarter on level terms, with some fine keeping from David Moore in goal and his defence keeping out the hosts’ attack.

Raphoe started the second quarter with good intensity, and when Lecky won the ball high in the Portrush half, his defence-splitting pass found Jake McKnight, who got away from his defender. McKnight found Long with a great pass, and Long hit the bottom left corner of the Port net with a first-time shot for the opening goal.

Raphoe pushed for another but found it hard to get through the Port defence. It wasn't until late in the quarter when Lecky again had a driving run down the right, finding himself rounding the Port keeper to fire in a reverse stick shot into the net.

Raphoe kept the press on starting the third quarter, and Long and Lecky combined for the third and final goal. A great ball from Lee Stewart found Long in space with time to turn. Lecky made another dangerous run from the right was picked out by Long and Lecky’s misplaced shot went across the goalmouth and fortunately for Raphoe turned into the goal by the Port goalkeeper.

Raphoe saw out the fourth quarter by keeping possession to ensure the clean sheet.
Raphoe gained promotion the first time of asking and without a loss to date, with one game of the season left Raphoe aim to end their league campaign undefeated.

Raphoe: D Moore, M Lecky, S Goudie, W Wauchope, A Meehan, S McKnight, L Stewart, I Blackburn, I McGonigle, J Long, M Peoples, J McKnight, O Lapsley, S Cleverly.