FOOTBALL: McEVOY MAGIC

TEENAGE debutant Barry McEvoy was the toast of Newry last night as his penalty save in the second-half earned his team a draw in Roy McCreadie's first match in charge.

McEvoy - who was draughted in when regular No.1 Stuart Addis was involved in an accident at work - was left stranded on crosses as Derek Donohoe headed both Crusaders' goals on his home debut.

However, when Brian Russell stepped up to the spot, after Stephen McBride had been felled by Colin Keenan, McEvoy showed no nerves though diving low to his right to save and earn his team a point.

Connor Larkin and John Joe Maguire netted the Newry goals either side of Donohoe's brace, but it was McEvoy's save that made McCreadie thankful at the end.

McCreadie said: "What a save from the penalty and what a debut for the goalkeeper. Maybe he could be looked at for the first goal but I won't be making a big deal of it because I knew he isn't that experienced and he's maybe lacking a few inches in height.

"Some people may say we were fortunate but I don't agree - we worked hard and we may have cleared two off the line but that's what defenders are there to do."

Crues manager Alan Dornan said: "I am pleased with the performance, we have limited resources and the young players are our future and the experience from this season will do them a lot of good in the future."

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