Border Cup second round
Drumaness Mills 3 Newcastle 1

GRAHAM McConnell’s first task must be to steady the ship at Drumaness now that he is back in charge.

McConnell was in charge for Mills’ final seven games last season after Donal Bell’s departure but was replaced by Gerard O’Donnell in the summer. But with the former Ballyvange man lasting only four games, McConnell has made a return.

And he has his first win in the bag after beating the Seasiders at Meadowvale, the Mills’ first victory in six starts.

Nyall Walsh was denied by a fine tackle inside the box by Newcastle’s Paul Mulholland and Gavin McEvoy saw his effort hit the top of the crossbar and rebounded to safety.

In the 53rd minute Damian Murray met a far post cross from Johnny Ewan but couldn’t make it count. However the opening goal arrived soon after, McIlmurray squaring for Walsh to tap home.

The Mills added a second three minutes later, Walsh finishing after a McEvoy pass.

Ciaran Brannigan went close for the Seasiders but keeper Gary O’Hare was equal to his effort. The Mills wrapped it up when Rogan found McIlmurray who scored the third.

Brannigan netted a consolation goal for Newcastle.

Mills: G O’Hare, G McMaster, J Ewan, A Kelly, M Rainey, G McEvoy, D Taggart, P Rogan, B McIlmurray, N Walsh, D Murray. Subs: K Rogan, S Melville, B McGivern.

Newcastle: P Baker, C McCormick, N Collins, P Mulholland, A King, E Murray, S Ladd, D Travers, C Gribben, C Brannigan, C Collins. Subs: G Scannell, C Jeans, K Murray.