Annagh United's League Cup run ended in a 4-3 home defeat to Limavady United in the Round of 32 on Tuesday. The hosts fought back from an early deficit but were ultimately undone by a late double from Limavady's J. Butcher.
X. Sproule scored Annagh's goal just a minute after L. Tosh had put the visitors ahead in the 30th minute. O. Duffy restored Limavady's lead three minutes later, and Butcher's first goal nine minutes into the second half gave them a two-goal cushion. Annagh pushed hard in the final quarter, but Butcher's second goal six minutes from time sealed their fate.
Championship focus remains
The cup exit does not affect Annagh's commanding position in the league. They remain top of the Northern Ireland Championship with 25 points from 12 games, holding a one-point lead over Glenavon FC. Their record of seven wins, four draws and one loss this season has been built on a potent attack that has scored 28 goals and a defence that has conceded 15, giving them a goal difference of plus thirteen. Their recent form of two wins, two draws and one loss in the last five matches shows a side that has been difficult to beat, a sequence that includes a 3-1 win at Armagh City on Saturday 17 October and a 1-1 draw with Glenavon FC on Saturday 10 October.
Their next task is a return to Championship action this Saturday at home against Queen's University. The visitors are fourth in the table, making it a key fixture at the top end of the standings. Annagh will look to bounce back immediately and maintain their slender advantage at the summit.
Glenavon FC manager Michael O'Connor has emphasised the importance of maintaining momentum. "We want to create winning habits," O'Connor told the club's media channel. His side sit one point behind leaders Annagh United in the Championship. Annagh, who have 25 points from 12 games, host Queen's University on Saturday.
