Five-star Crumlin on form

OUT OF action for the past 15 weeks, Ger Shortt made a welcome return for Crumlin United by grabbing a hat-trick in their 5-2 win over Tolka Rovers in the Senior Division in Armagh Road on Sunday morning.

Unbeaten in their last five outings, Crumlin showed plenty of character as they came from a goal down twice in the match to secure maximum points.

It was the visitors who grabbed an early goal in this contest against the run of play before Paul Fox slotted home to get his side onto level terms.

Both sides were creating chances and it was Tolka again who took the lead when they scored a fine effort from a free kick.

Again, Crumlin hit back, this time the lively Paul Fox was taken down in the box and up stepped Ger Shortt to score the first of his three goals.

The hosts regrouped for the second half and took the lead for the first time 10 minutes in when an Eoin McDermott free kick was met by Aidan Friel who guided home.

Crumlin grew in confidence after this score, and they soon extended their lead when a long kick out by keeper Cian Clarke was not defended by Tolka and Shortt was quickest to react and score from a tight angle.

The game was wrapped up in stoppage time when a breakaway goal from Shortt completed the rout for Crumlin and a fine performance by the lethal striker.

“We were delighted to come away too with the victory,” Crumlin United manager James Lee told The Echo.

“We are rebuilding the team and have good quality players and to get a result like this is very important.

“We have a number of players coming back from injury which is a boost, and we are just staying positive with every game played,” added James.

Crumlin have only lost one out of their last nine matches and are in good form at the moment.