Darren Mullen makes a happy return to The Showgrounds as Newry City fight back from a goal down to defeat Newington

Fra McCaffrey, Adam Carroll and Donal Scullion hit the net as Newry City battled back from a goal down to defeat Newington 3-1 on Darren Mullen’s return to The Showgrounds.

City remain eleventh-placed in the Championship table despite the win, but the result is a badly-needed step in the right direction for Mullen’s team.

Newry were the better side in the first half but found themselves trailing 1-0 at the break.

Ryan McNickle had the first chance of the game when his left-footed effort from the edge of the box flew just inches over the bar. Moments later, Lorcan Forde had a free kick attempt saved by Newington ‘keeper Dean Smyth.

Forde then turned provider for his side’s next two chances. First, his wide free kick found Ryan McGivern, but the centre back headed over. Then, he rounded the goalkeeper and cut the ball back for Carroll, whose curled effort was headed for the far corner but was cleared off the line by Newington captain Paul Donnelly.

Forde had another chance when he was played through by Carroll, but his effort from a tight angle was saved. Steven Ball chanced his luck from outside the area moments later, but sent his shot over the bar.

On 39 minutes, Newington went ahead against the run of play when right back Joshua Diver cut inside on his left foot and superbly curled his shot past Conor Mitchell and into the net to give his side the half-time lead.

City started the second half quickly however, and just three minutes into the period they were back on level terms.

Forde had been a thorn in Newington’s side in the first half and he got his rewards when his cross looping cross from the left wing went over the head of Smyth. The ball was heading in anyway but McCaffrey followed it in to make sure by tapping the ball in on the goal-line.

McCaffrey and Forde were involved in Newry’s next attack with the former sending in a low cross for the latter, but Forde’s effort from just inside the box flew over.

Newington substitute Connall Curran had the next chance of the game, but his powerful shot was kept out by Mitchell.

At the other end, Newry took the lead on 63 minutes when Stephen Moan – in the unfamiliar position of left back, using his unfamiliar left foot – laid the ball on a plate for Carroll, who headed home emphatically from six yards out.

On 86 minutes, the hosts put the game to bed when they hit Newington on the counter attack. The move finished with a tremendous cross by McNickle, who picked Scullion out with the outside of his right boot and the defensive midfielder applied the finish on the half-volley from close range.

MATCH STATS

Newry City: Conor Mitchell, Ryan McGivern, Fra McCaffrey, Alex O’Brien, Adam Carroll, Lorcan Forde, Steven Ball, Stephen Moan (Adam Salley 87), Ryan McNickle, Donal Scullion, Jamie O’Flaherty.

Unused subs: Oisin McStay, Gavin Smith, Oisin Coleman, Dualta Honney, Evan McEnteggart, Lee Fallon.

Newington: Dean Smyth, Kevin Bradley, Paul Donnelly, Patrick Downey, Conall McGrandles, Robbie Morrow (Jack Reilly 72), Caolan McBride (Conall Curran 59), Gerard Storey, Jackson Reid (Seamus Duffy 84), Joshua Diver.

Unused subs: Rian Brown, Callum Parker, Shea Brennan.

Referee: Diarmuid Harrigan.