Write a commentNewry 1's 2-1 QUB 1's
Newry hosted Queens University on Saturday which was another must win game to keep themselves even a slim chance of promotion. It did not start well with Newry down to the bare bones of a squad having a lot of injuries in the build up to the game. However even with reduced numbers it was Newry who took the lead after a bright start to the game. Robert Irwin popped up with a very rare goal to give the home side the lead. This just seemed to wake Queens up who then piled the pressure on Newry and forced an equaliser ten minutes later. Newry managed to hold out until half time and go in on level terms.
Newry regrouped at half time and changed their tactics slightly which paid off as they dominated much of the second half forcing a number of chances but they found the Queens keeper in top form. It wasn't until they were awarded a penalty stroke which John Taylor Coolly slotted home that they found the break through. The home side should have been further in front had they taken their chances but as it was the final few moments were nervy with only a goal lead to protect. Again they managed to hold on and ran out 2-1 winners. They now travel to league leaders Raphoe in a vitally important game next Saturday.
N. Dinsmore, N. Liggett, N. McKnight, N. Davenport, R. Nummy, J. Greer, C. McKnight, J. Taylor, D. England, R. Irwin, K. McCombe, S. Parks
Newry 2's 6-3 Mossley 3's
Super Seconds hit Mossley for Six
Newry Olympic Seconds took a massive step towards safety in their battle to stay in Junior 1 with a 6-3 victory in this “6 pointer” between 3rd bottom Newry and 2nd bottom Mossley 3rds. Like the Kilkeel match a fortnight ago the Belfast road men went into this one looking to make amends for a poor performance with a weakened squad in the early season reverse fixture.
This Newry team have been showing increased consistency and despite a much-changed line up the constants from recent weeks were on display once again; hard work, organisation, tight man to man marking, breaking in numbers and increasing confidence and flair in possession. With Liggett, Hogg, the Lawson brothers, K. McWilliams, Henry and Barlow among those unavailable Newry brought in experienced replacements with Taylor and Garvey stepped into the back line, Park into midfield and Elmore between the sticks.
Newry started strong and had plenty of possession early on, carving out plenty of chances but lacking the killer instinct in front of goal and finding the Mossley keeper in good form. Despite this strong start it was Mossley who opened the scoring with their dangerous and pacy right winger slotting home well from the top of the d to finish off a route one counter attack. Newry responded with a goal of their own – a tidy finish from McGrath after the ball rebounded off the keeper.
The second half saw a similar pattern of play with Mossley doing some tidy work but Newry looking the more dangerous. Once again however it was Mossley who scored next, the Newry defence left remonstrating with the umpire after what looked like a clear foul on Taylor going unpunished. Fired by a sense of injustice Newry pushed ever harder and were soon level again with a deflected strike from Johnny McWilliams after a tidy a dinked pass from Scott followed rapidly by another from McGuffin to make it 3-2 to the Newry men. Another two strikes from Johnny McWilliams completed his hattrick and made it 5-2 before Mossley pulled one back with a carbon copy of their disputed second goal. By now Newry looked comfortable and when Adams pulled back for McGuffin to round off the scoring and an excellent and vital win for the Newry men.
The lads would like to dedicate this win to Keith McWilliams and wish him a speedy recovery from his successful knee surgery during the week – it was fitting that brother Johnny stepped in and scored a hat-trick today after so many goals from Keith this season. Next week the lads will approach their visit to ‘Garvey 3rds with confidence and one more win should be enough to secure a place in Junior 1 for next season.
P. Elmore, R. Taylor, A. Henning, D. England, S. Garvey, B. Scott, S. Park, W. Adams, S. Blakely, J. McWilliams, A. Foster, M. McGrath, N. McGuffin, J. Greer, A. Baird
Newry Ladies 3-0 Instonians Ladies
On Saturday, 9th February, Newry Olympic Hockey Ladies 1st XI played Instonians1st XI Ladies at home. It was a well fought match with chances on both sides but Newry scored within the first ten minutes from a corner injected by Alison Gamble to centre forward Laverne Inns. Instonians sustained a lot of pressure in the first half from Newry however the Instonian keeper was able to save several Newry attempts on goal from direct hits, corners and even a well-deserved flick. At half-time Newry were in the lead one-nil.
At the beginning of the second half both teams came out strong with Newry being awarded a short corner in the first minute of the second half and on the rebound Kathryn Baird scored putting Newry in the lead two nil. The Instonians defence and keeper did some fine saves but Newry continued to keep the pressure on with continuous support from mids Judith Cochrane and Aimee Magowan to Laverne Inns who sealed the match scoring in the last five minutes. Final score Newry Olympic 3 Instonians 0
C Waddell, D L Inns, A Gamble, C Gamble, J Heatrick, T Mc Ilroy, K Baird, J Cochrane, A Blakely, N Shields, A Magowan, L Girvan, D Mc Minn.
