Write a commentNewry 3 Raphoe 2
Newry Men’s firsts kick started their 2018/19 league campaign with a hard fought 2-3 win away vs Raphoe on Saturday.
Having had good pre-season under their belt Newry knew they needed to start well with a victory but it was never going to be easy having to travel to Raphoe, Donegal, in their opening fixture with a depleted squad and reshuffled pack. In came Richard McGivern at left back with Andrew Baird moving into the centre and John Taylor rejoining Newry from Annadale, started in centre midfield. It didn’t take Taylor long to mark his comeback with a goal when he riffled home a drag flick from Newry’s first short corner of the game with ten minutes gone, and only three minutes later after good work from Keith McWilliams and Matthew Russell won another short he made it two firing home another drag flick to the opposite corner.
Newry were now happy to sit back and try to hit on the counter and were within inches of doing so when Jeremy Greer picked out Colin McKnight who had out paced his marker and turned to find Kris Fletcher in the circle, Fletchers first time shot was pushed round the post by the Raphoe keeper, a magnificent save to deny Fletcher.
As half time neared Raphoe pilled on the pressure forcing a number of short corners with Greer clearing off the line at the back post and Lindsay Beck in goals making two great saves.
Raphoe flew out of the traps in the second period, pushing hard to get back into the game, Newry however looked dangerous on the counter attack and it was counter attack which lead to their third with Kyle McCombe being found at the back post, his initial shot was saved but he kept his cool and slotted home the rebound between the keeper and two defenders on the line.
This should have been game over but the Donegal men never gave in and pulled on back with 17 minutes remaining from a short corner after Beck had saved their first attempt but was unable to keep out the rebound. Newry still kept hitting on the counter as their defence held firm, however with legs starting to go Raphoe got their second with seven minutes left, a smart deflected finish from a long ball through the middle.
The Belfast Road men managed to hold out and came away with all three points, a great start to the new season.
Newry host league champions Kilkeel at home next Saturday at 2.30pm. Come along and support the men’s firsts.
