Write a commentWeston HC 1’s 0-3 Newry 1’s
Newry travelled to Dublin to play Weston in their rearranged Irish Hockey Trophy game.
Right from the start Newry pressed high up the pitch forcing the home side into long hopeful balls which were easily intercepted by the Newry defence and midfield. Weston were being pinned back but Newry could not force any real saves from the keeper. As the pressure built Weston were starting to put in a few rash challenges having two men sin binned in the first half.
Neil McKnight took a gamble after intercepting a pass and drove forward with the ball beating 2 defenders before laying the ball back into the circle for Mathew Russell to finish. Newry forced a number of other good chances from short corners but the keeper reacted well and made saves from David England and Mathew Russell.
In the second half Weston came out stronger looking to get back on level terms, however Newry weathered the early storm before starting to create a few opportunities themselves. Keith Mcwilliams was unlucky not to score when he broke forward however his shot slipped past the wrong side of the post. Weston again pushed forward forcing a few short corners but were unable to convert. Newry broke on the counter attack, when Colin McKnight picked out Kris Fletcher high up the pitch Fletcher fires in a wicked cross for Russell to pick up and slide under the keeper. Newry were picking their way through the Weston defence and creating opportunities and with 5 minutes remaining they got their third through a short corner when David England played the ball into the back post for Jeremy Greer to deflect in and confirm the win for Newry.
Team: Beck, D. England, D. Hogg, A. Baird, J. Greer, N. McKnight, R. Irwin, C. Henning, K. Fletcher, C. McKnight, M. Russell, N. Davenport, K. McWilliams, J. Porter
