Newry Hockey Notes 28 January 2019

South Antrim 1’s 1-2 Newry 1’s

Newry travelled to Lisburn to face South Antrim in their first league game of the New Year after the league split and managed to come away with the spoils after a hard fought victory.

Newry were sluggish to start as South Antrim came out on the front foot and went one up with 10 minutes gone firing a low reverse stick shot in at the front post. This woke the visitors up and they started to get some joy going forward without really causing the South keeper many problems until they won a short corner with 25 minutes gone. Ryan Simms initial drag flick was saved by the keeper, however, Matty Russell was on hand to knock in the rebound.  The home side went very close to going back in front from a short corner but Jeremy Greer was on the line to deflect the ball over the bar.

Newry started the second half well in the second half and within two minutes had taken the lead after a slick passing move down the left hand side, which resulted in Colin McKnight, sliding the ball home from close range.

It was soon 3-1 to Newry when Kyle McCombe found the back of the net and the goal being given but after some deliberation the umpires reversed the decision due to an infringement in the build-up to the goal. South Antrim were firing all they could at Newry but the defence held strong and McGivern in nets saving well from a short corner to keep them in front. The match ended 2-1 to Newry.

Team: Mcgivern, C. Henning, R. Simms, J. Greer, A. Baird, R. Irwin, J. Taylor, C. McKnight, N. McKnight, M. Russell, K. McCombe, K. Fletcher, P. Gonzalez

Instonians Ladies 3-0 Newry Ladies

Newry travelled to Shaws Bridge on Friday evening to face Instonians with a depleted squad due to injuries. The home side took advantage of this with some great passing to go two up early on. Newry did fight back forcing a number of short corners but were unable to find the net.

As the game wore on Newry began to fatigue with just the bare 11 players, Instonians were able to swap and keep fresh legs on the pitch. Their third came again through a fine passing move leaving Newry chasing without success. Instonians ran out 3-0 winners.

Team: Lambe, L. Simpson, C. Ferris, V. Lewis, L. Ervine, G. Davidson, R. Greer, K. Baird, S. Rollins, L. Inns, S. Smart