Newry Hockey Notes 31st October 2016

Portdown 1’s 3-2 Newry 1’s 

Newry travelled to Portadown hoping to build on their first win of the season against North Down in their previous match.  This was going to be difficult as they took to the pitch with a greatly depleted team with players playing out of position to fill gaps.

Portadown flew out of the traps adn took an early lead when they attacked down their left and crossed with the Portadown scorer totally free in the circle to easily slot home.  They continued to cause Newry problems at the back with their movement, however as the half moved on the visitors began to grow into the game.  Newry got back on equal terms when David Andrews was on hand to slot home from a short corner after the initial shot had been blocked.  Newry continued to press and were unlucky not to go in at half time in the lead.

In the second half Newry were forced back as the home side started to apply more pressure, however a mistake at the back and quick thinking from Colin McKnight allowed him to nip in and steal the ball back before cleverly rounding the keeper and firing the ball home.  Their lead was short lived however as Portadown came straight back into the game when they scored from a penalty stroke to level the scores.  

Portadown were now starting to dominate as they rolled subs on and off with Newry beginning to tire. The home side took the lead when a short corner was deflected in at the back post with 10 minutes left.  Newry tried to push forward in search of the equaliser but Portadown were looking the fresher of the two sides and were able to hold on for a 3-2 victory.

Team: J. Porter, C. Henning, N. Liggett, D. England, I. Toombs, N. McKnight, R. Irwin, C. McKnight, A. Baird, A. Megaw, D. Andrews, J.Greer, D. Barlow.

Donaghadee Ladies 4-1 Newry Ladies

Newry ladies travelled to Bangor for their match on Saturday against Donaghadee. 

Newry started out well and although they conceded 2 penalty corners in the first few minutes they managed to keep Donaghadee at bay.

However at 15 minutes in and against the run of play the home team managed to score their first goal. The second came at around 20 and the third just before the half time whistle.

Team captain Kathryn Baird managed to rally the troops at half time and Newry went on the attack. This paid off when Shannen Robinson caught the Donaghadee goalkeeper off guard and scored Newry's first.

Donaghadee had another goal disallowed but then managed to get number 4 in the last few minutes.

However the score did not reflect the match with both teams being very equally matched.  Final score 4--1 to Donaghadee. 

Team: Kathryn Baird capt, Shannen Robinson, Nicola Shields, Stephanie Smart, Rachael Lockhart, Colette Lambe, Victoria Lewis, Suzanne Rollins, Gilly Roney, Lynn Anderson, Lynne Ervine, Jessica Rowland, Laura Girvan.

Result

Banbridge 3’s 3-0 Newry 2’s