Newry Hockey Notes 9th January 2017

Harlequins 1’s 2-2 Newry 1’s

Newry travelled to Belfast Harlequins on Friday evening in their first game back after the Christmas break.  Traditionally Newry sides have been slow to start after the break, but the Belfast Road men wanted to change this against a tough fit Harlequins side.  The first fixture ended in an enthralling 4-4 draw so the game had a lot to live up to.

Newry started with a defensive 442 formation which worked well as they looked to catch the home side on the break.  This plan worked as Newry went one up after ten minutes when David Andrews initial shot was saved with Keith McWilliams picking up the rebound to tap it in.  Newry held out as Harlequins had most of the possession, but were unable to penetrate a tough defence until just before the break when they equalised through a short corner.

The second half continued much the same as the first with Harlequins having a lot of possession but were unable to break through.  Newry then took the lead with a stunning goal which saw David Hogg flick the ball nearly the full length of the pitch before Keith McWilliams controlled it with his first touch and then with his second lobbed the advancing keeper.  

The game then lost rhythm as comical umpiring decisions for both sides took away from an otherwise tense and tactical game. With Newry somehow reduced to eight men Harlequins equalised through another short corner with five minutes to go.  Newry managed to hold out for the rest of the game and came away with a well-deserved point.

Team: J. Porter, C. Henning, D. Hogg, I. Toombs, N. Davenport, C. McKnight, N. McKnight, R, Irwin, D. Andrews, J. Greer, K. McWilliams, K. Fletcher, M. McCullough

Newry Ladies 0-1 Parkview Ladies

Newry ladies hosted Parkview ladies in their first match since the Christmas break. Newry started strong and created the most of the first half chances. Seven penalty corners were awarded in succession, but due to some great goalkeeping from Parkview, Newry failed to convert. 

Two minutes after the beginning of the  second half whistle, Parkview converted from a penalty corner.  

Newry ladies went on the attack with the vast majority of play in the Parkview circle.  Again they won three penalty corners in succession but due to a great save on the line from a Parkview defender they again couldn't break down the defence. Final score 1-0 to Parkview.

Team: Chrissie Mcauley, Gayle Davidson, Rachael Lockhart, Shannen Robinson, Laura Simpson, Avril Harpur (capt), Rebecca Murdock, Stephanie Smart, Suzanne Rollins, Kathryn Baird, Lynne Ervine and Aimee Magowan. 

Result

Kilkeel 3’s 1-1 Newry 2’s

Goalscorer – Richard McMinn