Write a commentNorth Down 1’s 1-2 Newry 1’s
Newry travelled to Comber to face North Down on Saturday in their rearranged fixture. North Down started brightly with plenty of possession without creating many opportunities. Newry started to grow into the game and were beginning to hit on the counter with Josh Porter coming close but the keeper came out well to narrow his angle and save. Richard McGivern in the Newry goals made a few tidy saves from short corners as the sides went in at half time all square.
With only two minutes played in the second half Newry got their noses in front when Jeremy Greer found Peter McKnight at the edge of the circle who fired home a rocket into the top right hand corner. It was soon two, Colin Henning played a long ball into the channel for Keith McWilliams to latch on to, he drove to the circle and won a short corner. Colin Holmes stepped up and placed the ball into the exact same spot as McKnight only minutes earlier.
North Down were coming on strong and managed to get one back through a short corner with 10 minutes remaining, they then took of their keeper to give an extra outfield player in their attempt to push for the equaliser. Newry managed to hold on and come away with all 3 points.
Team: R. McGivern, C. Holmes, C. Henning, A. Baird, J. Greer, I. Steen, C. McKnight, K. Fletcher, K. McWilliams, P. McKnight, N. Davenport, M. Russell, J. Porter, C. Large, A. Shekleton
Newry 2’s 2-2 South Antrim 3’s
Newry entertained South Antrim on Saturday knowing only a victory would keep their promotion chances alive
Newry started strongly probing the South Antrim defence and causing them difficulties getting the ball out from the back with Newry’s forwards McCafferty, McCullough and Simon Moffett intercepting several balls and were able to mount attacks with strong runs from Blakley and Moffett backing them up in midfield Newry opened the scoring through Gareth Moffett who was quickest to react to a second phase penalty corner and slotted past the keeper
South grew into the game and equalised in the second quarter with a good finish from the middle of the circle after a lapse in concentration from the Newry defence. Both teams exchanged short corners but neither could find another goal as the half drew to an end.
It was south Antrim who took the lead when more slack defending lead to a penalty corner which was dispatched over keeper Richard Henning, again this spurred Newry on as they knew only a victory would keep their promotion chances alive and they were rewarded when Simon McCafferty equalised after being played in by Gareth Moffett.
In the final quarter both teams fired everything at it, with the game going from end to end. South Antrim probably had the better chances but Newry’s defence and keeper stood strong to make sure the scores stayed level it was a keenly fought and entertaining game and a draw was probably a fair result.
Thanks to Andy Marks for umpiring
Team: R. Henning, I. Lutton, N. Lutton, G. Moffett, S. Blakley, D. Barlow, S. MCCafferty (Capt), J. Lutton, D Andrews, S. Moffett, Michael McCullough, J. Gregg, J. Whiteside, S Graham
Newry Ladies 0-2 Instonians Ladies
On Friday 21 January Newry ladies played Instonian’s at home which they knew wasn’t going to be an easy one. Instonian’s won the toss and chose passback. Inst started strong and were quick to try and drive forward into the Newry circle but were intercepted by mid fielder Rachael Greer who worked well to clear the ball out of the Newry half. The pressure was constantly on by the Inst side but with great tackling and composure by the Newry defense, Inst were unable to score in the first half. Newry were delighted to remain nil nil by the second half and were determined to keep the momentum going into the second half. Unfortunalty, early into the second half Inst played the ball across the Newry goal where their left winger deflected the ball into the net.
Newry continued to fight back and played some great hockey creating a few opportunities but were unable to equalise. Inst soon won a penalty corner and went 2 nil up which was questioned by the Newry side as the ball hit an Inst foot on the way in. The goal was given, which put even more pressure on the Newry girls as with only one quarter to go they knew they would have to fight to the end to keep Inst from scoring anymore.
A proud team performance by the Newry ladies to end the match 2-0 down against such a strong side. Super play by keeper Katie McCullough who made some fantastic saves throughout the game.
Team: Elle Corkey, Laverne Inns, Katie McCullough, Chrissie McAuley, Jenna Belshaw, Rose Clarke Stephanie Smart, Rebecca Murdock, Emma-Jayne Moffett, Lisa Murdock, Jodie Freeman, Rachael Greer, Laverne Inns
