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Newry Seconds produced an excellent display to get the better of rivals Banbridge at Havelock Park on Saturday.
Despite going behind in the opening quarter, they dominated after that, scoring in the remaining three quarters of the tie to emerge deserving winners.
A sluggish start to the match saw the hosts grab the first goal of the game towards the end of the first quarter, with the Banbridge centre-froward reacting quickest to a loose ball in the circle to smash it home.
However, Newry gradually began to assert their authority on proceedings and levelled just before half-time when Alex Irwin converted from close range to make 1-1 at the break.
After that, it was all Newry and they took the lead for the first time in the match midway through the third quarter with a superbly-worked move finished off the David Andrews.
Josh Porter’s aerial across the pitch from the right hand-side found left-back Jonny Gregg in space. He slipped it to Andrews, who rifled past the Bann keeper from just inside the area.
The result was all but wrapped up early in the final quarter following a slick short corner routine.
Scott Blakely, Andrews and Porter were all involved, with the latter applying the finishing touch from eight yards out. That made it a deserved 3-1 scoreline for the visitors. And while Banbridge did pull one back from the penalty spot in the closing moments, Newry saw out the remaining time to pick up a win their display deserved.
This Saturday, the Seconds are on the road again, playing Mossley away from home.
Final score Banbridge 2 Newry Seconds 3
Team: Newry Seconds: Richie Henning, Eddie Graham, David Lawson, Jonny Gregg, Gareth McCullough, Josh Porter, David Andrews, Scott Blakely, Simon McCafferty, Corey Large, Alex Irwin, Alan McMinn, Jordan Whiteside, Joel Maxwell
Newry 1's hosted Kilkeel on Friday night in another tough game against a strong side. Kilkeel dominated possession for long periods but were struggling to break through a tough Newry defence. The homeside were offering little in attack as the visitors snuffed out and chances and were quickly bac on the attack.
Kilkeel got their first with a well worked passing move down their left for a simple tap in at the back post in the second quarter. They got their second just before half time to go in with a comfortable lead.
Newry tired to make more of a game of it in the second half but their short corners and chances did not amount to much. Kilkeel got their third of the game with a short corner of their own to put the match well and truly out of reach as they ran out 3-0 winners.
Final score Newry 1’s 0 - 3 Kilkeel 1’s
