Newington vs New Santos
Having picked up their first point of the season (following Westrocks collapse, the 4-0 Santos win was scrubbed off) the previous week against Suffolk Swifts, Santos faced a Newington side that had beaten them 6-1 earlier in the season.
With only two changes from the previous week’s starting line up, Santos started well in the windy conditions at Ormeau and early on put the Newington defence under pressure with a series of corners and attacks, without failing to create any chances of note.
Newington responded in the second half and came close with a couple of half chances that went either side of JP Byrnes goal. The first half went back and forth with Santos perhaps having slightly more possession overall but the sides went into the half time break goalless.
Half-time: Newington 0-0 New Santos
With the wind now against them, Santos knew they would have to battle even harder in the second half in order to get something from the game. The opening minutes of the second half were a continuation of the first, with both sides defending well and keeping the opposition at bay.
With around 15 minutes remaining, Santos took the lead, as Simon Magee raced down the left and pulled the ball back for Paddy O’Reilly to convert into the Newington goal. With an important win within touching distance, it was backs to the wall time for Santos as Newington increased the pressure.
With the ball continually coming at the Santos defence, it held up well, despite losing Joe Magee with a back injury as Brian Caldwell filled in to try and see out the win. With Newington pushing for the equaliser, Santos broke with a counter attack that again saw Simon Magee released down the left and this team he decided to go himself and placed a lovely finish under the Newington keeper to complete the win for Santos and cue massive celebrations.
Newington kept the pressure on for the last five minutes, and could have pulled a goal back when their striker blazed over from 12 yards following a corner. The Santos defence held out however, and regained some ground on the other teams around the bottom of the table.
Full-time: Newington 0-2 New Santos
Team:
GK: JP Byrne
DL: Kevin Carson
DR: Paul McKillop
DC: David Dougan
DC: Joe Magee (Brian Caldwell)
ML: Stephen Copeland
MR: David Harrigan (Podraig Henry)
MC: Martin Magee
MC: Kieran Seaward
SC: Simon Magee (Eamon Moran)
Goals: Paddy O'Reilly (Simon Magee assist), Simon Magee (David Harrigan assist)
4 - Simon Magee
3 - David Dougan
3 - Kieran Seaward
2 - Martin Magee
1 - Stephen Copeland
1 - Joe Magee
1 - 'The back 5' (Westy fails to comprehend man of the match).
