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St Matthews 3 - 1 New
Santos
12/04/07 - Mallusk
New Santos Scorers - Simon Magee
Star Player -
Johnny Magill
GK: JP Byrne
DL: Brian Canavan
( Kevin
Carson)
DR: Michael Mason
DC: Gareth McKinstrey
DC: Hugh Dougal
ML: Martin Magee
MR: John Martin ( David
Dougan)
MC: Kieran Seaward ( Pól
Douglas)
MC: Johnny Magill
SC: Anthony McGreevy
SC: Simon Magee
With the end of the season approaching,
Santos were faced with the unusual challenge of playing on a Thursday
night in order to make up for a postponed match earlier in the
season. Santos came into the match knowing that the folding of
Rushlight Celtic in the Premier Division meant that there was an extra
spot for promotion, and that if they were able to win all 3 of their
remaining matches, there was a possibility of going up.
The first half was a dull affair with
neither side looking willing to take a firm grasp on the game resulting in
very few attempts on either goal. It was a fiery affair however with
tackles flying in from both sides as both sides scrapped for the
game. The first half ended goal less and Santos manager Ronan
Dochertys' half time team talk was to encourage the side to attack and
create more chances.
Both sides came out attacking in the second half, but keeper JP Byrne
denied any St Matthews attempts on goal. Santos' new found attacking
mentality opened the St Matthews defence and they were unlucky to take the
lead when Martin Magees strike on goal was cleared of the goal line by the
last St Matthews defender. Santos had another chance to take the
lead soon after when Simon Magee was left with a one on one with the on
rushing goal keeper but the keeper did well and foiled Magees efforts, but
the ball broke kindly to Anthony McGreevy who was left with an open goal
from 35 yards but the striker stumbled on the ball and allowed a defender
to get back in and clear the danger. Santos were maid to pay for
their missed opportunites as St Matthews broke down the left wing and a
flick on allowed their striker a clear run on goal which he finished
clinically. Santos were up against it with 10 minutes remaining when
substitute Kevin Carsons' clumsy challenge resulted in a penalty for St
Matthews which they duly converted. Santos crumbled after the second
went in and went further behind when an error from JP Bryne gifted St
Matthews a third. In an attempt to salvage some pride from the game,
Santos attacked and substitutes David Dougan and Pol Douglas combined well
although Douglas' curling shot from 25 yards creeped inches wide.
They did notch a consolation late on, when Simon Magee latched onto a
through ball and curled the ball Henry-esqué around the St Matthews
keeper.
It was a poor performance from Santos and any slim hopes of promotion
disappeared with the side now having to concentrate avoiding relegation in
the tight league table. |