Belfast Utd vs New Santos II
A makeshift New Santos II's opened their season against Belfast Utd at Mallusk.
New Santos had the best of the early exchanges, Paddy O'Reilly firing over in the box from a Pol Douglas knock down, and Douglas heading over the bar from a corner.
Belfast Utd scored from their first meaningful attack, though, when their striker headed in umarked at the back post from a corner.
A few minutes later the score was 1 - 1 as the ref awarded a penalty for a foul on Douglas in the box. John Martin stepped up and although the keeper saved well, he was able to tuck away the rebound.
Despit having most of the play, Utd weren't able to breach Santo's back 5 until, a few minutes before the half, a penalty was awarded for a Martin Cunningham handball. The Penalty was well dispatched to make it 2 - 1.
Half-time: Belfast Utd 2-1 New Santos II
The 2nd half saw Utd dominate the play again, but Joe Lynas performed well in the Santos goal. Santos made several good chances themselves though, most notably a Gareth Downey effort which was cleared off the line with around 15 minutes left.
A few minutes later it was 3 - 1. Michael West
slid to get his foot to a cross and unuckily diverted it into his own net.
Santos went to 3 at the back to chase for something in the last 10 minutes and were ulucky not to score when, from a long throw, Paddy O'Reilly volleyed straight at the keeper from around 5 yards.
Befast Utd broke and New Santos were caught short at the back. The Utd player finishing well despite Santos' calls for offside.
Fine line between 2 and 4 sometimes and this will have been a good lesson for the Santos players in their first competitive game.
The last goal may well have been offside, but it's the same offside goal every team will concede at least 3 times this season, just too quick for the ref to spot, no hint or suggestion of cheating or favouritism.
It was the only questionable decision Belfast Utd's ref made, and considering this was after about 88 minutes, in a game where he gave 2 penalties, his performance should be commended.
Full-time: Belfast Utd 4-1 New Santos II
New Santos Team:
GK: Joe Lynas
RB: Martin Cunningham
CB: Eamonn Caldwell
CB: Gareth McKinstry
LB: Emmanuel Robinson ( James Martin )
RM: Paddy O'Reilly
CM: John Martin
CM: Sparky ( Michael West )
LM: Sean Moran ( Gary Ashwood )
ST: Pol Douglas ( James Carson )
ST: Gareth Downey
Santos Goal : John Martin - ( Pol Douglas assist )
MOTM: Gareth McKinstry
