New Santos v Finaghy YM

In the third pre-season friendly, Santos were up against Amateur League Division 2c side Finaghy Young Men at Hydebank pitches. With the season now only two weeks away, it was time for Santos to approach the level of fitness and football that will be required when the league begins.

The opening spell of the match was an equal affair, with both sides playing some nice football within the first 15 minutes although neither side had the cutting edge required to take the lead. Santos came close to taking the lead when a neat one-two between David Dougan and Paddy McLean set Dougan down the left but his right footed shot was saved by the fingertips of Finaghys giant goalkeeper. Finaghy looked dangerous on the counter and threatening down the wings, and took the lead towards the end of the first half with a cross from the right being converted by an on-rushing attacker. Despite the deficit, it was an encouraging first half for Santos, with definite signs of improvment since the beginning of pre-season.

Half-time: New Santos 0 - 1 Finaghy YM

The second half began in a similar fashion to the first, both sides threatening and some good football being played. Santos got a deserved equaliser aournd 10 minutes into the second half, when David Dougan slid the ball through to Tommy Kempston who finished calmy when 1-on-1 with the goal keeper. Buoyed by the goal, Santos' confidence grew only to be shattered again soon after the restart when Finaghy retook the lead following a blunder in the Santos defence. With substitutes constantly being introduced, Santos' rythym faded slightly as they seemed to adopt a more direct approach. They did however, equalise when substitute Peter Currans' left-footed corner was met by a thumping header from Paddy O'Reilly.
With the game seemingly settled at two-apiece, Finaghy snatched at late winner with a decisive move which again split the Santos defence and their striker was left with an empty goal to grab the lead. The game ended with Finaghy narrowly getting the better of a Santos side which is still gelling although there were plenty of positives to be taken from the game, including a commanding performance at the back from Richard Scullion and two well taken goals.

Full-time New Santos 2-3 Finaghy YM

Starting 11 JP Byrne, Chris Monan, Joe Magee, Richard Scullion, Eamon Moran, David Dougan, Martin Magee, Paul Burns, Paddy McLean, Tommy Kempston, Paddy O'Reilly
Substitutes introduced throughout: Martin Cunningham, Pol Douglas, Paul McKee, Peter Curran, Martin McAlister, Sean Carson, Kevin Carson, Gary Strain

Man of the Match: David Dougan
Goalscorer(s): Tommy Kempston,Paddy O'Reilly