Ardoyne WMC vs New Santos
With what promised to be New Santos' toughest match of the season so far, the players set about the 1st half with the grit and determination we've come to expect from them . A strong wind seemed to give them a slight advantage over their opponents , but Ardoyne were keen to apply pressure of their own in the early stages of the game, pushing forward at every opportunity and immediately set about testing Keeper JP Byrne, who produced a number of fine saves. Santos' 1st chance came from a cross delivered at pace by Conor Chambers which unfortunately flashed past Dave Harrigan before he could react to it.
Santos kept up the pressure supported by the midfield with some decent efforts from Martin 'Dingus' Mc Gee . New Santos almost took the lead again a few minutes later when Paul Barr rose to head from a corner, but his effort was stopped by a great defensive clearance on the line. David Harrigan then missed a glorious chance when a David Dougan free kick rebounded to him in the box, but he was unable to steer his shot on target.
Striker Simon Magee was relentless throughout and came agonisingly close to pulling one back with a surging run to the right, beating 2 Ardoyne defenders and was unlucky to see his shot carried inches over the cross bar by the prevailing wind , having beaten the keeper!
Ardoyne's opener came late into the 1st half when New Santos conceeded a corner, Ardoyne piled men into the box and they were rewarded by some slack defending from New
Santos which allowed Ardoyne's forward to bury the ball in the back of the net.
Santos appeared to be slightly unsettled by Ardoyne's goal, but Midfielder Kieran Seaward, playing off the back 4, as usual lead by example winning the ball & displaying
his dominance in the middle of the Park and providing much needed urgency.
Half Time: Ardoyne 1- 0 New Santos
The 2nd half saw conditions worsen with New Santos playing into a strong wind . They almost equalised early on though, when a clever free kisk released Dougan, who's cross was deflected onto the post. Ardoyne were quick to capitalise on this let off and surged forward throughout the 2nd half causing problems for New Santos' back 4, although a brave display from the injured Gareth McKinstry and newly restored David Dougan, along with some decisive calls from Keeper JP Byrne foiled a number of Ardoyne attacks.
Ardoyne , who were by now applying ther majority of pressure, whipped a cross in from the left, their forwards scrambling in the box, keeper JP Byrne was quick to make a fisted clearance, only to be lobbed skilfully by the opportunistic Ardoyne forward.
Ardoyne , who were by now applying ther majority of pressure, whipped a cross in from the left, their forwards scrambling in the box, keeper JP Byrne was quick to make a fisted clearance, only to be lobbed skilfully by the opportunistic Ardoyne forward.
Shortly after Gareth Mc Kinstry appeared to be in some pain signalled to the touch line that he was no longer fit to continue, Roanan Doherty made a return to defence replacing the injured player. New Santos adopting a 4-4-2 formation pushing Paul Barr upfront to provide some much needed attacking pressure. It was Ardoyne who scored again though, Doherty just unable to keep a good effort out.
Late into the 2nd half a 3-0 down Santos appeared to be tiring and when the ball went out for a throw in, JP Byrne siezed the opportunity to offer his thoughts to the back 4 on some
defensive errors which had taken place. Unfortunately Ardoyne gained another advantage from the keepers lapsed attention and scored a 4th from what appeared to be a crossed ball , which found its way into the net.
With 10 Mins to go, Simon Magee having given what can only be described as an excellent performance up front was substituted for Jamesy Martin who's appearance was delayed due to a clerical error.
Late into the 2nd half a 3-0 down Santos appeared to be tiring and when the ball went out for a throw in, JP Byrne siezed the opportunity to offer his thoughts to the back 4 on some
defensive errors which had taken place. Unfortunately Ardoyne gained another advantage from the keepers lapsed attention and scored a 4th from what appeared to be a crossed ball , which found its way into the net.
With 10 Mins to go, Simon Magee having given what can only be described as an excellent performance up front was substituted for Jamesy Martin who's appearance was delayed due to a clerical error.
With time running out Santos pushed forward and late sub Jamesy Martin was unlucky in scuffing a good chance in the box, it was clear that this was not going to be Santo's day.
With a 4-0 defeat imminent, the ball went out for a corner and Mid Fielder Kieran Seaward whipped a cross into the box in a last gasp attempt to pull one back, the ball was parried away by Ardoyne's defence and the final whistle was blown seconds after.
With hindsight the 4-0 result was not a true reflection of the game and Santos couldn't help but feel they should've taken more from it having failed to convert many chances in the 1st & 2nd half which should've brought them back into contention. However, all Credit to Ardoyne who in taking 3 points, played some great football and proved to all why they are currently top of the league.
Full Time Score: Ardoyne 4-0 New Santos
Santos M.o.t.M: Kieran Seaward
Santos Starting XI:
GK - JP Byrne
CB - Gareth Mc Kinstry ( Ronan Doherty )
CB - Gareth Mc Kinstry ( Ronan Doherty )
CB - David Dougan
RB - Chris Monan
LB - Kev Carson
CM - Kieran Seaward
CM - Dave Harrigan
CM - Paul Barr
LM - Martin 'Dingus' Magee
RM - Connor Chambers
LM - Martin 'Dingus' Magee
RM - Connor Chambers
ST - Simon Magee ( Jamesy Martin )
