New Santos v St Malachys OB
The opening spell of the game was a tight affair with both sides promising but delivering little. The first major talking point of the game was a penalty appeal that St Malachys had been denied after a fierce strike struck Richard Scullions' upper body, but the appeal was dismissed. Although a friendly, there were plenty of tackles been thrown in by both sides as Santos got a taste of the physicality that they might expect in the Premier Division. Around half an hour into the game, St Malachys took the lead, capatilising on indecision in the Santos backline earning themselves what was perhaps a narrowly deserved lead. Santos responded well to going a goal down, with wingers Martin Magee and David getting into some good positions, with Magee missing the best chance heading over after being left unmarked in the area from a corner kick. Santos kept going and got an equaliser with around 5 minutes left in the half, as David Dougans ball from deep found Martin Magee who played a lovely ball into Martin McAlister, as the substitute finished expertly. The first half came to an end with sides on level terms.
Half-time: New Santos 1 - 1 St Malachys OB
The competitiveness from the first half continued on into the second as both sides went in search of the winner. Paddy O'Reillys movement was causing problems for the St Malachys and the striker found himself on the end of a through ball, but his shot was tame and the keeper collected comfortably. Santos also won a couple of free-kicks which were crossed into the penalty area but dealt with by the St Malachys defence which was having an altogether solid game. In keeping with the previous friendlies, the whole team exlucindg keeper JP Byrne was replaced throughout the game as as many players as possible were given the chance to impress before the start of the season. The changes in defence unsettled the team slightly and the St Malachys attack took advantage as their striker was left unmarked and rounded JP Byrne to earn St Malachys the win.
Full-time New Santos 1-2 St Malachys
Starting 11 JP Byrne, Chris Monan, Joe Magee, Richard Scullion, Eamon Moran, David Dougan, Martin Magee, Darran Holland, David, Tommy Kempston, Paddy O'Reilly
Substitutes introduced throughout: Martin Cunningham, Pol Douglas, Paul McKee, Peter Curran, Martin McAlister, Sean Carson, Paul, Gary Strain, James Martin, Padraig Henry
Man of the Match: David Dougan
Goalscorer(s): Tommy Kempston,Paddy O'Reilly
