Newry Olympic 2s 2-2 South Antrim 3s

Newry Olympic 2s entertained South Antrim 3s on Saturday, knowing only a victory would keep their promotion chances alive.

The home side started strongly, probing the South Antrim defence and causing them difficulties getting the ball out from the back. Newry’s forwards McCafferty, McCullough and Simon Moffett intercepted several balls and were able to mount attacks with strong runs from Blakley and Moffett backing them up from midfield. Newry opened the scoring through Gareth Moffett who was quickest to react to a second phase penalty corner and slotted past the keeper 

South grew into the game and equalised in the second quarter with a good finish from the middle of the circle after a lapse in concentration from the Newry defence. Both teams exchanged short corners, but neither could find another goal as the half drew to an end.

It was South Antrim who took the lead when more slack defending lead to a penalty corner which was dispatched over keeper Richard Henning.  This set back spurred the Olympic side on as they knew only a victory would keep their promotion chances alive and they were rewarded when Simon McCafferty equalised after being played in by Gareth Moffett.

In the final quarter both teams fired everything at it, with the game going from end to end. South Antrim probably had the better chances but Newry’s defence and keeper stood strong to make sure the scores stayed level.

It was a keenly fought and entertaining game and a draw was probably a fair result.

Thanks to Andy Marks for umpiring.

Newry Olympic 2s

R. Henning, I. Lutton, N. Lutton, G. Moffett, S. Blakley, D. Barlow, S. MCCafferty (Capt), J. Lutton, D Andrews, S. Moffett, Michael McCullough, J. Gregg, J. Whiteside, S Graham