NICS 2-3 Newry Olympic Mens 1s

Newry Olympic Mens 1s travelled to Stormont to face league leaders Civil Service on Saturday 25th January in their first game since the Christmas break.

With such a long period between matches it was understandable that Newry would be sluggish and have to get rid of the cobwebs, but going one down in the first three minutes was a real wake up call.

In the second quarter the visitors started to gain more confidence and played their way back into the game creating a few chances of their own, including a drag flick from David England which was brilliantly saved by the Service keeper. The home goalkeeper also kept out England's next attempt, but Ryan Simms was quickest to react and fired home the Newry equaliser from the rebound.

In the second half Newry again were creating chances with Jeremy Greer putting one narrowly wide of the upright just after the break. At the back the Olympic were looking solid and Richard Henning was on hand to clean up anything that got through. However he could do nothing for the Service second goal which was rocketing into the top corner from a drag flick.

The visitors kept fighting and after winning a series of short corners they were then awarded a penalty stroke which Jeremy Greer slotted home to bring the teams level again with ten minutes to go. When a draw looked likely Newry again forced a short corner with David England expertly finding the back of the net.

Civil Service pushed for the equaliser but could not break through the resolute defence as Newry came away deserved 3-2 winners.

Newry Olympic Mens 1s

R. Henning (GK), D. England, C. Henning, R. Simms, G. Moffett, A. Baird, J. Greer, J. Porter (Capt), R. McGivern, J. McAuley, C. Large, S. McCafferty