Backward step for CHS firsts

This was an important match for the Cookstown boys to continue with the good form that they showed last week against Bangor.
By The Newsroom
Published 17th Oct 2014, 17:17 BST
Jack Haycock under pressure from two Campbell College attackersJack Haycock under pressure from two Campbell College attackers
Jack Haycock under pressure from two Campbell College attackers

Unfortunately this didn’t happen and they slipped backwards showing a lack of communication which has been the crux of their poor performances this year.

The first ten minutes of the match was a tightly contested affair with both teams creating chances, but it was Campbell who struck first following a mix up in the Cookstown circle which saw poor decision making gift the visitors an early lead.

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Cookstown struggled to create many circle penetrations despite the hard running of Christopher Millar and Jonathan Wensely.

The pass count remained low and as a result the midfield of Michael Kerr, Callum Anderson and Ryan Donaldson struggled to get into any rhythm and couldn’t break the Campbell line on a regular enough basis.

The second half saw Campbell continue to out work their opponents and on a fast break found themselves with an overload situation in the circle giving GK Thomas Sterling no chance.

Cookstown responded well and a good solo run and reverse stick shot from Ryan Donaldson got Cookstown back into the competition and make the scoreline 2-1

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Cookstown showed glimpses of their potential but still failed to put together any coherent phases of play. Campbell forced their second short corner of the match which saw Cookstown break the line early and then stop, waiting for the umpires whistle to sound.

This didn’t come and Campbell made the most of the advantage and smashed the ball home to make it 3-1 with 10 minutes left to go. To give Cookstown credit, they pushed forward hard and forced a number of corners, one of which forcing a good initial save from the Campbell keeper and Cole Chambers was on hand to slot home the rebound.

At this stage Cookstown went to three at the back and played with four forwards in an attempt to force an equaliser but were caught on a counter attack and Campbell made the most of the overload situation to deflect high into the net to seal the victory and deflate the Cookstown team.

The boys know that they’ll have to train hard this week and get this match out of their system in an attempt to get back to playing at the level that they are undoubtedly capable of.

CHS 1XI: J. McCabe, T. Sterling, J. Haycock, D. Kerr, B. McConnell, J. Wensley, R. Donaldson, M. Kerr, C. Anderson, C. Millar, C. Chambers, S. McCabe, A .Carson, T. Montgomery