Rodgers hat-trick helps Sandy Row to victory

Sandy Row produced a thrilling final 25 minutes to overcome FC Utd Lisburn 5-2 in this week’s South Antrim League Match of the Day in the Premier Division.
By The Newsroom
Published 24th Sep 2015, 19:29 BST
Action from the game between FC United and Sandy Row, at Barbour Playing Fields. US1538-515cd Picture: Cliff DonaldsonAction from the game between FC United and Sandy Row, at Barbour Playing Fields. US1538-515cd Picture: Cliff Donaldson
Action from the game between FC United and Sandy Row, at Barbour Playing Fields. US1538-515cd Picture: Cliff Donaldson

A penalty kick, converted by Dillon Rodgers gave Sandy Row an early lead, but FC hit back straight away with Scott McClements volleying home from 18 yards.

Sandy Row regained the lead when Terence Morrison shot on the turn from the edge of the box, but back came FC and Gareth Oldroyd slipped through the back four to again equalise.

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The opening 20 minutes of the second-half were keenly contested, but Sandy Row took control until the final whistle.

Action from the game between FC United and Sandy Row, at Barbour Playing Fields. US1538-513cd Picture: Cliff DonaldsonAction from the game between FC United and Sandy Row, at Barbour Playing Fields. US1538-513cd Picture: Cliff Donaldson
Action from the game between FC United and Sandy Row, at Barbour Playing Fields. US1538-513cd Picture: Cliff Donaldson

Rodgers was twice well positioned at the back post to tap in his hat-trick and a through ball found Stephen Hamilton and he beat the keeper to make it 5-2.

FC manager Paul Hines said they had a good first-half but pointed out they have lost several players this year, leaving them with many young, inexperienced players.

“We did fairly well for 20 minutes of the second-half, but several players ran out of steam, though I think Sandy Row will trouble many teams this season,” he added.

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Sandy Row’s Graham Irvine said they were pushed for around 65 minutes of the game but thought when they took a 3-2 lead the game swung their way.

Action from the game between FC United and Sandy Row, at Barbour Playing Fields. US1538-514cd Picture: Cliff DonaldsonAction from the game between FC United and Sandy Row, at Barbour Playing Fields. US1538-514cd Picture: Cliff Donaldson
Action from the game between FC United and Sandy Row, at Barbour Playing Fields. US1538-514cd Picture: Cliff Donaldson

“We have signed a few new players and will be looking for a better season this time, but we need to take scoring chances,” he said.

Next week’s Match of the Day will feature Ballymacash Rangers III v Bloomfield III in Division One at Barbour Playing Fields.

Related topics:Premier Division