Foyle Men grow in character

Injuries allowed for only 10 Foyle players against an experienced and reputable Co Antrim side which has won all three previous outings during FHC's inaugural season last year.

From the start Foyle knew the pressure was on as to exert dominance by their hosts. Stick work and slick passing allowed the ball to penetrate the penalty area and stretch the defence.

Ten and fifteen minutes in, two scrappy goals resulted from deflections of defenders sticks and unsighted keeper, leaving no reaction time to save. Perhaps too much respect shown by Foyle and not getting the tackles in earlier.

Memories of previous crushing defeats must have entered the minds of a few at this point, however further attacks were effectively challenged and thwarted as Foyle ranks stepped forward their positioning and shape allowing the 2-0 unchanged at the halfway stage.

This clarity stayed with the Foyle men and realising how effective this defensive strategy was embarked on additional attacking plays down the right towards Daniel and Charlesworth up front who stood well against the host defence.

A penalty corner careered off the side of the post by Cleverly on 45 minutes and a sweeping attack on right saw a lay-off to Charlesworth to connect past the keeper to score on the 50th minute and cruelly was disallowed for a defensive foul. Ballymena were on the back foot now to hold their nerve and retain the score line against the 10 men from Foyle.

Any further pressure from hosts was efficiently suppressed into further Foyle attacks and much character resulted from digging deep and keeping a clean sheet in the second half. Final score line 2-0 and Foyle can truly give themselves a pat on the back for this strong performance.

Chairman Tim Daniel said: "Upset will be caused to teams in future expecting an easy match against us as we have shown now we can raise our game and adapt. Foyle have shown they are catching up faster now than ever with opponents and self belief is at its highest now within the team."

This week's game is against Saintfield at Melvin Park, Strabane at 1pm. All welcome to support the Northwest side for the first men's hockey encounter in Strabane from the section two league.

For more information visit www.foylehockeyclub.co.uk or text (0776) 449 9495.