Frustration for South Seconds whilst Thirds suffer a heavy away defeat

South Antrim 2nds 0

South suffered a frustrating reverse on Saturday at Havelock Park in a game that could have gone either way.

Banbridge started the game very brightly and put the Lisburn team under considerable pressure in the opening exchanges. Largely the away side were contained to their own half with only the odd break away through Alan Hamilton offering a threat. Despite the pressure South should be commended for some resilient defending and managed to frustrate their opponents until mid way through the half they fell behind after going to sleep to allow an unmarked forward to convert from close range. The goal seemed to spur South into action through and Jack Redpath, alongside Darren Hutchinson, provided the attacking impetus that they had so far been lacking. South should have drawn level on a couple of occasions but they were to go into the break a goal behind.

South, in fairness to them, kept at it and created several more chances in the second half but were to be frustrated by some good defending and better goalkeeping when the home side were under pressure. South continued to play much of the game in the Banbridge half but couldn’t create enough scoring opportunities to cause the home team many problems of note in the closing stages. Banbridge in contrast, always looked dangerous on the break and secured the points with a moment of magic at the top of the circle as a forward worked his way into the circle to shoot past Hutchinson in goal.

Thanks go to George Redpath for umpiring and to Souths Sponsor of the Month, Woodland Financial Planning.

Instonians 3rds 6

South Antrim 3rds 1

South Antrim 3rds travelled to Shaws Bridge on Saturday to play an Inst 3rds team that had a 100% record so far in the League. There was no joy for the South men as they suffered a heavy defeat against a very strong side. Despite the scoreline, South played some good hockey and probably can count themselves a bit unlucky to lose to the margin that they did.

South found themselves 2 goals down early on when Inst converted their first 2 penalty corners. A quick reply was required and Andy Brown gave the locals a foothold in the game with a great short corner strike. A turning point came early in the second half when Paddy Cochrane who was playing an influential game for South was denied a penalty corner and Inst scored on the counter attack.