Mixed fortunes for South teams on stormy weekend

With both sides struggling to make an impact in the awful conditions the game was some way short of a spectacle.

Instonians were making all of the early running and deservedly won a number of short corners, Chris Moulden in the South goal, was equal to efforts from Cooke and Holloway though.

As the weather improved so did the away side’s performance with Jack Redpath again impressive alongside Craig Campbell, who was making his return to the team.

At the beginning of the second half South had a renewed purpose and they were rewarded midway through when Paddy Cochrane hit a defence splitting pass through the middle of the pitch for Mark Acheson to deflect home from close range. South then went 2-0 up after a switch to Cochrane at a short corner who finished emphatically from the edge of the circle. At this stage South had Inst on the ropes and Darren Hutchinson scored the goal of the day when he dribbled round four defenders in the circle to finish high into the net from close range.

Neil Cooke pulled a goal back for the home team but it proved too little too late as South pulled themselves clear of the drop zone for the first time this season.

Thanks to George Redpath for travelling to umpire and to South Antrim’s Sponsors of the Month, Fred Dalzell and Partners.

Meanwhile, South Fourths travelled to Kilkeel Thirds in the cup this week. A cold, windy and wet day resulted in a 2-0 loss for the South men. They fought hard for the entire game and were probably the better team but missed several great chances in the second half to make an appearance on the scoresheet.

The Fourths continue their league fight next against Cookstown at Friends, all support welcome.