Mixed results for South Seconds and Thirds

Mark Campbell scored a hat-trick as South Seconds won their first game of the New Year against Bangor Thirds at Friends’ School on Saturday.

South began the game well but struggled to break down a resolute Bangor defence. Bangor took the lead through an own goal. South equalised with Campbell’s first goal after he showed great strength to retain the ball before finishing from close range.

South took the lead through Campbell’s second immediately after the break. Campbell grabbed his third at a short corner variation. Bangor pulled a goal back though through a cross from the right to set up a tight finish but despite some late pressure the scores stayed the same.Thanks to George Redpath and Eric Cunningham for umpiring.

South Antrim Thirds’ first match after the Christmas break proved to be a disappointing outing for a team in desperate need of league points to help them avoid relegation from Junior league 2 this season. South found it difficult against fellow strugglers Banbridge Fourths, losing 3-2.

This encounter followed a similar pattern to the earlier match this season, which Bann won 2-1. It was the visitors who took the lead early on with a great finish from Joe McKnight.

South gradually played themselves back into the contest and created a few openings and eventually Craig Campbell converted. However, right on the half-time whistle, South found themselves a goal down again.

Willie Redpath converted a short corner to bring the scores level. Parity was short lived however as the South defence allowed Joe McKnight to add to his first effort with another good finish from the edge of the circle.

Thanks go to Willie Redpath jnr for umpiring and Sponsors of the Month, Fred Dalzell and Partners.