North downed at Friends as South make it six in a row

Traditionally, this has been a tight match up in recent years, but if truth be told, the 2-0 scoreline could, and probably should, have been even more advantageous.

Mark Hutchinson in the South goal was called into action early in the game as he made a routine short corner save, in what was North’s only real meaningful effort on goal in the match.

The South back four, and in particular Chris Redpath, gave onlookers a defensive master-class to enjoy as they competently mopped up any hint of an attack from the visitors.

South, as always, looked potent on the counter attack with the pace of Henry, Getty, Gamble and Watt all proving tough to deal with at various stages throughout the half. And it was Watt who broke the deadlock midway through the first half against his former club as he waltzed past a duo of North defenders before slotting past the visitors’ keeper.

As the game progressed, South became more and more dominant with schoolboy Adam Marshall expertly pulling the strings from the middle of the park. The hosts were unlucky not to be granted a penalty stroke after Patric Cochrane was upended by the last defender when through on goal.

Nevertheless, South doubled their lead from the resulting short corner as Chris Henry finished off a trademark routine.

The pattern of play in the second half very much followed that which had been seen in the first. Simon Watt came close to putting South 3-0 ahead, but he could only watch as his effort rocketed past the left hand post. Minutes later, Watt again came close. This time his cross-cum-shot just evaded fellow forward Paul Maguire at the back post.

With minutes to go, North won their third short corner of the game which was taken off the line by the post-man Chris Redpath. Appeals for a foot and penalty stroke from the visitors, fell on deaf ears.

As comprehensive a 2-0 victory as you will see, South can be extremely pleased with the performance and victory in front of their home supporters. That win maintains South’s position at the summit of Senior One having won their opening six league games.

The team travel to play Queen’s University Belfast on Saturday, hoping to make it seven wins on the spin.

South send thanks again to sponsor of the month, Woodland Financial Planning.