Saintfield easeto win at Foyle

Foyle Men’s hockey team hosted Saintfield from Co Down in the second of their fixtures in the Ulster Senior 2 League.

Hopes were high with a strong turnout and the return from injury of Scott Burnside and Stuart Black and to better their narrow 3-2 defeat in October last.

From the start Foyle were put on the defensive and were contained from any attacking thoughts they may have had before.

The visitors meant business and were always sharper to the ball and more creative in developing chances.

This was confirmed on the ten minute mark when they opened their account when uncleared ball was tangled amongst the feet of defenders and much advantage allowed one goal and then a second. Calm heads and a simple push clearance to the wings would have done.

Foyle tried to mount some attacks but midfield indecision lost possession again and again for similar scrappy goal to slide in so that the tally was 4-0 at the interval. Straight talking advice was delivered during the team talk to play the simple ball as quick as possible.

This advice seemed to sink in and work as from the restart a totally different Foyle team emerged to quell the onslaught. Faster passing and better movement generated a much more enjoyable game to watch and soon penetrating ball from first time passes gave rise to goal scoring chances for Grant and Gordon.

Cleverly and Black were instrumental in creating initial momentum in the centre left channel whilst Bhali and Burnside continued runs for deflections forward for shots on goal by Connolly which kept the Saintfield keeper busy but unbeaten. Tempers flared within the ranks of the visitors due to the pressure and the umpires had to move with green cards and then a yellow brought their number down to ten.

Tempers still high saw a dissenting comment being met with another yellow and hence Saintfield down to nine players.

Further attacking play from Foyle mounted but again and again the defence held firm. Penalty corners failed to convert and Black’s flick also was saved to maintain a clean sheet.

The power play ended 10 minutes later and parity of player numbers resumed to redress the balance. The sin binned players linked once again to punish Foyle just before the end to complete their tally and take their foot off the gas.

Final score Saintfield 5, Foyle 0 and much debate was continued afterwards during hospitality at Waterfoot Hotel.

Foyle must examine their style of play and adapt fast if they wish to get league points this season. They play their nearest neighbours Parkview (Antrim) in the league two weeks from now back to back and have a stiff test next week away at Larne.

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