South Antrim Seconds win again as they beat club’s Thirds

It was clear from the beginning that the match would be keenly contested with both sides eager to secure a win which would start to take them away from the bottom of the league.

Following a series of meaty tackles the Thirds nearly took the lead through Stewart Barnes but he was unable to convert with Whittaker applying pressure in the Seconds goal.

The Seconds took the lead through Mark Campbell after a short corner breakdown. Campbell showed good strength to finish from close range to take the Seconds into the break a goal up.

The discussions at half time were around how the Seconds would adapt their game plan to combat the long ball and about trying to bring a tempo to their game which was a little lacking in the first period.

The Seconds continued to press but were vulnerable to the break from the Thirds with Alister and Mckeown impressing. They did go two goals up with almost a carbon copy of their first goal, this time Crean finishing at the far post after a Cochrane corner.

The Thirds, to their credit, didn’t give up and continued to press with Willie Redpath (Snr) reducing the arrears with a well taken goal from a short corner.

With around 15 minutes still to play a draw looked like a possible outcome but Paddy Cochrane settled matters with an excellent reverse stick shot.

Whilst the win was a positive result for the Seconds it has been a difficult season so far - It will take a great run of form to avoid the drop, and whilst it is not beyond this group of players they will have to dig deep to make sure they give themselves the best possible chance of safety.

Thanks to Gordon McCandless and Eric Cunningham for umpiring and to South’s Sponsors of the Month, Fred Dalzell and Partners.