South open Linden Cup campaign with thrilling win

South Antrim had a point to prove after last season’s disappointing playoff defeat against the same opponents.

South Antrim began the game strongly, taking an early lead after Adam Marshall’s brilliant defence splitting ball found Paul Maguire who was able to slot the ball past a charging Portadown goalkeeper. As the half went on Portadown began to feel their way back into the match playing some good hockey, however they were unable to break down a very solid South Antrim defence with goalkeeper Chris Moulden making some fantastic saves to keep the home side in front. Portadown’s best chance in the first half came from a short corner which was brilliantly taken off the line by Ian Glass to help take South’s lead into half time.

However, not long into the second half South Antrim’s deserved lead was gone with Portadown equalising with a reverse stick shot from the edge of the D. South Antrim came close to regaining their lead with John Semple putting a trademark reverse stick shot narrowly over the bar. Portadown then thought they had taken the lead, only for it to be correctly over ruled by the umpire.

Nathan Gamble put South Antrim back in front after some good work from Mark Conn, whose attempt at goal was deflected into the air only for Nathan Gamble to smash home a volley at the back post. This goal helped South grow in confidence and after some more great hockey from the home side, they increased the lead to 3-1 after Adam Glass finished a classy short corner routine with a deft touch into the bottom corner.

As the match drew to a close there was still time for some late drama with Portadown beginning to pile the pressure back on the home side, scoring two late goals to bring them back to level terms at 3-3. However, South were not finished yet. Buoyed on by the memory of last season’s playoff defeat, they once again regained the lead with minutes to go after another fantastic short corner routine was converted by South Antrim captain Lee Marshall. After this wonderful team performance, South Antrim coach John Massey will be hoping that this great start to the season will continue when the Lisburn side face PSNI in the next Linden Cup group stage match.