A hard day at the office for Saintfield teams
NADAFL Division 1,
Saturday 26 October,
Rossglass County 5 3 Saintfield United III
Saintfield United thirds visited Rossglass County on Saturday, losing out in an eight goal thriller.
County caused the visitors problems with their pace out wide, and opened the scoring after six minutes through the always-threatening Bogdan Patel.
Saints equalised when David Morrow slotted home Jerome Travers’ cross, and Matthew Alexander struck the crossbar shortly thereafter.
Rossglass created some good chances of their own before the break, eventually regaining the lead, when Ciaran Morrison slotted home at the near post.
The home side continued to exert pressure after half-time, and were rewarded when Ryan Lennon drilled home a loose ball from the edge of the area.
Saintfield quickly reduced the deficit, when Alexander capitalised on a ricochet to drill into the top corner from distance.
With the game in the balance, the next goal would be decisive and both sides went close before Rossglass scored two headed goals from corner kicks to deservedly seal their victory.
There was still time for the visitors to score from a corner as well, as substitute Josh McMullan bundled home from close range, but it didn’t affect the final score.
Saintfield Utd U17 Just Between By St Marys
An under-strength Saintfield U17 team was beaten by St Marys
SBYFL Division 1,
Sunday 27 October,
Saintfield United U17 0 2. St Marys U17.
Saintfield traveled to the Billy Neill centre to face their previous year’s competitors, St. Mary’s.
With nearly half the squad injured, away, or suspended, Saintfield had to rely on two promising U15 players, Ollie and Sam, to form a makeshift 11.
But Saintfield weren’t feeling sorry for themselves and started brightly. Ollie found space on the left and delivered a low left-footed pass to strike partner Jamie, whose shot from 10 yards was saved by the standing keeper.
Ollie was again instrumental in the next attack, racing down on goal, but a quick recovery from a St. Mary’s defender cleared the danger before he could strike.
On the defensive end, captain Harry covered significant ground in midfield, making life difficult for the opposition. Impromptu Full-back Jonah and center-half Ross won all their aerial and ground duels, frustrating the St. Mary’s attack.
The first chance for St. Mary’s came from good play on the right, but decisive goalkeeping from Noah, who showed quick feet, neutralized the threat of the oncoming attacker. However, Saintfield’s Achilles heel this season—defending set-pieces–came to haunt them.
A well-taken header from a St. Mary’s player lopped over Noah and in the back of the net, giving them the lead at halftime. As the second half progressed, St. Mary’s gained more confidence and sent more players forward.
Credit goes to Adam and Sam, who tracked their men diligently, making it hard for the opposition to break through. Fatigue and the need to chase the game left Saintfield susceptible to counter-attacks.
St Mary’s hit the woodwork with a long-range effort and forced a good save from halftime substitute goalkeeper Camden, whose trailing leg redirected the ball to the post and away from danger. With just four minutes left, a St. Mary’s throw-in in the final third proved to be the final blow.
After a scramble in the box, the ball fell to a St. Mary’s attacker, who struck it first-time past Camden from close range, sealing the victory for St. Mary’s.
Special mention must go to Sam and Ollie, who showed immense courage and spirit throughout the game, battling against players two years their senior.
