Newhill claimed the points but Saintfield U18s pressed to the last in a good comeback attempt
U18 League Match,
Venue: Whiterock 3G, Saturday 25th October 2025,
Final Score: Newhill 4 3 Saintfield.
In a gripping encounter at Whiterock 3G, Saintfield travelled to face Newhill on Saturday morning, eager to secure their first three points of the league season writes Jack Brown.
The Saints showcased superior footballing skills, with Camden and Ross orchestrating passage of play from defence to attack, while Noah M went up against his opposite number with plenty of space to be driving from and into.
Despite playing the better football, Saintfield conceded against the flow of play. A swift free-kick over the top found the Newhill winger, who executed a sublime touch and struck beneath Patrick to make 1-0, despite his best efforts to quickly narrow the angle.
Determined to even the score, a pass down the line was collected by Jamie and with his back to goal seemed to be having his shirt pulled and then tripped in the box.
However, the referee must have seen something different and waved play on. Not dwelling on the should-haves, Saintfield swiftly equalised following effective play from the left. A scramble in the box ensued, and Andrew, staying sharp, tapped in the ball, kick-starting his goal-scoring season.
Adding to their positive momentum, Dylan marked his return from injury. Playing a more advanced central role, he delivered a deft outside-of-the-foot pass to the active Andrew, who made a decisive run into the box where the keeper remained high and wide to prevent his 2nd in just a few minutes.
Just as the Saints were getting into the game and with the back four looking relatively comfortable, it was very much another step backwards after an arial ball was challenged by 2 Saintfield players, the resulting ball fell to the same winger as the first who produced a near identical finish to make it 2-1.
Saintfield’s gusto to secure an equalizer before half-time was matched by Newhill’s determination to extend their lead.
A ball down the line appeared destined for a goal kick and was being marshalled out accordingly, but a Newhill attacker nipped in just as the ball was about to cross the by-line and squared it to the standout player of the half for Newhill, who converted from a few yards out to complete his hat-trick.
This made the comeback even more challenging for Saintfield in the second half, but having overcome the same deficit before, they had 35 minutes to turn the tide.
The first piece of action was directed towards the Newhill goal, where Camden whipped an indirect free-kick into the box, and Adam rose high to meet it with power, sending the ball crashing against the crossbar.
Unfortunately, Newhill went one step further with their own set corner set piece when the ball eluded everyone until a Newhill player glanced it back across goal on the penalty spot to make it 4-1.
Strategic changes ensued for Saintfield, with Rian stepping up as a striker, a position he only cameos as on rare occasions, and the versatile Joshua transitioning from attacker to defender.
These adjustments sparked some energy for the 11 on the pitch, creating a tense finale for Newhill.
And right on queue it seemed when consistent play in the far right corner ended with Noah M throwing it to Camden who feinted past players with the ball to find himself at the by-line.
With the tight angle suggesting a cutback, he surprised everyone by smashing the ball hard and low through the keeper’s legs, making it 4-2 with just 8 minutes remaining.
Sensing a comeback, and only a few minutes later, Dylan crafted an inch-perfect cross for Ross, who broke from midfield connected exquisitely on the half-volley in the box, leaving the keeper helpless and narrowing the score to 4-3.
Despite a gallant effort, time ran short for Saintfield, as every goal kick and throw Newhill winded down the clock to deny any further opportunities for an equalizer, leaving Saintfield with just too much to do in the dying moments of the game.
Man of the Match was awarded to midfield maestro Camden who registered a goal, and potentially an assist for the first goal. His boundless energy throughout the 70 was a big reason why Saintfield pushed right until the end, even when the current scoreline was not favourable to the Saints.
