WEEKEND ROUND UP

A huge successful weekend for the 1sts as they progress to the second round of the Irish Senior Cup without even lifting a stick. Well done men.

South Antrim 2nds 1-2 Banbridge 2nds (J.Brown)

Another great performance from the 2nds but in the end, they were highly unlucky to take a point. James Brown was first to react to a loose ball in the circle and he took his chance well, slotting home between the keeper legs.

South Antrim 3rds 5-0 Newry 3rds (G.Glass x2, C.McCandless x2, C.Black)

True to most encounters between these clubs, it was another feisty encounter. George Glass grabbed a double but was denied a hat-trick when he missed a stroke. Callum McCandless also nabbed a double, both back post tap ins. Chris Black got the last goal with a rocket of a reverse.

South Antrim 4ths 2-4 Lisnagarvey 6ths (A.Hamilton Jnr, A.Collins)

The 4ths had a less enjoyable day, losing 4-2 to our Hillsborough neighbours. Junior continued his fine form in front a goal by scoring again, his 6th goal in 5 games. Archie Collins scored South's second.

South Antrim 5ths 2-0 Belfast Harlequins 3rds (A.Pyper, N.Donald)

The 5ths got back to winning ways, with a 2-0 win over Quins. Adam Pyper and Nathan Donald scored the win. This leaves the 5ths mid table, just under the 4ths in Junior 5.

The Ladies Club had no games.

WEEKEND PREVIEW:

The 1sts have no game.

South Antrim 2nds v Banbridge 2nds

The future is looking bright for the Ladies Club!

Sunday saw the U15s host a Junior Blitz day. The girls did fantastic, beating Ballynahinch 6-0 and Tullyvallen 7-1 on home turf. Lea Carson netted 6 in the two games, with Erin Aiken getting 5 and Grace Cotton, Jordan Turner and Erin Kerr scoring 1 each.

Many thanks to Catherine Faulkner for umpiring and the support from all the parents.

South Antrim 5-3 North Down (A.Glass, C.Henry x2, P.Maguire, M.Getty)

Last weekend saw South Antrim host North Down at Friends’ School Lisburn. South, having lost their first two games of the league campaign in closely contested encounters, were keen to get back to winning ways. This was evident in the way South started the game, putting North Down under pressure and forcing mistakes. The high tempo South were playing at soon paid off when some neat skill down the right led to a short corner being awarded. South have struggled recently with short corners, however, Adam Glass stepped up and made no mistake and flicked the ball expertly into the bottom corner.

South continued their dominance and soon after, the ball was played to Chris Henry at the top of the circle. Having beat two men with an arcing turn, Chris slotted the ball past the keeper, only for Paul Maguire to throw himself at the ball ‘to make sure it went in’ and add one to his tally for the season. After this goal, North Down grew into the game and won several short corners which were well defended by the South short corner team, with keeper Mark Hutchinson shining in particular. Soon after, North Down missed a clear cut opportunity when, after a rebound fell to their forward in front of goal, he narrowly missed the target from 6 yards out under pressure from the keeper.

The North Down pressure finally told when some sloppy defending in the South circle led to a short corner being awarded. This time the flicker, Shepherd, made no mistake, sending the ball powerfully into the corner to bring North Down back into the game at 2-1. This seemed to wake the Lisburn side up and just before half time, South doubled their lead after some strong play on the right hand side ended with Mark Gray crashing a ball in and a deft deflection from Chris Henry at the near post left the North Down keeper stranded.

The half-time break saw North Down come out with a much more physical game plan. This left several South players on the ground and unfortunately for North Down, several players serving time in the sin bin. However, South were unable to capitalise on the numerical advantage as they picked up several cards of their own for breaking down play and stick tackles in their haste. With North Down chasing the game, spaces began to open up for South and after some direct running from Nathan Gamble, his partner; Matthew Getty, found himself at the top of the circle in space and dispatched the ball past the keeper with ease.

The next goal brought the Comber side back into the game, after a contentious short corner was awarded after the ball seemed to be played cleanly in a tackle by Jonny Patterson, Shepherd stepped up and once again fired the ball into the net. The North Down side showed some fight however and once again managed to get themselves back into the game after a South player was carded for a stick tackle, they broke down the right and from a tight angle managed to hammer the ball in off the far post.

Having lost the previous two games in the last 10 minutes, the South side must have been worried that this pattern was going to continue but this was not to be the case. South managed to win a short corner with 5 minutes to go and after a great double save from the keeper the ball fell kindly to Chris Henry who hammered the ball into the net and give the Lisburn side their first points in the Premier League. Coach, Ross Johnston, said after the game that “It was a deserved victory, the guys played some great hockey and dug deep when they came under pressure in the second half.”

This young South side can look forward to a break this weekend, having been given a bye through the first round of the Irish Senior Cup.

South Antrim 2nds 0-3 Annadale 2nds

South 2nds were defeated by a well drilled Annadale side in their second league match at Lough Moss on Saturday. After an excellent opening day win against Kilkeel in Lisburn last week, the 2nds went into the game in Carryduff in good spirits and with high hopes. However, it quickly became clear that Dale would prove much stiffer opposition than the Mourne men and the opening 10 minutes brought almost relentless attacks from the home side’s forwards.  South defended well though and their defensive shape impressed the supporters who enjoyed the game in fine conditions.  Frustratingly it was only after South had weathered this early onslaught that Annadale took the lead. A home forward beat a couple of men on the left and side of the circle and hit a crisp reverse shot through a crowd of players, including Glass in goal to give Dale the advantage. Just before half time, Calum McCandless had a goal disallowed, and almost immediately Annadale went up the other end and doubled their tally; a quick break saw a forward beat the south defence and finish with a cool lob over the onrushing Glass.

In the 2nd half, Annadale were happy to protect their lead and allowed the away midfield more of the ball. Darren Hutchinson continued his impressive start to the season and combined well with the excellent Jack Redpath in the middle. There were few chances for the visitors, opportunities for Conn and McCandless unfortunately came to nothing. As South pushed forward seeking a way back into the game, Annadale got their third when a forward finished with a deflected effort from close range. Despite this defeat, South 2nds are enjoying their debut season in Junior 1 and they can look forward to their next match against Banbridge 2nds with optimism. Thanks must go to Gordie McCandless for travelling to umpire.

South Antrim 3rds 2-0 North Down 4ths (K.Gamble, G.Glass)

South Antrim made the journey to North Down on the back of a few solid performances. South started strongly but could not get any success in the final quarter thanks to stout defending from the home side. North Down began to grow into the game towards the end of the half. South started brightly after the break and were rewarded when Kurtis Gamble spun his marker and pinged the ball into the bottom corner. As the second half wore on it became evenly contested and it took veteran George Glass eased the nerves, by thundering a short corner home with a trademark long handled hit. The South back line shut up shop and ensured the 3 points came back to Lisburn and thus retaining their top spot in the league. South take on Newry at Friends’ School next Saturday.

South Antrim 4ths 1-4 NICS 3rds (A.Hamilton Jnr)

South Antrim 4ths had an away trip to fellow leader leaders, NICS 3rds last weekend. Unfortunately the team were slow out of the traps against a well drilled side and were punished. South went 1-0 down early in the game after a ball crashed in and rebounded kindly off a South stick to a Service player unmarked in the circle and he made no mistake from close range. South grew into the game but just things were clicking, they were dealt a sucker punch and went 2-0 down, after a good short corner drill by Service. South picked themselves up and hit back with a goal of their own. After some carnage in the box, Junior managed to pounce on a loose ball and skilfully guided it in from close range to bring the scoreline back to 2-1. However, yet again as South looked to gain control, Service managed got another goal, just before the first half was over. Another crashed ball into the circle left keeper Andrew Wallace with no chance from the deflection. After some stern halftime words, it was South that had the most of the ball in second half but were unable to score again to get back in the game, despite countless short corners. Service scored again late on from another short corner, controversially given in South’s eyes. This mean the game ended 4-1 to the hosts.

South Antrim 5ths 2-6 Down 1sts (S.Geary, B.Faulkner)

South 5s were looking to capitalise against a weakened Down 1s who only had 9 players at the start of the game. However, it was Down that started strongly with the South players unsure of who they were marking in the odd formation that Down employed. The visitors won a series of short corners that were defended well by South’s defensive team. With south trying to break the deadlock, Down counterattacked with a long ball to go one goal up. South immediately responded with good work by Ben Faulkner on the right, whose pass was slotted in from close range by Shane Geary. The 2nd half started with Down the better team, and they were duly reward as they scored again on the counterattack to regain a 1 goal lead. South responded soon after, with Ben Faulkner working the ball well in the circle to grab himself an equaliser. However, it was undone as sloppy marking and loose passing let Down score two more in close succession. South tried to get a foothold in the game, with Maurice Bell on his debut, trying to move the ball about the pitch and create attacks. In the final ten minutes, Down scored two more to put the game beyond doubt. One goal from a short corner and the last from another quick break.

South Antrim Ladies 3-0 Malone Ladies (V.Donaldson x2, L.Boomer)

The South Antrim ladies knew how important it was to take three points from Malone on Saturday after experiencing a shock defeat against Ballynahinch the previous week. With two players missing, South had to field a team with a few last minute changes, always a good start.

Nevertheless, the Ladies began the game very much in control, constantly on the attack and enjoying most of the possession. Vicky Donaldson was on top form and in the early stages, she weaved her way through the Malone defenders and with a deft touch from the supporting Lauren Boomer, prompted the Malone keeper to make a bit of an error as she put her attempted clearance backwards over the goal line. Throughout the first half, South created numerous opportunities, and they’d thought they’d added a second with a lob over the keeper from Stephanie Neill, but it disallowed for a foul in the build up. The Ladies won, and squandered, numerous short corners. However, towards the end of the first half, they doubled their tally, as Vicky Donaldson found herself with a clear shot at goal, which she executed confidently, as the Malone defenders appeared to await an umpire’s call that never came.

The team started the second half where they left off, with forwards Vicky Donaldson, Abbie Trimble and Alex Dugan leaving the Malone team merely observing the game as they skilfully manoeuvred the ball into the circle at will. Vicky Donaldson sealed the victory for South with a run along the back line before cutting inside and finishing with a neatly placed ball under the Malone keeper. Vicky Donaldson rightly won Player of the Match for another stellar display.

South Antrim Ladies 2nds 1-0 Owls 2nds (L.McConnell)

The Ladies 2s continued their great start in this league after last year's promotion, bagging another 3 points against Owls. Laura McConnell was the saviour, scoring in the dying seconds. The celebrations were mad. The Ladies started brightly, with young Lucy Fitzpatrick setting up the first chance, Laura McConnell got a touch on the cross but a defender got in the way to clear. Defenders Anna MacFarlane and Nicole Bell put in good stints to keep the visitors quiet. Carly Niblock put in yet another great hard working performance on the right wing.

WEEKEND ROUND UP

South Antrim 5-3 North Down (A.Glass, P.Maguire, C.Henry x2, M.Getty)

South got points on the board in style today. They opened with an Adam Glass drag flick, followed by a Paul Maguire tap in from Chris Henry's shot. North Down pulled one back with a drag of their own before Chris Henry scored a wonderous deflection from a caned cross from Mark Gray. North Down scored early in the second half as a forward was allowed to walk into the circle and take a shot. South got back on track and Matty Getty restored a 2 goal cushion in identical style to North Down's second. The Comber side scored a second drag flick before Chris Henry scored from a pinball short corner in which, Nathan Gamble, Ward Phillips, Jonny Patterson and Chris Redpath all had shots saved. All in all, a great performance from the lads and they deserved their win.

South Antrim 2nds 0-3 Annadale 2nds

A makeshift team is becoming the norm for Captain Ian Glass, but he does well nonetheless. Jack Redpath put in a great shift, as did Stephen Hood on a call up from the 3rds. The surprise however, was not the scoreline, but that Neil Wilson failed to score. Things didn't go his way today, proving he is still human and not a hockey God after all. He will bounce back and will be determined to score next week.

South Antrim 3rds 2-0 North Down 4ths (K.Gamble, G.Glass)

Getting Kurt Gamble out of retirement at age 22, seems to have been a stroke of genius by Ashley Sloan, he scored again this week, using his pace to roll his marker and unleash a shot. George Glass scored a short corner strike to make it 2-0, meaning Ashley's men retain top spot in the league.

South Antrim 4ths 1-4 NICS 3rds (A.Hamilton Jnr)

A better result than the 5ths, but still a loss unfortunately. Junior scored yet another goal for his club, finishing from close range. Next week sees the men take on Garvey 6ths, always a tasty encounter.

South Antrim 5ths 2-6 Down 1sts (S.Geary, B.Faulkner)

Apparently Down played the game with just 9 players, but when camp in their own circle it must feel like 20. Down scored on the counter before Shane Geary equalized. Down went ahead again after the break from another long ball counter. Ben Faulkner scored an equalizer shorty after before Down scored 4 unanswered as the young 5ths crumbled.

South Antrim Ladies 3-0 Malone Ladies (L.Boomer, V.Donaldson x2)

The Ladies 1s scored three in an emphatic win over Malone, they were the best team throughout and went one when Lauren Boomer tricked the keeper into scoring an own goal, but we'll chalk it down as Lauren anyway. Vicky Donaldson is proving to be a great signing as her mazy dribbles got her 2 goals, one from a great hit from the top and a second from dribbling along the baseline and slotting home.

South Antrim 2nds 1-0 Owls 2nds (L.McConnell)

The Ladies 2s continued their great start in this league after last year's promotion, bagging another 3 points against Owls. Laura McConnell was the savior, scoring in the dying seconds. The celebrations were mad.

Reminder about the Halloween Disco tonight at the Racquets Club from half 7!

WEEKEND PREVIEW:

South Antrim v North Down

The 1sts welcome the Comber men to FSL in the late 4pm hit off, as Hutchy is taking remedial maths in the morning. The loss of Simon Watt and Paddy Cochrane has disrupted the men's rhythm this season but they will look to get on track and pick up the points against North Down, also yet to get points on the board in the Premier League.

Raphoe 3 -1 South Antrim (P.Maguire)

South made the long trip to Donegal to face a team which in recent times have had the upper hand over the Lisburn side. Despite beating Raphoe to the Senior 1 title last year, South lost all four league and cup encounters against their Donegal rivals. With Raphoe missing two of their key players through injury and South back to full strength following the return of captain Lee Marshall and Chris Redpath, they were confident of turning the form table around in this fixture.

South began the game in control, enjoying lots of possession and showing good attacking threat. They won their first penalty corner following a mazy run down the left by Chris Henry. The resulting Adam Glass drag flick agonisingly found the post before the ball was cleared to safety by the home team. 25 minutes in and against the run of play, Raphoe won their first short corner of the game. The ball was switched left and slapped low towards Huthinson’s net, who was quick to hit the ground and the block the ball. However, the South defence switched off and failed to clear his pads and Raphoe’s Regan was on hand to easily lift the ball over the stranded Hutchinson to make it 1-0 to the hosts. The remainder of the first half saw South again assert their dominance but despite creating numerous clear cut chances, were unable to capitalize on their efforts.

South started the second half where they had left off in the first, by having plenty of the ball and keeping a wrap on any rare Raphoe attack. South’s persistent build up play eventually paid off in the 50th minute, when Chris Redpath attempt from South’s 5th short corner of the game was blocked by the onrushing defender before Paul Maguire stepped up to fire a rasping reverse into the back of the net, his first goal since Simon Watt’s retirement at the start of the season, funny that. The game turned into a midfield battle and Raphoe began pressing high up the pitch, which unsettled South’s rhythm and tempo. This cagy period of the game saw both Raphoe’s Meehan and South’s Getty binned for rash tackles. Both cards seemed to have a negative effect on South’s passing game and Raphoe were now the team pressing for a late winner. With 5 minutes left on the clock, that is exactly what they got. A wayward pass from the back was intercepted deep in South’s territory, which created a three on two situation for the hosts. The ball was eventually switched to Lyttle who had the easiest of finishes to give the home side a late advantage. As South threw caution to the wind to find an equalizer in the remaining minutes, a Raphoe interception from a ranch and subsequent counter attack again found Lyttle in acres of space at the top of the circle and he made no mistake in firing the ball past Hutchinson to put the game to bed.

South will be disappointed that despite spells of dominance and promising play, again basic mistakes has cost them their first points in their maiden Premier League campaign. Next week South host another of their fellow promotees, North Down, which provides an ideal opportunity to kick start their season into gear.

South Antrim 2nds 3-2 Kilkeel 2nds (N.Wilson, M.Conn, D.Hutchinson)

Saturday saw the start if the League Campaign for South Antrim’s 2ndXI. After a loss the previous week to Newry in the cup, South were looking to bounce back with both a better performance and hopefully 3 points against Kilkeel 2nds. With a number of players missing from the side, South had to field yet another makeshift side with many changes. The team fell behind early in the first half through a long Kilkeel pass. However, South quickly found their feet and got back into the game with a goal from Neil Wilson after some lovely play from Nathan Alister on the wing. The equalizing goal seemed to settle South Antrim as they began to play more freely. The second goal came in the form of a slick short corner routine which was neatly finished off by Mark Conn at the back post. South didn’t stop there, they added a third just before half time. Darren Hutchinson this time scoring from a short corner variation, which saw him waltz past two Kilkeel players in the circle before lobbing the keeper. This meant the home side went in with a two goal lead into the interval.

The second half saw a different type of performance from South, one of grit and determination. Kilkeel very much stepped up their game and after a good spell of pressure got their 2nd of the game. With 15 minutes to go and their lead only one goal, South dug deep and with the help of some excellent goalkeeping from Ian Glass and some excellent defensive play all across the pitch South managed to hold onto their narrow lead and record a win in their opening game. After going 1-0 down to an experienced Kilkeel side, South deserve great credit for coming back and holding out for their win.

South Antrim 3rds 6-0 Cookstown 5ths (G.Glass x2, J.Deane x2, D.Hutchinson, N.Wilson)

South Antrim 3rds were on top form as they hit Cookstown for six last weekend. The Lisburn men took a deserved early lead against through George Glass, with a volley from a bouncing cross from the top of the circle. A second from Glass shortly before half time put South two goals up. With the South defence of Adam Thompson, John Massey, Pete Davis and Jonny Dunne rock solid this was then a platform for the attackers to find more chances and score more goals. John Deane fired in two goals in quick succession in the second half. Shortly after, Darren Hutchinson stepped off the bench to beat four men and fire home from a tight angle as the keeper tried to cover the pass. Neil Wilson got on the score sheet as he found himself in the circle on his own with the keeper and scored, somewhat awkwardly, with his reverse.

South Antrim 4ths 5-0 Antrim 3rds (A.Hamilton Jnr x2, C.Black, J.Taylor, S.Glenn)

South Antrim 4ths began their league campaign with a home game against Antrim 3rds. South began well and dominated the first half but goals were hard to come by with Junior Hamilton scoring the solitary goal of the first half, a trademark finish into the bottom corner after good work in the D to create space. With the match still in the balance, South needed to continue in the second half with the same effort as the first, knowing that the next goal of the match would be of the utmost importance to deciding the victor. In the second half, South’s luck in front of the net changed and they got the second goal by way of Chris Black, scoring a thunderous hit from a rebound following a short corner. Jonny Taylor added a third from a short corner and provided an assist for Junior who guided into the net after a hit into the D with such guile that is to be expected from a proven goal scorer. Stuart Glenn rounded off a fantastic second half with a fifth goal, a shot into the bottom corner after good work from overlapping right back Stephen Hood.

South Antrim 5ths WIN-LOSS North Down 5ths

South Antrim 5ths had no game as North Down 5ths couldn’t field a team and conceded the points. There are as yet no reports of intimidation by Trevor Wallace on the Comber side.

South Antrim Ladies 0-1 Ballynahinch Ladies

South Antrim Ladies 1sts had a hopeful start on Saturday against Ballynahinch, with various attacks reaching the circle within the first 5 minutes, one such attack ended with Lauren Boomer and Alannah Richardson narrowly missing an opportunity for a goal. As the first half progressed, a rare counter attack by the opposition presented the South Ladies with a penalty corner to defend, Ballynahinch bundled the ball into the net, meaning that the Ladies were 1-0 down entering the second half. In the second half, the Ladies fought to keep possession of the ball and were kept in it by some amazing saves from their keeper, Heather Neil. Some lovely play from Alex Dugan and Abbie Trimble down the right hand side of the pitch, led to the girls creating opportunities but were unlucky not to get a goal. Unfortunately the girls ran out of time and couldn’t get the equalizer they sorely needed and the score remained 1-0 to the Hinch. Player of the Match went to Allison Marsden for her great defensive work thoughout.

South Antrim Ladies 2nds 5-0 Mossley 4ths (A.Wright x2, L.McConnell x3)

South Ladies continued their impressive start to the season with an emphatic 5-0 win over Mossley 4ths on home soil.  Amy Wright continuing her fine form this season, and in the opening stages she took the ball to the Mossley defence and only by some good defending, she was denied her a goal after a sweet shot from the edge of the circle. Mossley responded, but solid defending by way of Nicole Bell and Wendy Li ensured Mossey were unable to get into the South circle. South continued to attack, with Carly Niblock making an excellent run down the right and backed up by Jill Holley from midfield, managed to find Amy Wright in front of the Mossley keeper.  The goalkeeper saved the initial shot, but Wright pounced on the rebound and found the net for the first goal.  Mossley responded well, getting up the pitch, but a great tackle from the South sweeper set the ball back into another South attack. A fine pass from Amy Wright gave Laura McConnell the opportunity to score her first goal of the game, which she duly took.

Amy Wright continued to put pressure on the Mossley defence and after some fine running from winger Carly Niblock, she was again rewarded when a goal mouth scramble ended with the ball in the back of the Mossley net.  The South midfield continued to work hard, with Niamh Doyle making her debut and Anna Dornan returning to hockey after a break, the industrious girls continued to pressure. Laura McConnell was again rewarded for her efforts down the left flank with a well taken goal slipping the ball past the advancing Mossley keeper after a marauding run.  Laura completed her hat trick shortly after. A fine reverse pass from striking partner Amy Wright set Laura up with an easy finish to seal the victory for the Lisburn side.  Well done to Carly Niblock on player of the match. Many thanks to Catherine Faulkner for umpiring.

WEEKEND ROUND UP:

South Antrim 1-3 Raphoe (P.Maguire)

Raphoe continue to be a thorn in South's side, as their poor form against the Donegal side goes on. South didn't play badly, but didn't play well either, they let Raphoe's ...err.. traditional style.. get the better of them on too many occasions. South dominated for the entirety of the game, yet Raphoe went 1-0 up from a short corner rebound midway through the first half. South got a deserved goal from a short rebound of their own, courtesy of Paul Maguire. A controversial goal put Raphoe ahead with 5 minutes remaining and then whilst gunning for a last minute equalizer, a ranch at the back unfortunately added gloss to the scoreline in favour of the hosts.

South Antrim 2nds 3-2 Kilkeel 2nds (M.Conn, N.Wilson, D.Hutchinson)

The seconds are joint top of Junior 1, who would have guessed it. Mark Conn scored a short corner deflection worthy of the previous wearer of hid No.13 shirt. Neil Wilson scored a volley to extend his goal scoring run, and Darren Hutchinson got another goal from this new mysterious short corner routine.

South Antrim 3rds 6-0 Cookstown 5ths (G.Glass x2, J.Deane x2, D.Hutchinson, N.Wilson)

I said in the preview that this was going to be a close game, I got that wrong, badly wrong. John Massay and Pete Davis ran the show from the back, allowing the forwards to create and score chances at will. Another game and another goal for Neil Wilson, I believe he scored in all of his seven games this season, I think we'll charge him double subs. George Glass scored a volley from the top of the circle and Daz went on a rampage, beating 4 players then going for glory from an impossible angle and scoring.

South Antrim 4ths 5-0 Antrim 3rds (A.Hamilton Jnr x2, J.Taylor, S.Glenn. C.Black)

Junior adds two more notches to his stick, netting a brace on route to 5-0 win. Jonny Taylor, Stu Glenn and Chris Black scoring the rest. When asked to describe the game, captain Graeme Alister said 'I was lights out'. I have no idea if this is a positive or negative comment on his performance.

South Antrim 5ths WIN-LOSS North Down 5ths

The 5ths win by forfeit as North Down couldn't field a team. Well done Trev, good tactic!

South Antrim Ladies 0-1 Ballynahinch Ladies

South Ladies came away on the wrong end of 1-0 scoreline away in Ballynahinch. Just like the Mens 1sts' game, the Ladies were in a physical battle from the offset. Ballynahinch scored a short corner and played the long ball thereafter. Alannah Richardson and  Charis Rodgers came close to equalizing on occasions but the shots went past the posts. Allison Marsden was given Player of the Match in a great defensive display as she cut out all the Hinch long hits.

South Antrim Ladies 2nds 5-0 Mossley 4ths (L.McConnell x3, A.Wright x2)

A hat trick from Laura McConnell and a double from strike partner Amy Wright as the girls ran riot on home turf. Carly Niblock tried her best to get in on the fun, but her goal was ruled out. She was awarded the Player of the Match for her efforts though, so go Carly!

WEEKEND PREVIEW:

South Antrim v Raphoe

The 1sts travel to County Donegal this weekend to play fellow promotees Raphoe. Captain Lee Marshall is back fit to lead the team and Chris Redpath also returns. Raphoe recorded a surprise 3-1 away win over Belfast Harlequins on the opening weekend so they not to be trifled with. Hit off is at 2.30pm for our travelling fans.

South Antrim 2nds v Kilkeel 2nds

The seconds host Kilkeel 2nds at 1pm at FSL. All eyes are on Neil Wilson to see if he can continue his scoring run and oust Ian McElhenny as top goal scorer. Although yet to win a game, the seconds have been very impressive in their cup campaign, getting good results against the big names, but this is the League now, and narrow losses don't get points on the board, the boys will need to be on top form.

South Antrim 3rds v Cookstown 5ths

The 3rds are home to Cookstown 5ths. The 3rds finished 3rd in their Junior League 4 Cup group, not high enough to progress. Cookstown 5ths finished 4th in the other group, so this should be an even game. Can Kurtis Gamble play the hero for the second week in a row?

South Antrim 4ths v Antrim 3rds

The 4ths have qualified from Group B for their League Cup, so we'll keenly track their progress in the Semi-finals later in the season. This however, is their opening league game so will need to grab the points from this game on home turf. Antrim 3rds finished bottom of their group with a solitary point, obtained from our 5ths. Surely this is goal city for Ian MacElhenny and Stu Glenn?

South Antrim 5ths v North Down 5ths

The 5ths travel to Comber to take on North Down 5ths. This is the team that the 4s recorded their infamous 14-1 win against just a month ago. Trevor Wallace will be quietly confident of a win for his team. Simon Taggart and Adam Glass Junior seem to be the go to players for goals so they should enjoy this outing.

BREAKING NEWS: North Down can't field a team and the 5ths take the points, rumour has it their players cowered in fear at the prospect of playing against Trevor Wallace and his cronies.

South Antrim Ladies v Ballynahinch Ladies

Looking to keep their run going after hammering Cooke Ladies last weekend, the Ladies face Ballynahinch away. Hopefully key players Zara Carson and Alex Dugan won't be too haannngiinnn' after their Formal during the week. Ballynahinch have yet to win a game so far this season, good news for the girls in black and red.

South Antrim Ladies 2nds v Mossley Ladies 4ths

The Ladies 2nds host Mossley 4ths as they look to climb the table, this Mossley team is currently in 5th position in the league, one below the South team, though only by goal difference as both teams have 6 points. Key player Lucy Fitzpatrick is a doubt to be back in time from a school trip to Spain to make the game, the team captain is reportedly questioning her commitment to the team.

South Antrim 3-4 Kilkeel (A.Glass, C.Henry x2)

Last weekend saw South Antrim's first fixture in the Ulster Premier League after winning promotion last year from Senior 1. The Lisburn side played Kilkeel, an established mid-table side with more experience than themselves. The men in red and black were undaunted and started well, absorbing the expected pressure with ease and mounting counter attacks by use of the ariel ball. One of these balls played in Paul Maguire, who darted in behind the defence and won a short corner as the defender was deemed to have deliberately played the ball over the back line. South scored the resulting set piece with an Adam Glass drag flick. South Antrim were under pressure but rarely in danger over the next 20 minutes. Unfortunately Kilkeel won their own short corner after a well played advantage, which they duly converted. The Mourne men quickly went in front, after an unkind ricochet fell to a Kilkeel forward who volleyed on the turn into the far corner. South regrouped and the makeshift centre back pairing of Adam Marshall and Mark Gray stood firm, allowing just one more short corner, saved easily by Hutchinson in goals. John Semple, on his return to the firsts, was at the heart of everything positive in South's play. He linked well with other midfielders Jack Redpath and Ward Phillips to take the game to Kilkeel. The break arrived too soon to take advantage of the pressure, with the scores 2-1 to the visitors.

Soon into the second half, a chain of defensive errors lead to another Kilkeel short, duly dispatched again by a drag flick. Knowing they had to find a goal quickly to get back into the game, South stepped it up pressing high up the pitch. The soon won a short corner from another Chris Henry mazy run when he was cynically scythed down inside the final quarter, the offending Kilkeel player was award a green card for his troubles. Henry scored his deflection form the set piece to get South back into it. However, their pressing to get the equalizer was their undoing as a break away lead to another Kilkeel short, dispatched on the rebound after the initial save by Agnew. Credit to the boys that they didn't give up, Henry was again brought down and South were award another short, this time the Kilkeel keeper was equal to the flick and saved. South switched to a full press and it paid dividends, Getty intercepted an errand pass and played in Usain Bolt Chris Henry, who used his pace to get by his marker but was yet again fouled before he entered the circle. Another card for Kilkeel and another short for South. Henry again scored a deflection, now a deserved brace from the player causing mayhem. With South really on top and Kilkeel on the ropes, the final whistle went, denying the Lisburner's an upset. This performance was really encouraging for the young South team, knowing they can match the current experienced Premier League sides will go along way to avoiding relegation and finished in a good position in their debut season. Next week sees the men travel to Raphoe, the only team to beat them on their Senior 1 winning campaign last year. Keen to right a wrong, the team will look to play at the same high standard they showed against Kilkeel.

South Antrim 2nds 2-7 Newry 2nds (N.Wilson, D.Hutchinson)

South Antrim 2nds played away to Newry 2nds, whose firsts played midweek, in their final Junior 1 League Cup group schedule on Saturday. Missing star player John Semple, after he was called up to the 1sts at short notice, left the team with just 11 players to make the trip. This really took its toll as Newry cruised to a 7-2 win, with the majority of goals coming in the second half, when tired legs took their toll. A positive from the game was that forward Neil Wilson scored for the fifth week in succession, he is in good form and can hopefully provide the goals in the league opener this weekend against Kilkeel 2nds. Darren Hutchinson scored the other South goal with a new short corner routine they won't even tell us about.

South Antrim 3rds 1-0 Portush 2nds (K.Gamble)

The 3rds made the journey to Ballycastle for the late 4pm pass back slot. South Antrim made a strong start and put Portrush under pressure from the offset. Pete Davis and John Massey, called up to the 3rds on the back of fine performances on the 5ths, controlled the team from the back and closed the door on any Portrush attack. Adam Thompson and Jonny Dunne helped to push the team forward from wing back positions, aiding in attack when they could. Kurt Gamble was the hero who secured the points, he span his marker and used his pace to create space for the shot before drilling into the bottom corner on his 3rds debut. South Antrim defended strongly against the final, desperate Portrush attacks to bring the three points back home. Next week sees South Antrim start the league season at home against Cookstown 5ths.

South Antrim 4ths 2-4 Lisnagarvey 6ths (A.Smith, A.Hamilton Jnr)

South Antrim 4ths played their final group game in their League Cup after making the trip out of Lisburn to Hillsborough, to play against Lisnagarvey 6ths. In a tight first half with few chances, Stuart Glenn had the best opportunity; but his quick reactions to get away a shot were matched by the Garvey Keeper. Lisnagarvey, on the other hand, made the most of their best chance and scored from a well worked short corner making the score 1-0 at half time. South came out strongly in the second half and, after a few tactical tweaks, looked the better side for long spells before getting their reward with a well taken volley at the back post from Alan Smith after two fine saves by the opposition keeper from a South short. South pressed on and were rewarded with another goal after a precise pass from Ian McElhenny found the always clinical Junior Hamilton unmarked in the D and he gave the goalkeeper no chance stroking the ball into the bottom corner. However towards the end of the game South were exposed by Garvey’s youthful pace, who capitalised on some tiring legs with several good counter attacks and went on to score 3 goals leaving South on the wrong side of a 4-2 score line.

South Antrim 5ths 2-9 NICS 3rds (C.Black, S.Taggart)

It was a day to forget for the 5ths as they returned from Stormont with nothing, Chris Black scored from a short corner to go one goal up, Civil Service then hit 6 before Simon Taggart netted from open play, Service then romped in another three to close out the game that South barely took part in, ending 9-2. Although they were missing players, the boys realize they underperformed and know they have to be better, especially with the League commencing this weekend, the 5ths play North Down 5ths away in Comber. Captain Trevor Wallace had this to say about the weekend's game; "Well, we were ******** *******  ******* **** and ***** ******** *****, so we lost!!"

South Antrim Ladies 5-2 Cooke Ladies (C.Rodgers, V.Donaldson x2, A.Richardson, L.Boomer)

The ladies got back to winning ways in emphatic style, a 5-2 win over Cooke Ladies. Charis Rodgers netted before Cooke's equalizer, Vicky Donaldson netted a brace before Alannah Richardson and Lauren Boomer added to the score line. Cooke scored a sneaky one at the end. The Ladies sights must be set on winning promotion even at this early stage of the season.

South Antrim 2nds 3-0 Holywood 2nds (R.Sullivan x2, L.McConnell) 
The Ladies club are on fire this weekend! Nicole Bell's team thumped their Holywood counterparts by 3 goals with Rachel Sullivan netting twice and Laura McConnell bagging the other. An unprecedented three way tie for player of the match, shared by Emer Drayne, Jill Holley and Rachel Sullivan.

The ladies knew that they faced a challenge, as Holywood are at the top end of their league table. South got off to a good start immediately, putting pressure on Holywood down the wings, with Emer Drayne and Carly Niblock displaying some great link up play.The girls opened the scoring after 15 minutes through a superb solo effort by Rachel Sullivan. South continued to press with Jill Holley and Bethany Lockhart, making great use of the space throughout midfield to eventually create a chance scored by Laura McConnell at the back post. South's defence managed the Holywood forwards extremely well, minimising the number of chances to strike on goal.
South were unfortunate not to go into the half time break three goals up, as a opportunity created by Erin Rennie for Laura McConnell to covert was saved fantastically by the Holywood goal keeper.
The second half continued to be one way traffic. Holywood defended resolutely until a well worked short corner was smashed home by Rachel Sullivan to put the result beyond doubt. The South ladies were not only delighted with their 3-0 win but also the quality of the team play throughout the match. As momentum builds, they look forward to playing next week against Mossley.