An important game for 1s tomorrow as they travel to Stormont to take on Civil Service. A win here could take the men within a point of 6th place. The last time out the Lisburn men stormed into a 2 goal lead before being pegged back to a 2-2 draw late in the game. They'll have to do it this time without the industrious midfielder Ward Phillips, who is unavailable. 2.30pm hit off.
South Antrim 2nds v Bangor 2nds
Bangor 2nds are have a fantastic season, second in Junior 1 only to Garvey 2nds. Ian's men have hit form recently too and will look to take another scalp tomorrow. Since the 1sts have an important game, it is likely they'd raid the 2nds for talent to bolster their squad. Ian could be left light, but he'll his motivtional skills to rouse his men to give a great performance no matter what. Home at 1pm.
South Antrim 3rds v Cliftonville 2nds
A rearranged game that was flooded off earlier in the season here. this team is well adrift of the pack in the lower end of Junior 4, surely easy pickings for the 3rds. Paddy Power are offering good odds on an George Glass goal. Away at 4pm.
South Antrim 4ths v Down 1sts
Down are joint top of the league but are just 3 points ahead of South in 3rd. If this game goes well, promotion is a real possibility for Graeme Alister's men. Surely career goal number 300 must be close for Alan Hamilton Junior? Already has 23 to his name this season, he is definitely the 4ths key player. Away at 1.30pm.
South Antrim 5ths v Antrim 3rds
Trevor's men drew 2-2 to Antrim 3rds in the League Cup group stage at the start of the season and he was absolutely livid. He will want a win this time out. Antrim are 3 points and a place below the 5ths so there is no room for error.
South Antrim Ladies v Ballynahinch Ladies
They started their Senior 4 Cup with a 1-0 to Inst last week. This competition works in a strange way so I'm not sure what they need to progress, surely a win would help. I think a lot of the school girls are away on a School Trip so this may be a make shift team.
South Antrim Ladies 2nds v South Antrim Ladies 3rds
We love a good derby game here at South Antrim. Though i doubt there will be as much action as THAT game between the mens' 2nds and 3rds two years ago. The Ladies will surely conduct themselves with more etiquette?... I haven't heard any trash talk yet anyway.
WEEKEND PREVIEW
South Antrim v Portadown (A) UPL
The old Senior 1 rivalry rears its head again. Portadown have had an excellent debut season in the Premier League, whilst South have struggled somewhat. Things weren't helped by Paddy Cochrane leaving for university and Simon Watt leaving to become a dad but the boys were still more than well enough equiped to make a mark in this league. There's time yet to climb the table but they will have to concede far less and score far more to see that happen. The turn around begins tomorrow, away to Portadown (1pm). Even if they don't get the result, an improved performance will be encouraging.
South Antrim 2nds v Annadale 2nds (H) J1
Ian Glass has a small squad for this game as a lot of players are missing. If we're honest, expectations are low but hey, no one thought he'd get his team the IJC quarter final!
South Antrim 3rds v Cookstown 5ths (A) J4
Ashley Sloan heads west to take on Cookstown 4ths. A win is needed to keep up the pressure on Dale, their title rivals. Cookstown are bottom of the table so the odds are favourable.
South Antrim 4ths v Derg Valley 1sts (H) J5
The 4ths are 3 points off 2nd, which is a play off spot. So all eyes will be on Stu 'Sharpshooter' Glenn, he must score the goals to make his a win and make the dream of promotion a reality.
South Antrim 5ths v Lisnagarvey 6ths (H) J5
Another visit from our friendly neighbours, Trevor will be hoping to end the voodoo of a recent string of defeats against Garvey that stretches throughout the club. The 5ths are lingering at the bottom end of the table so this is the ideal time to bring the run.
South Antrim Ladies v Instonians Ladies (H) S4
The Ladies 1sts are the only Ladies club in action tomorrow when they take on Instonians. Inst, like their male counterparts are top of the table and cruising. the girls got a good result against this team in the first leg, a 1-1 draw. Lauren Boomer was the heroine with the goal that day, can she do it again?
South Antrim Ladies 2nds v Victorians 2nds (H) MP
South Antrim Ladies 3rds v Owls 2nds (H) MP
South Antrim v Belfast Harlequins
South hope to end a their recent slump in this encounter. These two sides met a few weeks ago, with Quins coming out well on top. Quins are in a battle for 3rd place and will be giving everything to win, South are in a different sort of battle, fighting to stay clear of the tail end of the table. A 3pm home game for the Lisburn men.
South Antrim 2nds v Bangor 2nds
Bangor are above Ian Glass' men in the table but an away win here could propel his team up to 6th, wouldn't that be something. The guys will be hoping to carry on their good performance against Glenanne last week in the IJC quarter final. Darren Hutchinson, the star of last week, will be missing as he has been called up to the 1sts.
South Antrim 3rds v Campbellians 2nds
Ashley Sloan's men need a will to keep up with Annadale 4ths at the top, who are 1 point clear but have played 2 more games. Tomorrow's opponents Campbellians (away) are 4 points off South and sit in 4th. George Glass' scoring run came to and end last week in their 2-2 draw with Dale.
South Antrim 4ths v Lisnagarvey 6ths
A South side hasn't beaten a Garvey team in a long time, despite when form and league table positions indicate they really should. Graeme Alister will hope to end this poor run that extends throughout the club against our close neighbours. Buoyed by a 6-2 win last week, including a hat-trick for Junior, surely this time we'll win? This is an away game.
South Antrm 5ths v No Game
South Antrim Ladies v Malone Ladies
The ladies host Malone this weekend. Malone sit bottom of Senior 4, with an unfortunate -22 goal difference. Elaine Aiken's ladies will be hoping to show their dominance on the score board and use the gained confidence to have a good crack at league leaders Inst next weekend.
South Antrim Ladies 2nds v Mossley Ladies 4ths
Safe in mid table, Nicole Bell will need to inspire her girls to use their few remaining games to climb the table. Lauren Boomer has scored 3 in the team's last 2 games. Hopefully they can turn goals in points this week. The girls are away up the M2 to Glengormley to play Mossley 4ths
South Antrim Ladies 3rds v Ulster Elks Ladies 4ths
Still awaiting their first win. They need to play out of their skins to beat Ulster Elks who are in a tight battle for 2nd place. In the immortal words of Justin Bieber (feat. Jaden Smith), 'Never say Never'
WEEKEND PREVIEW
South Antrim v North Down
A very important match for the Men's 1sts, this is a chance to put real distance between themselves and the bottom of the table teams. Last time these sides met, South ran our 5-3 victors. Though Captain Lee Marshall will look for a much improved performance in this game over recent games in the league. This is a 2.30pm away game in Comber.
South Antrim 2nds v Lisnagarvey 2nds
The reverse fixture of last week's game. This time South play host to Garvey 2nds. Despite a decent performance last time out, South fell to a 7-0 defeat. Ian Glass will try to get his players to keep Garvey's key players quiet, such as Mark Raphael, if that's even possible. South's own danger men, Chris Arnott and Mark Conn will look to out pace and out run Garvey's back line to cause problems. A 1pm game at FSL.
South Antrim 3rds v Annadale 4ths
A top of the table clash in Junior 4, a proverbial 6 pointer between 1st and 2nd place. South 3rds will hope to recover from last week's shock defeat at the hands of Newry 2nds/3rds. George Glass will be aiming to score for the 9th game in a row. A prime time 2.30pm hit off at FSL
South Antrim 4ths v No Game
South Antrim 5ths v Portadown 3rds
These sides meet in the Minor cup next weekend so its a good chance for Trevor Wallace to sound out the opposition and create a dossier on how to approach the cup game. Have fallen to an unexpected defeat at the hands of Quins 3rds last week, the young 5ths must bounce back and make up for those lost points. This is the late 4pm hit off at FSL.
South Antrim Ladies v Ballynahinch Ladies
Rumour has it that midweek birthday girl Joanne Clarke (26) wished for a win this weekend. Ballynahinch is historically a tough game for South Ladies, always close and hard fought. Hinch took the spoils in the previous game this season in a 1-0 win. If South are serious about a play off spot for promtion, then this is a must win tie. Whether Jo wished for it or not, this is not going to be an easy game.
South Antrim Ladies 2nds v Grosvenor Ladies 4ths
The girls have tumbled down the table unfortunately. They were play-off candidates early in the season but are now safe in mid table in 5th. Grosvenor are just one place below and a loss could see them rise above us in the table.
South Antrim Ladies 3rds v Holywood Ladies 2nds
Another chance for the new ladies 3rds to get some points, they face fellow bottom half team Holywood 2nds. The 3rds are still awaiting a first win in their short history, but every game is an opportunity.
South Antrim v Belfast Harlequins
After an indifferent first half of the season South will look to kick on and grab some more wins to secure their position in the Premier League. South can go within 1 point of Quins with a win and will be in with a chance as Quins have had a few up and down results of their own. Leading scorer Chris Henry (7) will be dying for another goal to keep ahead of fellow forward Paul Maguire (5). This is an away game at Deramore, 2.30pm hit off.
South Antrim 2nds v Lisnagarvey 2nds
Lisnagarvey 2nds wiped up in the Junior 1 League Cup final, beating Banbridge 2nds comfortabely 3-0 with a very strong team. Nevertheless, Ian's side will play with no fear and will relish the chance to play against youth internationals and Garvey 1sts squad players. "Bring it on" says forward Mark Conn. They travel out of Lisburn to Hillsborough for a 2.30pm hit off.
South Antrim 3rds v Newry 3rds
The high flying 3rds are 2 points clear at the top of Junior 4 with 2 games in hand. They return to action with an away trip to Newry (4pm). George Glass has scored in each of the 3rds last 7 games, netting 10 times.
South Antrim 4ths v Derg Valley 1sts
The 4ths start 2016 with an away trip to Derg Valley 1sts for a 4pm hit off... Yikes. Sitting in 4th in Junior 5 and just 3 points off 2nd and a further 2 off 1st, Captain Graeme Alister must reckon he has a shot at promotion. His leading goal scorer is Junior (15).
South Antrim 5ths v Belfast Harlequins 3rds
The 5ths host bottom of the table Quins 3rds, Trevor's side sit in 8th place and will be looking for a high scoring win to propel his team up the table to.. well 8th. His leadinf scorer at the half way point is Ian McElhinney (5), who is more of a provider for the 5ths than the accomplished finisher is known as when he turns out occasionally for the 4ths (7).
South Antrim Ladies v Cooke Ladies
The ladies haven't won since October (sorry), hopefully tomorrow the ladies will turn those pesky draws into a win. The Ladies sit 3rd, which unfortunately is classed as mid-table in Senior 4, but are only 2 points off 2nd place. Vicky Donaldson is their top scorer on 5.
South Antrim Ladies 2nds v Banbridge Ladies 4ths
The Ladies travel to face 2nd placed Bann 4ths. Leading scorer at the halfway stage for the 2nds is Laura McConnell (6). The 2nds have come close on so many occasions in games but, ultimately, have left with nothing. Let's hope 2016 is a bit kinder.
South Antrim Ladies 3rds v Owls 2nds
The Ladies 3rds host Owls 2nds at FSL tomorrow. Much like the 2nds, they had little luck in their fledgling start to life in the tail end of 2015, losing but just 1 or 2 goals in their first games. Also much like the 2nds, their leading scorer is Laura McConnell (2).
Please take note that it is Friends' School's open morning tomorrow, so please be wary of pedestrians and be parking.
WEEKEND PREVIEW
Only the Mens' Club in action this weekend.
South Antrim v Kilkeel
The 1sts travel down the east coast to visit Kilkeel for a 2.30pm start. Kilkeel came out on top in the first league encounter earlier this season at FSL. That game finished 4-3 with Kilkeel scoring in the closing stages to clinch the points. It will be a very different game on Kilkeel's slower playing surface but South are up for it and keen to steal points off a side sitting comfortably sitting 2nd in the league. A Glass returns to the line up this weekend, but its Ian and not Adam, as the big man step between the posts in Mark Hutchinson's absence.
South Antrim 2nds v Newry 2nds
The 2nds also head south on the otherside of the Moures as they take on Newry 2nds at 4pm. Captain Ian Glass will be expecting the guys to put on a performance an bring the points back north from this struggling Newry side. Ashley Sloan fills in for Ian in nets. Also missing is Chris Arnott and with Jack Redpath with the firsts, the 2nds are down to bare bones for this key encounter.
South Antrim 3rds v Campbellians 2nds
Campbellians sit 3rds in the table, 3 points behind our 3rds having played 2 extra games. Still boasting maximum points this season so far, with 22 goals scored an 2 conceded, the 3rds have a record to maintain. More importantly, they need the points to stay clear of Campbellians and regain top spot from Annadale, who have also played 2 extra games. With Captain Sloan with the 2nds, I presume Andrew Wallace is playing nets, but I could be wrong. This the 1pm hit off at FSL.
South Antrim 4ths v South Antrim 5ths
Another intra-club clash, at 2.30pm. This is where legends are made. Last time out the 4ths came out on top in a 4-1 battering of the 5ths. Alan Hamilton Jnr netted a hat-trick whilst his fierce rival, Ian McElhinney, netted the only goal for the 5ths. Trevor Wallace, 5ths captain, says he's been eating raw eggs and training non stop, punching a sack of potatoes with Graeme Alister's face on it. He is itching for revenge.
Whatever the score, the 3rds, 4ths and 5ths are all heading over to the Cricket Club for pints after, all Club members are welcome.
WEEKEND PREVIEW
A notice before we start, the Ladies are having a bun sale upstairs on Saturday, so there will be be tasty snacks and warm drinks available for all. With 6 of our 8 teams playing at home and the 4s having no game, most of the club be about so its the best place to be for pre-Christmas dinner banter!
South Antrim v Mossley
The 1sts will look to put 2 disappointing weeks behind them as they welcome struggling Mossley to FSL. Mossley sit bottom, with just 1 point from 4 games. By contrast, South sit mid table on 6 points. The lads hope to have Chris Redpath available, subject to a fitness test, but still miss drag flicker Adam Glass. Nathan Gamble and James Brown will battle it out for flicking duty in his absence. This is the 3pm hit off.
South Antrim 2nds v Cookstown 2nds
The 2s are fresh off the back of their Irish Junior Cup victory, which saw them be the only non-IHL Club's Junior side to qualify for the Quarter Finals, so well done lads. They entertain Cookstown 2nds at home this weekend at 1pm. With Neil Wilson recovering his goal scoring touch this could be a tight game, last time these sides met, Cookstown, then the hosts, came away with a 5-3 victory. Key to nullifying Cookstown's potent attack will be centre back pairing, Phil Spaughton and Jack Moore.
South Antrim 3rds v Mossley 4ths
The only away game this weekend, the 3rds travel to Glengormley for a 1pm hit off against Mossley 4ths. Captain Sloan will be looking for Jonny Taylor to lead by example in midfield, using his attacking 'nous' to create chances. South won the home leg of this encounter 1-0, thanks to a George Glass short corner. In the league, Ashley's men have slipped of top spot in Junior 4 to Annadale 2s, who lead them by a point, but have played to extra games.
4ths v No Game
No game for the 4ths, but we hope to see plenty of them around the ground on Saturday as many of this team make up the Balcony Banter Brigade, famous for their 'Man-Bun' chant.
South Antrim 5ths v Mossley 5ths
A 1pm home game for the 5ths, home this week is Wallace's smurf turf, just a short walk away from FSL. Trevor will hope to halt the slide in form the team is suffered. Bringing Ian MacElhinney drop from the 4ths has added more experience and stability to the side. These side met in the cup at the start of the season, South winning on that occasion 3-0, thanks to a Peter Davis double and a John Massey strike. I think both of those players have been called up to higher teams though.
South Antrim Ladies v Parkview Ladies
This Senior 4 battle hits off at 2.30pm on the far pitch at FSL. The Ladies sit midtable in 4th, but are only 5 points off the top and 2 points off Parkview, this week's opponents, in second. Promotion is very much still and achievable target. They will look to improve upon their 3-0 away loss to side in October. Key will be Vicky Donaldson, their leader scorer.
South Antrim Ladies 2nds v Portadown Ladies 3rds
The 1pm hit off on the far pitch at FSL. The girls sit in 5th place in Junior 7, just 2 points off 2nd, but getting the points this week will be tall order, they face league leaders Portadown, who have won every game, bar a hiccup last week when they lost to Owls 2nds. If Owls can do it, the Southies can do it. After all, they beat Owls twice.
South Antrim Ladies 3rds v Banbridge Ladies 4ths
The 4pm slot on the far pitch goes to the Ladies 3rds. They sit 1 point adrift at the bottom of the table, with 7 games in hand. This week they face 2nd placed Banbridge 4ths. Despite their lack of experience, bar Captain Carol Redpath, the girls have not been trounced as one might expect of a newly formed side, they have been competitive and haven't lost by more than 2 goals. Stick at it!
WEEKEND PREVIEW
South Antrim v Instonians
The first play Inst at home (3pm) this weekend. Things didn't go too well for South last time against Inst, losing 7-0. This time to boys know what they're up against and can plan for it. The lads sit mid table, 6th, so far in their debut season in the UPL. Inst sit top, having won every game and conceded just 3 goals. The 1sts will welcome back Chris Redpath after injury.
South Antrim 2nds v Cork Harlequins 2nds
Thankfully a home draw against Cork Quins in the Irish Junior Cup (2pm). This will be a tasty encounter, not least because Willy has a crate full of Subway sandwiches for the Cork team after, but since these two side should be very evenly matched. Neil Wilson will be looking to continue scoring and help the 2nds progress. Whilst Ian Glass will look to continue his fine form in nets, we must not forget Ian has only been a goalkeeper for 5 months, credit where credit is due, he really has shone.
South Antrim 3rds v Cliftonville 2nds
The replay of the match cancelled 2 weeks ago. The 3s just beat this same side 4-1 last week and will look to repeat the feat. Ashley Sloan returning can only boost the hopes of the high flying 3rds who are still sitting top of the league, level with Annadale 4ths on 18 points but having a game in hand. Away at 4pm.
South Antrim 4ths v Down 1sts
Hopefully Junior will be available this weekend as he aims to score yet again. The 4ths sit 3rd in Junior 5 but all the teams have playing varying amounts of games its impossible to tell their situations. All they can do is keep winning, unfortunately Down 1sts are top of the league, but to be the best you've got to beat the best. Home game at 1pm.
South Antrim 5ths v Mossley 5ths
Another South team plays a Mossey side this weekend, this time its the 5ths turn. The 4ths drew 3-3 with this side last week, can the 5ths do one better? The 5ths have lost their last 4 games on the trot, can Trev turn it round?
South Antrim Ladies 1sts v No Game
No game as River Island are having a sale.
South Antrim 2nds v Owls 2nds
A Minor Cup tie for the only Ladies team in action this weekend. Captain Nicole Bell will have a full roster to pick from. These two teams have met in the league and South came out on top on that occasion thanks to a Laura McConnell goal.
South Antrim Ladies 3rds v No Game
No game as Topshop are having an even bigger sale than River Island.
WEEKEND PREVIEW
South Antrim v Pembroke Wanderers
South take a break from the Premier League to continue their Irish Senior Cup exploits. Having gone further than the likes of NICS, Quins, UCD or Raphoe in this competition, the draw was not kind, an away tie against Prembroke Wanderers. Nevertheless the boys travel south with hopes of a huge upset.
South Antrim 2nds v Mossley 2nds
These clubs are tied on points in Junior 1 so this is a proverbial 6 pointer to climb the table. Neil Wilson hasn't scored in 5 games, now would be a good time to find that golden touch he showed at the start of the season. The team's key player is Darren Hutchinson who has attracted rave review in the past couple of games, lighting up games with his signature twirls and spins.
South Antrim 3rds v Cliftonville 2nds
Their final game without captain and goalkeeper Ashley Sloan. He will expect nothing less that the boys to be sitting right where he left them, in 1st place. Cliftonville are at the bottom end of table so the odds are good. With George Glass on point in front of goal, the lads will fancy their chances in netting short corners.
South Antrim 4ths v Mossley 5ths
Every week I seem to be writing the same thing about this team: Can Junior score again? Given that he has scored 9/20 of the team's league goals so far, I'd reckon he stands a strong chance. So, once again, we wish Junior all the best in scoring for the 9th game in a row. They play Mossley, a team that the 5ths beat 3-0 in the cup 2 months ago.
South Antrim 5ths v Lisnagarey 6ths
The 5ths have the second worst defensive record in the league, this is an area the boys must improve upon. The 4ths somehow managed to lose to these boys, despite being at opposite ends of the table so they are no pushovers. Trevor will need and organised defence and lethal attack to win this, no pressure.
South Antrim Ladies v PSNI Ladies
The ladies beat this tea 4-0 in the reverse fixture in Belfast and will look to replicate that performance here. PSNI sit 2 points behind our girls having played an extra game. Vicky Donaldson is the team's top scorer with 5. Having last weekend off the girls will be raring to go.
South Antrim Ladies 2nds v Ulster Elks Ladies 4ths
The 2s lost the reverse fixture 3-2 so will be looking to make amends and win this time about. The Elks are tied in 2nd place on 15 points with the Lisburn Lasses so this is a verryy important game. Captain Nicole Bell has be drafting her big pre-game speech all week.
South Antrim Ladies 3rds v Ards Ladies 5ths
The 3rds prop up the table in Junior 7, with Ards 5ths just above them. The 3rds are 1 point behind Ards, with 5 games in hand. The girls are hoping to get their first point or points in their history. Many of the girls are playing their 1st season of Senior hockey to every game is a learn experience, and with Carol Redpath as their leader, they'll learn plenty!
A reminder that fees are due for both the Mens' and Ladies' Club's Christmas dinners! Money needs to be paid to book your place!
WEEKEND PREVIEW:
South Antrim v Portadown
South have spent an number of seasons battling it out with Portadown for top spot in Senior 1, but this time its Premier League. The men in blue currently sit one place and a point ahead of South. With Jonny Patterson and Chris Henry as doubts to be fit for the game, this could be a tough day at the office. This game hits off at 3pm at FSL.
South Antrim 2nds v Lisnagarvey 3rds
The 2s travel out of Lisburn to take on Lisnagarvey 3rds at 1pm. The guys sit mid table with just 3 points after being Kilkeel on opening days, their matches since have been against the top end heavyweights but performances were encouraging. The guys will need to beat the teams in and around them, starting with Garvey 3rds. Garvey 1sts and 2nds have no game this weekend, just saying. Neil Wilson hasn't scored in 3 games, he'll be trying his best to get his name on the score sheet this week.
South Antrim 3rds v Kilkeel 3rds
The 1pm hit off at FSL. After last weeks cancellation, the 3rds are raring to go. The men are still without keeper and Captain Ashley Sloan but with a record of maximum points, 14 goals scored and 0 conceded to preserve, they should have no problem getting motivated.
South Antrim 4ths v Ballymena 1sts
The 4pm slot at FSL is the 4ths. After last weekend's drubbing of the 5ths, Graeme has asked for 'more of a challenge'. He's sure to get it from Senior 2 hardened Ballymena. A 0-0 away draw played out last time these two teams met, Gaz is aiming for all 3 points this time about, Junior is looking to score for the 8th week in a row.
South Antrim 5ths v NICS 3rds
Things did not go well for Trevor's lads last time he played NICS 3rds, at all, a 9-2 demolishment. He with undoubtedly be asking for the boys to show more a backbone this time about. NICS sit top of this league so it will be hard going to get points away from home.
South Antrim Ladies v Ballycastle Ladies
Ballycastle Ladies have folded and pulled out of the league. The Men's club sends their sympathies to those husbands/boyfriends now destined to spend this Saturday Christmas shopping in the cold.
South Antrim Ladies 2nds v Ards Ladies 5ths
Nicole Bell's girls have been in fine form, winning 4 on the trot and sit joint 2nd in the league. Ards 5ths at the other end of the table so maybe club top scorer Laura McDonnell can add to her account. With Amy Wright also in the team, the girls won't be short on goal scorers.
South Antrim Ladies 3rds v Portadown Ladies 3rds
After Chloe Glover scored the girls first ever goal last weekend, the girl will be hoping to set another milestone, a first win. Though they couldn't have drawn tougher opponents, Portadown 3rds sit top of the league and have won every game and conceded just. In the immortal words of Justin Bieber, never say never.
