WEEKEND ROUND UP
South Antrim 3-4 Kilkeel (A.Glass, C.Henry x2)
The keenly anticipated league opener, South’s first ever game in the Ulster Premier League. South even scored first with an Adam Glass drag flick by Russell. South Antrim were on top for long periods before Kilkeel netted a drag flick of their own. Then quickly went in front by a volley on the turn by Annett. Soon into the second half, a chain of defensive errors lead to another Kilkeel short, duly dispatched again by a drag flick. South stepped it up pressed high up the pitch, winning a short corner from another Chris Henry mazy run. Henry scored his deflection to get South back into it. However, their pressing their undoing as a break away lead to another Kilkeel short, dispatched on the rebound by Agnew. Credit to the boys that they didn’t give up, and Henry scored a deserved second deflection from a short. With South really on top and Kilkeel on the ropes, the final whistle went, denying the Lisburner’s an upset.
South Antrim 2nds 2-7 Newry 2nds (N.Wilson, D.Hutchinson)
The seconds didn’t have a good day of it either, losing 7-2 to Newry 2nds. Neil Wilson got the score sheet with a first time shot to prolong his record of scoring in every game. Daz Hutchinson scored a second from a short corner routine too secret to tell me about.
South Antrim 3rds 1-0 Portrush 2nds (K.Gamble)
In a tightly fought contest, the 3rds came out on top in Ballycastle. They secured the only win in the mens’ club this weekend, and the man to thank; Kurtis Gamble, a strong side arc and a pile-driver shot decided the game.
South Antrim 4ths 2-4 Lisnagarvey 6ths (A.Hamilton Jnr, A.Smith)
The 4ths made the journey out of Lisburn down the dual carriageway to Hillsborough. Unfortunately they didn’t get the result they wanted from our neighbours and lost 4-2. Alan Smith netted a volley at the back post and Junior scored his 257th goal for the club, controlled a ball in and beating the keeper with a placed shot.
South Antrim 5ths 2-9 NICS 3rds (C.Black, S.Taggart)
A day to forget for the 5ths as they return from Stormont with nothing. It started well though, Chris Black scored from a short corner to go 1 up, but that was the end of that, Civil Service hit 6 before Simon Taggart netted from open play, but then Service romped in another 3 to close out the game.
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.