Match Report

Match : 2nd XI v Raphoe 5ths
Date : 2002-10-26
Venue : H
Score : 1-2
Scorers : Nicholl

By Stuart Campbell

This is one of those games where we could have done with the points but we knew we would have to give a good performance to do so.

The first half seen the seconds play fantastic possession hockey in the Raphoe half. Dominating possession and hassling for the ball when all seem lost. The highlight of the first half was Stephen Nicholls goal. Picking the ball up on the 25 yard line pushed the ball into the circle and chased. Nicholl was always second favourite to get to the ball but with his blistering pace he somehow got there and hit a bullet into the top corner. Superb goal to cap a good first half performance.

The second half started well but then Raphoe got a goal about ten minutes in, Soupy, doing nets was exposed but a basic error let the ball run through his legs.1-1 each and all to play for.

Even before we could get re-organised Raphoe were on the attack again a strong shot from the top of the circle and goal. Yes, again the ball went straight between the legs. 2-1 and now we had to chase the game.

This we did brilliantly but alas we could not convert any of the numerous chances we created. Pushing forward left gaps in defence and often Mark Mcdonald, Gillespie were left outnumbered but managed to thwart the attackers.
On one occassion Soupy was left with two attackers to conetend with but with the luck of the Goalkeeping God (Goalkeepius the great) he somehow saved and Gillespie cleaned up to start another attack.

The game ended 2-1 with East pushing forward in vain. To say we should have won is possibly not fair to Raphoe but to say we could have won this game is completely fair. This game could have ended 10 each had each team taken their chances.

Next week we entertain Omagh in a game we simply must win.

Soupy
Leitch
Gillespie
McDonald
Watson
P.Reid
Nicholl
Irwin
Bell
Baird
Russell
B. Reid

Stephen Nicholl