Match Report

Match : 3rd XI v Portrush 3rds
Date : 2003-02-08
Venue : A
Score : 0-2
Scorers :

By Graeme Cooke

The 3rd's traveled up to Ballymoney with a squad which on paper looked to be capable of giving portrush a good game. We started the brighter and put their defence under pressure but couldn't find that final descisive pass that was needed.

Portrush hit us a number of times on the counter and excellent defending by John Baker prevented them from converting the chances into goals. We managed to absorb the Portrush pressure for a while then the scored once and had a chance to add to it but Cookie got his body in the way and deflected the ball to safety.

The second half started with all 5 of our substitutes being brought on. We continued to absord pressure and a goalkeeping error allowed Portrush in for their 2nd goal.

We continued to create chances and we won nearly double the number of short corners that Portrush did. So I guess the thing we learned was that we need to take our chances if we are to win games. But this was a big improvement on the two previous games against Portrush...

G. Cooke
J. Baker
G. Moffett
T. Watson
G. Tumilson
N. Johnston
P. Reid
S. Jamison
E. Baird
S. Duffin
S. Hamilton

substitutes
M. Baker
T. Russell
M. Ervin
M. Mckenna
D. Caldwell

John Baker