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Fixtures For 04/04/2009

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AGM

The AGM for the mens hockey section will take place in the clubhouse on Thursday 30th April at 8pm.It is requested that all members of the mens hockey section come along to the meeting.

Mens 2nd XI Safe

The second eleven secured a place in junior 6 for next season after defeating North Down 4th's 3-2 on Saturday after being 2-0 down at half time, but a hat trick from Davy Johnston in the second half secured the three points we needed to stay up. Well done to everyone and thank you for your season long effort to keep us in junior 6 for another season.

Awards Dinner

Once again the ladies hockey section have kindly organised the end of season awards dinner. It will take place in the clubhouse on friday 15th of may, more details to follow.

Match Report

Saintfield II 3
Antrim  IV 0

SAINTFIELD seconds hope last weekend's 3-0 win over Antrim fourths at The Having gained promotion last season, the last thing the locals want is to go straight back down again. And while they have been struggling of late, last weekend's win could not have come at a better time.
The experienced Davy Johnston fired his side into the lead with a sweetly struck short corner strike before one of the club's rising stars, Craig Harkness, made it 2-0.
Antrim's goalkeeper was also having one of those afternoons when he managed to get something on countless goal-bound shots to keep his side in the game.
Johnston made it 3-0 in the second half for the home side, while Saintfield 'keeper, Alastair Patterson, also produced a number of fine saves in the day.
With the locals now anxiously waiting to see how the teams around them at the foot of the table fared last weekend, they hope their win will be enough to retain their Junior 6 status.

Saintfield 2
Annadale 0
With only a few games remaining Saints know the importance of claiming victory as they still remain in the relegation zone.  Despite having inflicted a heavy defeat on Annadale earlier in the season, Saints looked tense as they set about their survival. Despite having the majority of play Saints’ play lacked an urgency of a side needing victory, it was as if they were afraid of making a mistake that might allow their opponents a chance to break and score.  Saints strikers Pamela Murray and Andrea Gibson both had opportunities but the Annadale keeper was in top form to deny numerous chances in the opening period. Saints increased the pace of play in the 2nd period and again the ‘Dale keeper was in top form although she was beaten twice by Jen Rice and Judith Rea.
In the opening period Saints were the dominant attacking force. They kept their visitors hemmed into their own half for long spells although they had difficulty in getting towards the goal area. Saints lacked a fluency in moving forward and often became unstuck at the circle. The ‘Dale defence keeping a tight line didn’t allow any clear sight of goal and frustrated Saints. When Saints did manage to move the ball quickly and get into the circle they always looked likely to score but the ‘Dale keeper was alert. In the 10th min  a cross from the right was collected by Gibson who nipped in front of the sweeper and she managed to squeeze a shot to the back post. From here Murray was lurking and as the keeper and the her defender moved to cover the post Murray got to the ball first but unfortunately as she reached to tap the ball home it stuck her foot before entering the goal. Saints were buoyed by this, and soon after they laid siege to the goal area. The keeper again was active to deny Murray and Gibson from close range. Saints stepped up the pace occasionally and a quick through ball put Gibson into the clear. She took her time and placed the ball to the corner but again the keeper at full stretch was able to turn the ball around the post. The keeper wasn’t giving much away for Saints to try and pick off a rebound but perhaps their hesitancy to follow in did allow her more time to turn the ball out of play. Defensively Saints had little to do but on the rare occasion ‘Dale did threaten to go forward the defenders were able to cut out any threat early. Saints continued to pepper ‘Dales goal area but to no avail as half time approached.
In the 2nd period Saints again were the dominant force. They had the majority of possession and used it to keep ‘Dale hemmed in. This time however they showed more urgency and made greater use of their passing game. They were linking well from the midfield and again Murray and Gibson made early surges to goal. Saints had to wait until the 40th min before they managed to get a breakthrough. A quick exchange of passes spread the play wide drawing out the defence. Clare Withers delivered a cross toward the back post from the right. Rice was lurking in front of the keeper and managed to get a touch to push it wide of the keeper, giving her side the break they needed. Saints continued to push forward and again created more chances but the keeper was still in top form deny Withers from a short corner and Rosi Bell when she broke from midfield. All of ‘Dale’s attacks came down the right, but Bell would only allow short progress as her tackling was superb. Again Saints moved forward with purpose and in the 53rd min Rea followed in at the back post to net a free hit.
Saints may not have scored as many goals as they would have wished but the victory was vital particularly as those just above in the league were defeated. Saints fate still rests in their  own hands as they enter the final stages of the season.

Grosvenor 3rd 2
Saintfield 2nd 0
Saints put in a battling performance against league leaders Grosvenor. Saints had the early advantage but as the game progressed their hosts gradually got the upper hand although they had to wait long into the 2nd half before they were able to secure the game by 2 goals to nil.
Saints started strongly and almost took the lead in the 3rd minute.  Gillian Johnston took a free hit quickly and delivered a great cross in towards the back post. This dissected the defence and young Laura McIlwrath came charging in but unfortunately the ball was just out of her reach as it crossed the line.  The midfield was strong and Tara Johnston was showing good control to maintain possession to be able to attack down the left. With Johnston supporting Saints kept their hosts on the back foot as Natasha Roy sought an opening. When Grosvenor did try to go forward they met a solid defensive line up and play gradually moved from end to end with neither side creating clear opportunities. Saints showed spells of good play when their youngsters in the midfield linked well with the forwards to move forward but they struggled to get a clear sight of goal. Again G Johnston and Heather Sofley were instrumental in denying Grosvenor space to go forward. Towards the end of the opening period Grosvenor were awarded a short corner from which they almost opened the scoring but Saints stand-in keeper Jen Bell turned the ball wide.
In the 2nd period Grosvenor became more of a threat and kept Saints pushed back for long spells but again the locals defence held tight with strong tackling. Saints continued to work hard but the midfield were finding it more difficult to get a way through.  In the 38th  minute the home side moved into the lead when a quick exchange of passes caught Saints out and the forward was able to put the ball away at the back post. Soon after Bell was back in the action and denied Grosvenor a 2nd with several reaction saves on her goal line. Saints cleared their lines and T Johnston linked well with her midfield to move forward but Grosvenor denied Kerry Bowsie  as she approached the circle. When Grosvenor regained possession they again moved forward quickly and added a 2nd following a short corner routine in the 42nd min. As Saints tired they were putting themselves under some pressure as they failed to place their passes accurately as at times they were too quick to off-load the ball. Another fine save by Bell denied Grosvenor late in the game.

Top Goal Scorers

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