Crossgar fought from a goal down to defeat their derby rivals for the first time in four years last weekend.
Having lost both their opening games in the linden cup competition, neither side had any hope of making it into the semi-final stages.
Saintfield, who were still missing goalkeeper, Graeme Finlay, opted to put skipper Lawrence Murphy between the posts and he produced an outstanding display.
Crossgar, of whom great things are expected this season, played with style and composure and the fact that they fought their way back into the cup-tie after conceding an early goal speaks volumes about their newfound confidence.
Saintfield, who were also missing Johnny Poole, started brightly and were on top for the crucially important minutes in the cup-tie both sides wanted to win to grab a vital Psychological advantage going into the league campaign.
Crossgar’s Gareth Lennon was the man who inadvertently started the move which lead to the home sides opening goal and it was no surprise who scored it either.
A long ball to Davy Johnston was controlled in an instant and his bullet shot flew past Alistair Patterson who had hardly any time to react, so ferocious was the shot.
In the past, Crossgar heads would have dropped at this stage, but not this time. Garry Tates side are a more difficult proposition and 10minutes after going behind, Crossgar were back on level terms.
Tate’s push out from a short corner was stopped by Nigel Jackson who took aim before unleashing one of his trademark shots, which flew past Murphy.
The goal inspired the claret and blues and minutes before the interval the visitors scored a priceless second to hold the upper hand.
The move which had led to the goal was started by Jackson whose pass saw Mervyn Patterson and Conor Ferguson scythe through the Saintfield defence to create an opening for Julian Spratt who scored with a sublime reverse stick shot.
In between times, as the home side struggled to cope with the wave of Crossgar attacks, Murphy stood defiant, pulling off a number of fine saves to keep his side in the game.
Into the second period and while Saintfield tried to haul them-selves back into contention, they never forced Patterson to make a save. Johnston did hit the crossbar with one thunderous effort, but other than that, Crossgar were never in danger of throwing away their stranglehold on the cup-tie.
Spratt scored his second of the day when he popped up unchallenged at the back post to steer Jackson’s pinpoint cross past Murphy.
The visitors introduced Gary Marshal, Stephen Tate and Gary Montgomery in the second period when Ferguson should have scored with just Murphy to beat. Skipper Tate was guilty of the most glaring miss of the day when he flicked the ball wide with an open goal at his mercy.

07/10/06 Newry II v Saintfield (Irish Junior Cup)

Newry II 0Saintfield 0 aet

(Saintfield win 5-4 on penalty flicks)

SUPER Saintfield stunned sorry Newry seconds with a brilliant performance in this first round Irish Junior Cup tie. No one gave the locals a hope against the junior One side, but Lawrence Murphy's men produced a gritty and determined display which reaped its just reward with a dramatic win in the penalty shoot out.

The return of Graeme Finlay was a big factor in Saintfield's win. The goalkeeper produced a number of stunning saves in the game and his block during the penalty shoot out helped guarantee his place in the second round. Having lost to Crossgar the previous week, Saintfield were out to prove and they did it in magnificent style.

More used to the shale surface, Saintfield set out their stall early on, keeping things tight at the back in the middle of the park. Alan Buchanan and Ivor Johnston both returned to add stability and bite to the back four, while Lance Walker, Chris Telford, Gavin Kirkpatrick and Sammy Davidson ran their socks off in the middle of the park. Davy Johnston again was asked to play the lone striker's role, with Conor Patterson asked to provide the link between the midfield and attack.

Saintfield competed for every ball as if they very lives depended on it and the longer the game went on the more frustrated the home players and supporters became. Unlike the previous week, Saintfield refused to stand off their opponents and their in-your-face tactics paid a handsome dividend. Every time a Newry player beat a man, one from Saintfield had doubled back to provide cover.

Finlay decided to stay on his feet to face the Newry short corners and the tactic worked as he produced a number of fine saves. On the two occasions he was beaten, veterans Hobbs and Johnston were on hand to clear shots off the line. At the other end, Johnston went close from a short corner, but it was a day for no-nonsense defending and Saintfield passed the test presented to them with flying colours.

Fears that Saintfield would run out of steam in the second period proved unfounded, but there were some very tired legs in the visitor's ranks going into the penalty shoot out after extra time failed to separate the teams. Johnston kept his composure to put his side 1-0 ahead from the spot, but Newry also converted to make it 1-1. Patterson was also as cool as a cucumber to make it 2-1 before Newry equalised again.

The turning point came from the third set of strokes. Hobbs had to take his twice after the umpire ruled the first was ineligible as the Saintfield player failed to wait for the whistle. Second time around it was the same result, but Newry then missed as Finlay produced a stunning save. Buchanan and Kirkpatrick both converted from the spot to secure the win and now all Saintfield want is a trip across the border in the second round.

14/10/06 Saintfield v East Antrim (League)

Saintfield 3
East Antrim 1

SAINTFIELD'S 3-2 win over East Antrim was inspired by hat-trick hero, Davy Johnston, who was in top form for this crucial Senior Two opener.
The locals struggled early on attempting to hit long balls, rather than passing through the midfield. The game was also scrappy and the home supporters were stunned when East Antrim opened the scoring through Davy Caldwell.
His ground shot from a short corner looked as though it was going to be cleared before it hit a bobbled and somehow managed to end up in the back of the net.
The goal should have sparked a response from Saintfield, but it was the visitors who were on top at this stage and threatened to increase their lead. The fact they didn't was down to Graeme Finlay who made a number of important saves to keep his side very much in the game.
As the half progressed, Saintfield started stringing a few passes together and as East Antrim pushed forward they were caught on the break and Johnston punished them when he scored.
The goal came near the end of the first half and the interval allowed the home side to refocus on what it was supposed to be doing.
Saintfield pushed Sammy Davidson wide on the left at the start of the second half, a move which instantly created more space for his team matters to exploit.
Lance Walker also upped his game after the restart and made a number of his landmark runs deep into the East Antrim penalty area.
Johnston scored his second of the game when he shook off his marker to pick his spot and while he then missed a number of chances and also hit the bar, it wasn't long before he completed his hat-trick.
East Antrim, who ended the game with 10 players after one of their defenders walked off, faced an uphill struggle and the two-goal advantage was too great for them to overcome.
While delighted with the opening day win in the new league campaign, Saintfield know they need to sharpen up in the middle of the park if they are to mount a serious title challenge.

They reached the final of the Senior Two Cup last season and enjoyed their best ever finish in the league. Last weekend's win has provided a firm foundation on which to build what will hopefully be another impressive season.

21/10/06 Pembroke Wanderers II v Saintfield (Irish Junior Cup)

Pembroke II…….8
Saintfield……….0

Saintfield bowed out of the Irish Junior Cup but they certainly were not disgraced, despite the score-line.
Lawrence Murphy’s team were determined to themselves proud and knew if they could keep the score below double figures it would represent something of a moral victory.
It was always going to be tough, particularly against a side, which boasted six ex Irish internationals in their line up.
Saintfield, who were at full strength, played with just Davy Johnston up front, hoping he could feed off any scraps, which came his way, but there were very little over the 70 minutes.
On a sumptuous water-based synthetic pitch at Pembroke’s Dublin headquarters, the Demesne side refused to be overawed by surroundings and concentrated on the job at hand.
While they kept their illustrious opponents, Pembroke were soon in ominous form as they spread the ball about at pace, confident they could do anything to tease the opposition.
Four goals in each half killed off Saintfield, but the visitors’ ‘keeper Graeme Finlay, made a number of excellent saves. William Heaney and Matt Owen were also magnificent on the day, which the locals will remember for a long time to come.
Pembroke scored two early goals, which were strikingly similar. Two free hits were drilled into the penalty area where a Pembroke forward controlled them before unleashing two terrific reverse stick shots into the roof of the net.
Lance Walker enjoyed one great chance at the other end, but the superior fitness of the Dublin side began to tell, even though it was the first half.
They scored two more goals from play before the interval when skipper Murphy asked for more of the same in the second half, even though he knew his side was up against it.
Owen and Heaney had a lot more to do in this second period as Pembroke used their experience to great effect, pulling defenders out of position create space in behind for their forwards to exploit.
But no matter how hard Saintfield tried, Pembroke always seemed to have extra men who were able to penetrate the visitors penalty area, scoring another four goals, three of which came from short corners.
In the end, the locals were overpowered, but their hosts treated them to a superb meal after the game.

28/10/06 Saintfield v Parkview (League)

Saintfield 7
Parkview 0

Magnificent Saintfield recorded one of their biggest victories in years with a 7-0 demolition of parkview last weekend.
The locals were on fire from the off and led 4-0 at the interval; another three goals were hammered in the second period as Lawrence Murphy’s men ran riot.
His players responded superbly after last week’s heavy defeat in the Irish Junior Cup and if Parkview thought saintfield would be suffering a hangover after crashing 8-0 to Pembroke Wanderers, they were very much mistaken.
Saintfield were on top from the off and goalkeeper, Graeme Finlay, had a very quiet afternoon as Parkview relied on the experience of Paul Harvey to try and grab something from short corner set pieces.
But his opportunities were few and far between as saintfield pulverised Parkview with a sparkling performance on the eve of Halloween, which exorcised any demons still lurking from last weekend’s cup defeat.
Gavin Kirkpatrick opened the scoring in the sixth minute when he seized the opportunity to rifle the ball past Richard Nesbitt to give his side a deserved lead.
And before Parkview could regroup, they were 2-0 down when the home side scored from the unlikeliest source. It’s not often Sammy Davidson gets his name on the score sheet, but he was in the right place at the right time and when Davy Johnston picked him out with an inch-perfect pass, there was only going to be one outcome.
With 20 minutes left Parkview new they were in for a drubbing when Kirkpatrick scored his second of the game following another short corner routine and he took great delight in firing past Nesbitt.
With the visitors looking forward to the break in a bid to regroup, they were caught again and this time it was the influential Matt Owen who rifled home goal number four from a short corner.
Harvey did manage to put the ball in the back of the net but his “goal” Was disallowed because the shot was above the backboard. Murphy asked his men to maintain their high tempo in the second half and by the time they had scored their seventh goal Parkview just wanted the umpires to end the tie.
Livewire Lance Walker scored Saintfields fifth goal when he made sure Owen’s goal-bound shot crossed the line and then the experienced Davy Hobbs made sure he got in on the scoring act. After making his way into the penalty area, he fooled everyone by feigning to pass, before drilling the ball into the net.
The goal of the game came in the closing stages from Chris Telford who started and finished a scintillating move. He collected the ball in his own penalty area after Parkview made a mess of a short corner.
His pass to Owen was returned to him and he ran the length of the field before picking his spot past Nesbitt for a truly outstanding goal and one which demonstrated the midfielder’s superb fitness level.
This weekend, Saintfield face Ballymena and will be out to pick up another three points to maintain the pressure on early fellow pacesetters, Down and Portrush.

04/11/06 Ballymena v Saintfield (League)

Ballymena……….2

Saintfield………..4

Saintfields bid to stay in the promotion hunt received a massive boost at Ballymena last weekend.
Against the league newcomers, Saintfield had to work hard for their win and with a home game against Armagh this Saturday, the unbeaten run looks set to continue.
With Down and Portrush the only other unbeaten sides in the league, the trio are all in the race for the title, even though it is early in the season.
Saintfield host Down at the Demesne on January 13 and the outcome could have a major say in the destiny of the title. Both sides were due to meet at Malone Park earlier in the season but the game was postponed as both teams were involved in the Irish Junior Cup.
If both sides continue to win, the rearranged league game in Downpatrick between the deadly derby rivals could decide the outcome of the title race and what a game that would be.
But a lot of hockey has to be played before then. Last weekend, Saintfield maintained their impressive start to the season against a very useful side which is no pushover.

Impressive

The locals had to come from behind to secure the win and those all-important three points. The scoreline also doesn’t reflect the true foothold they had on the game as the home ‘keeper pulled off a string of impressive saves.
Graeme Finlay made a few early saves to keep his side in the game, while his opponent at the other end had to be alert to keep out efforts from both Davy Johnston and Gavin Kirkpatrick.
Ballymena took the lead in the 26th minute when an unmarked forward at the back post scored with a fluffed shot which Finlay would easily have saved if there had been more pace on the ball.
But there was no sense of panic and Saintfield force their way back into the game with Alan Buchanan unlucky not to grab an equaliser at the other end. Ballymena held on to their slender lead until the interval and were determined to keep thing tight for the opening 10 minutes of the second period.
But it was all one-way traffic as Saintfield cranked up the gears and the tempo. Johnston and Kirkpatrick again went close and just when it looked as though it was going to be one of those days when the ball wouldn’t go into the net, that man Johnston popped up with the equaliser.
And, within the space of five minutes, Ballymena went from leading the game by a single goal to trailing their opponents 3-1. The tireless Kirkpatric weighed in with two more goals in three minutes to put his side in the driving seat.
Willie Heaney was harshly yellow-carded before Ballymena made it 3-2 when they scored with a deflected short corner which evaded Finlay via David Hobbs’ stick and a Ballymena forward.
With the home side needing one more goal to secure a point, Saintfield refused to hit the panic button and Johnston Scored his second of the afternoon in the final minute of the game.
It was a classic Johnston strike as well. Picking the ball up on the edge of the circle, he drifted right before catching the ball as clean as a whistle and hammering it into the net.

This weekend Lawrence Murphy’s side face Armagh at home before making the trip to Ballycastle in two weeks’ time to face Portrush in what will be a crunch tie

11/11/06 Saintfield v Armagh (League)

Saintfield.….3
Armagh…….3

Saintfield’s bid for promotion suffered a blow at the demesne last Saturday when Armagh scored a late, equaliser to snatch a point.
The home side was left stunned, not just by the strike, but by the fact that the umpires seemed to allow time to continue for more than two minutes after signalling there was just 120 seconds to go.
Saintfield, who face Portrush this Saturday, struggled early on and had to rely on Graeme Finlay to keep them in the game as Armagh proved they have improved considerably after loosing recently at Malone Park by Crossgar.
The home side looked home and dry while leading 3-1 but the visitors scored two goals, one in the dying embers of the game, to steal a point they didn’t look like getting.
Armagh could have opened the scoring in the scoring in the first minute, but an unmarked forward blazed his shot over the bar with just Finlay to beat. At the other end Saintfield’s striking talisman, Davy Johnston, went close for the home side.

Smashed

Gavin Kirkpatrick almost gave Saintfield the lead, but the loss of Willie John Heaney, who lost his tooth after the ball took a wicked deflection off his stick and smashed into his face, was a real body blow as the home side lost one of it’s defensive lynchpins.
Armagh also created a number of chances in the opening period but both sides were locked at 0-0 at the break. But the second half started with a real flurry with three goals in a spellbinding three-minute spell.
Saintfield took the lead with a typical goal from Johnston. He took the ball to the right hand side of the penalty area before unleashing a trademark shot which saw the ball rifled into the bottom corner for a superb opener.
A minute later, a defensive lapse allowed Armagh equalise, but then Saintfield then went back to the other end to take the lead for the second time in the game when Johnston scored his second of the afternoon.
The home fans got to warm their hands five minutes later when hard-working Kirkpatrick was rewarded for another impressive display when he made it 3-1. At this point it looked a case of job done, but that’s not how things panned out.
A heavy shower made the playing surface particularly difficult for both sides and with just a few minutes to go, another defensive lapse allowed Armagh to make it 3-2.
Johnston was then denied the opportunity of putting his side 4-2 ahead before the visitors were awarded a controversial penalty stroke. But as far as Saintfield were concerned, justice was done when Finlay stood tall to produce a great save.
With the two minutes having being signalled and a long passage of play completed, Saintfield were anxious to hear the final whistle, which did not come when they thought it should have.
With the last hit of the game Armagh made it 3-3, much to the annoyance of the locals who thought the game should have ended long before one of the visitor’s forward scored past Finlay.

18/11/06 Portrush v Saintfield (League)

Portrush……4
Saintfield…..2

Saintfields promotion hopes were dashed at Ballycastle last weekend.
The Demesne outfit fell to their first league defeat of the season in a game they led at one stage and which they literally threw away in the second half as a result of some poor defending.
Lawrence Murphy’s side was left bitterly disappointed, but know they have the opportunity to cancel out the defeat when they entertain Portrush later in the season in what could possibly turn out to be a promotion decider.
The locals went into the game without William Heaney, Johnny Poole, Adam Stewart and Sammy Davidson and the loss of these four players was always going to make things difficult.
Both sides effectively cancelled each other out in the opening exchanges, with Portrush setting out their stall early on by man-marking Saintfield danger man, Davy Johnston.
While the visitors created a few half chances, they never really looked like scoring on a pitch where heavy rain in the second period made conditions particularly difficult for both sides.
Portrush took the lead midway through the first half following a short corner. Saintfield players broke the line from the hit out and stopped waiting for the umpire to order the set piece be retaken. But the whistle never came, allowing a Portrush forward to blast the ball past Graeme Finlay.
Saintfield were determined to raise their game in the second half and looked a completely different side. They were more composed and started stringing passes together.
Within five minutes they were back on level terms thanks to that man Johnston who shook off his marker to rifle the ball into the net. Gavin Kirkpatrick then had a glorious opportunity to make it 2-1 before the visitors finally put themselves in the driving seat when they made it 2-1, courtesy of a Matt Owen goal.
He positioned himself at the back post and was in the right place at the right time to deflect a shot from Johnston past the ‘keeper.
Portrush who are also unbeaten this season, roared back into contention following a calamity of defensive errors, which allowed a striker to fire past Finlay for a second time.
With just 15 minutes to go, Saintfield would have been happy with a point at this stage, but more lapses in concentration cost them dear. A poor defensive clearance allowed Portrush to make it 3-2 and before the visitors had time to regroup, the home side made it 4-2 and it was game over.
In the closing stages, Johnston dropped back to help out his under pressure defence, which was up against it.
A first defeat for Sainfield but there is an awful long way to go yet and so much that can happen between now and the title run in. This weekend it’s omagh at home and nothing less than three points will do.

25/11/06 Saintfield v Omagh (league)

Saintfield 5
Omagh 0

SAINTFIELD blasted out a five goal warning to their title rivals that they fully intend to be involved in the race for promotion to Senior One.
A Davy Johnston hat-trick and a double from Gavin Kirkpatrick saw off Omagh at The Demesne last Saturday as Lawrence Murphy's side bounced back from last weekend's defeat against Portrush.
With no game this Saturday, Saintfield face Crossgar, Omagh again and Larne in the run-up to Christmas and maximum points from these three games will ensure they remain in touch at the top.
The home side dominated last weekend's clash and were on top throughout. Missing Willie Heaney, Matt Owen and Davy Hobbs, the locals welcomed back Johnny Poole, while the experienced Ivor Johnston and Ian Weir stepped up from the seconds.
Saintfield were always in control at the back where Conor Patterson had a great game and goalkeeper, Graeme Finlay, could have got a pen and paper out to write down his Christmas shopping list, such was the infrequency of Omagh attacks.
Games against Omagh can be tricky, but Saintfield were in the driving seat after 10 minutes when they led 2-0. Effectively, it was game over at this stage.
The home side's first goal came from Kirkpatrick with the move started by Lance Walker. His powering run saw the ball worked to Johnston who picked out his strike partner with a superb pass and Gavin did the rest, firing the ball past Bobbie Hawkes.
Minutes later, Hawkes was beaten for a second time. The goal came from a short corner and once Johnston had the Omagh goal in his sights, there was only going to be one outcome.
Kirkpatrick then made it 3-0, but the goal was cruel on Omagh's 'keeper. He produced a brilliant save to block the Saintfield striker's initial effort, but the ball rebounded to Kirkpatrick who fired it home.
Chris Martin tried to create openings for Omagh at the other end, but he was frustrated as the Saintfield defence swarmed all over him, denying him space to do any significant damage.
In the second half, Finlay had time to start wrapping his Christmas presents as it was all one-way traffic.
The fourth and fifth goals were scored by Johnston and if he remains injury free, he can play a key role in his side's bid for the title. His second goal of the afternoon came from a crisp short corner strike which flew past Hawkes.
And the Saintfield striker's fifth was almost a carbon copy as he took aim, before pulling the trigger and firing the ball home.
With no game this Saturday, some of the Saintfield players could be heading to Malone Park to watch the clash of the day when title rivals Crossgar and Down go head-to-head.

09/12/06 Saintfield v Crossgar (League)

Saintfield 1
Crossgar 0

SAINTFIELD emerged victorious in this derby tussle at the Demesne to maintain second place in Senior Two.
And the win puts pressure on table toppers Down who face Portrush in Ballycastle this weekend. Saintfield travel to Omagh this Saturday which, on paper, is a guaranteed three points and they'll be hoping Down drop their first points of the season.
Saintfield and Down still have to play each other twice before the title is decided and this weekend could see a shift in the balance of power at the top of the table.
Last weekend's win keeps Saintfield very much in the hunt for promotion and the fact they didn't increase their lead was due to another top performance by Crossgar 'keeper, Alastair Patterson.
Magnificent against Down the previous week, he was again on top form and produced a brilliant save to deny Davy Johnston late on.
Saintfield started brightly and forced a number of short corners, but Johnston and strike partner, Gavin Kirkpatrick, failed to get shots in on goal thanks to some great defending by Julian Spratt who raced off the goal-line to charge down both men.
At the other end, the visitors' skipper, Gary Tate went close and then Gareth Lennon missed when he found himself unmarked at the back post. A poor clearance by the experienced Davy Hobbs let in Spratt and with just Graeme Finlay to beat, he screwed his shot around the wrong side of the post.
Saintfield were keen to send out a warning to Down that they plan to match them every step of the way this season and with just a minute to go in the first half, made the vital breakthrough.
Jackson failed to clear his lines and then Nigel Patterson missed a tackle as the ball broke to Sammy Davidson who made his way into the penalty area before drilling the it towards goal. The ball looked to be on its way over the line before Kirkpatrick nipped in to make sure.
The goal came at the wrong time for Crossgar, but at the start of the second period they came out with all guns blazing.
Finlay had to be at his best to deny Conor Ferguson and then Paul Fenton was guilty of missing a gilt-edged opportunity to score what Crossgar would argue was a deserved equaliser.
With just a single goal advantage, Saintfield were keen to increase their advantage, while Crossgar knew one goal would get them back into it.
Johnston went close on several occasions and one attempted lob was brilliantly saved by Patterson while at the other end, Finlay wasn't going to be outdone.
He had to be at his best at a short corner when he palmed away Jackson's drag flick effort which was destined for the top corner of the net.
Crossgar threw men forward in the closing stages in search of an equaliser but it never came and they were disappointed at the end, both with the result and a decision not to award them a penalty stroke.
As for Saintfield it's another three points and with Omagh this weekend and Larne the Saturday before Christmas, Lawrence Murphy's side will be hoping to have 19 points in the bag before Santa arrives.
But he could provide them with an early Christmas present this weekend if he can help Portrush overcome Down. If the Malone Park outfit lose, it's going to be an absolute cracker of a New Year during the title run-in. And with Down and Saintfield to face each other twice, with both games coming late in the season, it really could be a case of winner takes all.
Match ball sponsor: Philip White Tyres.

16/12/06 Omagh v Saintfield

Omagh 0
Saintfield 3

SAINTFIELD maintained top spot in Senior Two with a comfortable win over struggling Omagh.
And the result took on greater significance when news filtered through that title rivals Down had been hammered by Portrush in Ballycastle. Down and Saintfield go head to head at the Demesne on January 13 and the result could have a major say in the destination of the championship.
Omagh started the brighter of the two sides in last weekend's league encounter at the Cookstown Road and pressed Saintfield for the opening 15 minutes.
But any possibility of a shock result was dispelled when the visitors took the lead against the run if play with the goal coming from the unlikeliest of heroes. Matt Owen isn't noted for his goalscoring, but was swamped by his team mates when he fired his side into the lead.
Owen exchanged passed with Davy Johnston and while the midfielder's initial shot was saved by Bobbie Hawkes, who was once again outstanding, Owen made no mistake with the rebound.
Two minutes later, Saintfield went 2-0 ahead when Ian Weir pounced after Johnston's short corner strike was saved by Hawkes, regarded as the best 'keeper in Senior Two by a mile. Johnston again went close and Kirkpatrick also had an opportunity to score but was denied by Omagh's 'keeper.
Omagh forced one short corner in the first half, but Martin's shot was comfortably dealt with by Graeme Finlay.
It was all one-way traffic in the second half as Saintfield controlled the game and Finlay was left to spectate at the other end of the pitch.
With 10 minutes to go, Johnston's hard work and endeavour was rewarded when he got his name on the score sheet.
In between times, Hawkes came out on top in a number of one-on-ones with the Saintfield dangerman who could have finished the game with a number of goals to his credit.
Owen again went close and Kirkpatrick was left wondering how he missed a golden opportunity in the second half to get his name on the score sheet.
This weekend, Saintfield face Larne at the Demesne before gearing themselves up for an away trip to Campbellians on December 30.

23/12/06 Saintfield v Larne (League)

Saintfield…….9
Larne…………1

Saintfield Maintained their lead at the top of senior two with a comfortable win over bottom of the league Larne.
Saintfield had Larne under pressure from the start, testing their keeper early on trying to get the early lead. The Larne ‘keeper and defence kept them at bay but it wouldn’t be long before someone opened the scoring.
By the time 10 minutes had gone on the clock Saintfield got their first breakthrough with a goal from Gavin Kirkpatrick and within a few minutes Davy Johnston got his first.
Larne did not throw in the towel, but instead worked hard to get back into the game, creating a few half chances but nothing that put Saintfield ‘keeper Finlay under any pressure.
Shortly before halftime Larne were temporarily reduced to ten men after one of their midfielders went in on the wrong side of Saintfield ace Lance Walker and collided with his stick and found himself having to leave the pitch for treatment to a nasty gash to the head.
Moments later and just before the half time whistle Saintfield striker Davy Johnston picked up his second of the match leaving Larne with a tall order for the second half.
Saintfield picked up the pace in the second half. Early on both Johnston and Kirkpatrick went close. Larne also had their chances putting Saintfield under pressure with some good passing but just as Larne started to get back into the game Kirkpatrick hammered another nail into the Larne coffin when he fired home his second.
Moments later Johnston fired home to complete his third hat trick of the season with one of his trademark shots.
Midway through the second half Davy Johnston stepped off the pitch to give Saintfields up and coming young Star Connor Patterson a chance and within minutes Patterson went close with a short corner effort, which went just wide of the post.
It was Gavin Kirkpatrick who Extended Saintfields’s lead with two goals in close succession making the score 7-0.
Davy Johnston returned to the pitch to even things up between himself and Kirkpatrick but the next goal came courtesy of Patterson. A superb cross from the right was lifted into the circle off a Larne defenders stick. The ball travelled over Johnston’s head and fell to Patterson who drilled the ball at waist height into the back of the net.
Just as Larne thought things couldn’t get any worse Saintfields Lance Walker got in on the act with a well-deserved goal. He worked the ball into the circle before unleashing an unstoppable reverse stick shot.
Larne got one back in the dying minutes from a penalty stroke. Larne had won a short corner. The Larne striker’s shot had beaten Finlay but was stopped on the line by Saintfield defender Davy Hobbs, the umpire then gave penalty stroke claiming the ball had hit Hobbs on the foot. The stroke was well taken and although Finlay did brilliantly to make contact with the ball was unable to stop the ball rolling over the line. This Saturday Saintfield play Newcomers Campbellians and are hoping to secure another three points to keep pressure on league rivals Down.
The match ball sponsor for Saintfield v Larne was Philip White Tyres

30/12/06 Campbellians v Saintfield (League)

Campbellians 1
Saintfield 4

SAINTFIELD ended 2006 sitting proudly on top of Senior Two after this comprehensive win over Campbellians.
The Demesne outfit produced a top class performance to bag another three points in the race for the title and sent a timely reminder to neighbours Down that they don't intend relinquishing top spot.
In a game which could have turned out to be the proverbial banana skin, Saintfield played controlled hockey and surprised Campbellians with their prowess on the synthetic surface.
The home side took the lead in the 15th minute when Saintfield's defenders were caught napping and an unmarked forward had time and space to pick his spot past Graeme Finlay.
Campbellians also forced a number of short corners which Finlay dealt with, while at the other end a half chance fell to Davy Johnston who couldn't get his shot on target.
Minutes later Johnston got the first of his double on the day when he fired home and shortly before the interval, Matt Owen set up the Saintfield striker to put his side 2-1 ahead.
Campbellians were awarded a short corner on the half-time whistle and with the set play allowed to take place, the experienced Sammy Davidson was on hand to clear a goal-bound shot off the line.
The home side came out full of intent at the start of the second period and Finlay had to be alert to the danger in front of him, making a number of routine saves to keep his side in the game.
Owen essentially killed the game with a tidy finish to put his side 3-1 ahead before Finlay again produced a smart save from a short corner to prevent Campbellians getting back into the game.
With six minutes to go Saintfield scored their fourth goal of the game when Johnston's strike partner, Gavin Kirkpatrick, got in on the action, rifling the ball past the 'keeper.
Johnston had a one-on-one with the 'keeper in the closing stages but was denied by a smart save. In the end, Saintfield held on to their three-goal advantage to stay on top of the league.
While no one at the Demesne club is getting carried away or talking about the title, there is a feeling that if Saintfield can get something out of its two games against Down, it could end up winning the title.
There's still a lot of games to go and a lot of hockey still to be played. Last season the title was decided in a play-off, could that be about to happen again this year?

13/01/07 Saintfield v Down (League)

Saintfield 1
Down 4

A BLISTERING opening spell in what was the biggest game of the season so far in Senior Two took Down top of the table.
The Malone Park outfit sent out a warning to all their title rivals that they are going to take some stopping and with Portrush only able to draw against Crossgar, Down have a little breathing space at the top.
They have lost just one game this season and with 24 points in the bag, they hope to be in pole position when the champions are declared at the end of March.
Between now and then, Saintfield will be out to make up for the ground they lost weekend and they still have to go to Malone Park. This game will be a rearranged fixture at the end of the season, with the outcome having a major say in the destination of the title.
Saintfield's game plan was ripped to shreds after just 58 seconds last Saturday when Stephen Ferguson scored the first of his two goals on the day.
The goal was started by Down skipper, Jeremy McCready, who was making his first start for a month having been in Australia on holiday. He robbed Alan Buchanan of possession and picked out Ferguson on the right wing.
As the Down forward headed towards goal, the Saintfield defence parted like the Red Sea and Ferguson drilled an unstoppable shot past Graeme Finlay for a fantastic opener.
Willie Heaney then produced a superb tackle to prevent Chris Lennon forcing his way into the penalty area and then a dangerous Paul Tate's cross was cleared by Saintfield's experienced defender, Davy Hobbs, in the third minute.
Hobbs then broke up another Down attack mounted by Ferguson and Gavin Ringland, while at the other end, Davy Johnston skinned Alasdair Duff, but his cross towards strike partner Gavin Kirkpatrick, was cleared by James Erskine. Johnston was then set up by the impressive Matt Owen, but the striker's shot was saved by Down 'keeper, Mark Johnston.
Finlay had to be alert to kick a Tate cross away from the danger zone and seconds later, Hobbs swooped to steal possession away from Lennon.
Kirkpatrick then picked out Johnston and with just his namesake in the Down goal to beat, a bad bobble denied the Saintfield marksman the opportunity to control the ball and the chance was gone.
Heaney then broke up a Down attack when he tackled Ringland who would have been in on goal had the Saintfield defender not won possession and when the ball was drilled forward, Ferguson ran back to nip the ball off Lance Walker.
Two minutes later, Ferguson made it 2-0 when his short corner squeezed between the pads of Finlay. Down were enjoying a lot of possession at this stage, but when Ferguson took himself off, the move allowed Chris Telford, Buchanan and Sammy Davidson to get a grip of things in the middle of the park.
Ashley Gibson blazed a shot over the bar after being set up by Ringland, while Buchanan's probing run into the Down penalty area was halted by Lennon. But Saintfield's pressure paid off when the visitors needlessly conceded a free on the edge of their penalty area with less than a minute to go.
Hobbs took charge of the set piece and when the ball was drilled in to the danger area, Walker got a touch, with the ball just about creeping into the net.
The goal was the perfect tonic for the home side going into the interval and Owen almost made it 2-2 within minutes of the restart when he deflected a free hit towards the Down goal, but Johnston was alert to kick it clear. Davy Johnston then went close at the other end, but his shot struck the sideboard and flew harmlessly wide.
Midway through the half, Down went 3-1 ahead and eased the pressure they were under. The crucial goal was scored by Mark Elliott who was set up by Ferguson whose pinpoint cross found the visitors striker with a gilt-edged chance. It was one he didn't waste either, scoring with a reverse stick shot.
Johnston again went close at the other end via a number of half chances, but the home side struggled to play with any sort of rhythm.
Down made it 4-1 when Gibson scored after a surging run down the left wing by Lennon. After passing Adam Thompson, he crossed for Gibson to pick his spot past Finlay.
Saintfield will be disappointed they didn't take more from the game and will have to regroup for their next league game. As for Down, it's Omagh at home and while the Malone Park outfit should win, they cannot afford to be complacent.
Omagh may be bottom, but so were Larne last year when Down dropped two vital points which ended up costing them the title.
Saintfield: Graeme Finlay, Adam Thompson, Davy Hobbs, Willie Heaney, Sammy Davidson, Lance Walker, Chris Telford, Matt Owen, Alan Buchanan, Davy Johnston, Gavin Kirkpatrick.

Down: Mark Johnston, Alasdair Duff, James Erskine, Jeremy McCready, Chris Lennon, James Cunningham, Paul Tate, Gavin Ringland, Stephen Ferguson, Ashley Gibson, Mark Elliott.

27/01/07 Parkview v saintfield (League)

Parkview 1
Saintfield 4

SAINTFIELD proved they have no intention of throwing in the towel in the race for the Senior Two championship.
Last weekend they powered their way past a much-improved Parkview side to send out a timely warning to current league leaders Down that they're hot on their heels.
Lawrence Murphy's side again made a nonsense of claims that shale teams can't play on synthetic surfaces when they produced a top drawer performance which will ensure one of the best ever title races in years is going all the way to wire.
With the Demesne outfit still to face Down at Malone Park, winning the title is not beyond them and if the head-to-head later in the season is the title decider, it promises to be a real cracker.
Portrush, who are also in the race for the championship also have to travel to the Demesne. It's a game they won't fancy as it's on the shale and a win for Saintfield in this game would put even more pressure on Down.
But back to last weekend and Saintfield were well worth four goals and those all-important three points which keeps them in with a very loud shout of the title.
The mercurial Davy Johnston bagged another hat-trick, with Saintfield's other goal coming from his strike partner, Gavin Kirkpatrick.
The locals, who were missing Davy Hobbs, Johnny Poole, Chris Telford and Adam Thompson, struggled early on and the half ended without either side managing to break the deadlock.
Saintfield struggled to get a shot on target, but it was a different story at the other end where Graeme Finlay kept his side in the game with a string of fine saves, several from short corners. But Parkview, who were missing the influential Paul Harvey, failed to find a way past the Saintfield 'keeper.
Johnston bagged the first of his hat-trick within a few minutes of the restart with a typically opportunist strike. Picking the ball up inside the penalty area he walked past several defenders and, with his back to goal, swivelled on a six pence before drilling the ball past Richard Nesbitt.
Five minutes later Parkview were back on level terms. Finlay made a terrific save from the initial shot, but the rebound fell to an unmarked forward who tucked the ball into the net.
Any hopes the home side had of increasing their advantage were dashed when Kirkpatrick made it 2-1. A free hit was cleverly deflected into the striker's path by Matt Owen and with just Nesbitt to beat, he calmly placed the ball wide of him into the net.
Saintfield had their tails up at this stage. Alan Buchanan and Johnston both went close at short corners, while Finlay had to be on his toes at the other end to deny Parkview forwards on several occasions.
Johnston scored his second of the afternoon to put his side 3-1 ahead with a goal from open play and in the closing stages he made it 4-1 to seal a superb victory.

17/02/07 Larne v Saintfield (League)

Larne 0
Saintfield 1

ON paper, this was a real away banker, with Saintfield odds on to overcome bottom-of-the-table Larne.
And while the locals left The Glade with all three points, they had to thank goalkeeper, Graeme Finlay, for keeping them in the game, particularly during the closing stages of what proved a cracking Senior Two tie.
Larne, who have a number of promising youngsters in their line-up, gave a performance which belied their lowly league position, pushing Saintfield uncomfortably close at times.
The visitors travelled to Mossley with virtually a full squad, the only absentee being tigerish defender, Willie Heaney. And he was missed.
Saintfield who are neck and neck with derby rivals Down in the race for the championship, were determined to maintain the pressure on their neighbours at the top, particularly as they had a free weekend.
With nothing to lose, Larne gave a display which caught the visitors on the hop and Saintfield struggled initially, with defenders guilty of not clearing their lines quickly enough.
The home side forced a number of short corners early on and one strike which looked destined for the back of the net, struck the base of the post and rebounded to safety. Larne also struck the post.
Finlay also produced a number of fine stops, but the defenders panicked as they tried to clear the danger.
Larne started with three at the back, pushing a defender into the middle of the park in a bid to quell the attacking force of Saintfield's Matt Owen and Lance Walker, both of whom were very impressive on the day.
Gavin Kirkpatrick had a glorious opportunity to give his side the lead in the first half, but he squandered the chance and the sides went into the break still locked at 0-0.
In the second period, Saintfield were determined to up the ante and while focusing on attack, they knew they couldn't afford to be complacent at the back. Sammy Davidson was moved into the middle of the park to provide the visitors with some stability and he played a key role, sitting just in front of the back four.
Davy Johnston was denied by the Larne 'keeper on two occasions, while Owen and Walker also went close. The deadlock was eventually broken midway through the half by Johnston. While his initial shot was saved, he had the presence of mind to lift the ball over the stranded goalkeeper into the net.
Given their league position, it would have been understandable if Larne had thrown in the towel at this stage, but they came back fighting and Finlay had to be at his best to preserve Saintfield's slender lead. Twice he was faced with one-on-one situations and came out on top each time, producing saves at his near post.
At the final whistle, the Saintfield players heaved a huge sigh of relief that another three points were in the bag. But it's the next two games which could decide their title aspirations.
They travel to face Armagh this Saturday before facing Portrush at The Demesne seven days later. Two wins and six points will increase the pressure on Down at the top, anything less could see the Malone Park outfit strengthening its grip on the title.

24/02/07 Armagh v Saintfield (League)

Armagh 10
Saintfield 0

SADLY for Saintfield's Senior Two title aspirations the scoreline isn't a misprint.
The Demesne outfit capitulated on a day they needed to have all their wits about them against a side which could make a late bid for promotion.
Armagh have Down to play twice and if they can take six points, they could be breathing down the necks of the Malone Park outfit.
Last weekend, Armagh were expecting a much tougher game than the one they got. As far as Saintfield were concerned, the wheels well and truly came off as Armagh hit double figures.
The visitors went into the game missing the influential Gavin Kirkpatrick, but they failed to string passes together often enough and defensive tackles were not as sharp and clinical as they should have been.
Armagh got off to the perfect start with an early goal and some sloppy defending allowed the home side to double its advantage when Graeme Finlay was cruelly exposed.
Saintfield were keen to get back into the game and while they enjoyed a 10-minute period when they created a number of half chances through Davy Johnston and Alan Buchanan, they failed to score. This particular passage of play gave the visitors some hope, but any chance of a comeback were killed off just minutes before the break when Armagh raced into a 3-0 lead.
Saintfield decided to change things around a bit at the start of the second period and for the opening 10 minutes played well, keeping possession and creating the odd half chance.
But when Armagh made it 4-0 heads dropped and it was simply a case of how many the home side would scored.
Finlay was powerless to stop the goals flooding in as the defence ahead of him failed to cope with the tidal wave of Armagh attacks.
The home side scored six more goals before the end, one of which was a penalty stroke, to leave Saintfield, who drew 3-3 with their opponents at the Demesne earlier in the season, a well beaten side.
The locals now have to regroup for this Saturday's game against Portrush at home and aim to finish in runners-up spot, if neighbours Down slip-up over the coming weeks.
In addition to this weekend's game against Portrush, Saintfield still have to face Down, Campbellians, Ballymena, East Antrim and Crossgar to complete their season and that's 21 points up for grabs.

03/03/07 Saintfield v Portrush (League)

Saintfield 2
Portrush 0

SAINTFIELD are right back in contention for the Senior Two title following this win over Portrush.
Defeat leaves the visitors well and truly out of the race for the championship, but Saintfield are still within touching distance of current leaders, Down.
The sides go head-to-head at Malone Park this weekend wit just two points separating the sides. If the visitors win, they will reclaim top spot, heaping even more pressure on Down who lost last Saturday at home to Armagh.
Saintfield went into their clash with Portrush missing a number of key players. There was no Gavin Kirkpatrick, Adam Thompson, Chris Telford or Ivor Johnston, but Willie Heaney was back to add stability to the defence.
The home side was determined to bounce back from the previous weekend's 10-0 defeat away at Armagh and they signalled their title intentions with an impressive display.
Graeme Finlay made a stick save from a Portrush short corner move early on, but was never really troubled over the entire 70 minutes.
Saintfield recalled Ian Weir to play alongside Davy Johnston up front and he had an impressive game, linking up well with DJ and midfielders Matt Owen and Alan Buchanan.
In fact it was Weir who opened the scoring for the home side with a great goal. The architect of the opener was Nigel Calvin who went on a rampaging run down the right flank, by-passing a number of Portrush players on the way.
He looked up and picked out Weir with an inch-perfect pass and the striker fooled the 'keeper with a reverse stick shot which flew into the net.
The goal was just the tonic the home side needed and five minutes after taking the lead they doubled their advantage with a rather bizarre goal.
A ball drilled into the penalty area by Owen clearly struck Buchanan's stick. Inexplicably, the Portrush 'keeper made no attempt to save the ball as it crossed the line and the umpire rightly allowed the goal to stand.
Finlay then made another save from a short corner at the other end, but Saintfield were delighted to go in at the break with a two-goal cushion.
Portrush did attempt to stage a revival at the start of the second period but ran out of steam in the end. Their goalkeeper also kept the score down, making a number of fine saves, one in particular from Johnston who had the goal at his mercy but the netminder managed to get a block on the ball to deflect it wide.
This Saturday, it's the small matter of a derby tie against Down at Malone Park. It's also first against second and following Down's defeat at the hands of Armagh, Saintfield go into the tie with nothing to fear.
After the visit to Malone Park, Saintfield face Crossgar, East Antrim, Ballymena and Campbellians, games which they are more than capable of winning.

17/03/07 Saintfield v Campbellians(League)

Saintfield 2
Campbellians 0

SAINTFIELD'S win over Campbellians keeps them in contention for the runners-up spot in Senior Two.
Unable to field against title rivals Down two weeks ago, the locals were again missing a host of players for last Saturday's Senior Two clash at the Demesne.
There was no Chris Telford, Johnny Poole, Nigel Calvin, Alan Buchanan and Willie Heaney only last 10 minutes as he was forced off through injury.
Saintfield played well in the opening half, but they failed to get their noses in front due to a combination of poor finishing and some fine goalkeeping.
Gavin Kirkpatrick was back for Saintfield and he played in the middle of the park alongside Matt Owen, allowing Ian Weir to play up front with Johnston.
Johnston was a constant thorn in the side of the Campbellians defence and used all his experience to create time and space inside the penalty area, but the visiting 'keeper produced a number of fine saves.
At the other end, Graeme Finlay, was a virtual spectator as all the action unfolded ahead of him in the Campbellians half.
With the side's locked at 0-0 at the break, Saintfield were keen to make an early breakthrough in the second period and they did just that.
And the opening goal came from the unlikeliest of sources. Adam Thompson vacated his full-back berth to move up front and when Walker drilled the ball into the penalty area, Thompson reacted quickest to steer it past the 'keeper.
The strike was his first senior goal for the club and he was mobbed by delighted team mates before the game restarted.
The goal provided Saintfield with the spark they needed and while Finlay was forced to produce a number of routine saves, he was rarely troubled.
Ten minutes after Thompson gave his side the lead, Saintfield doubled their advantage with a great team goal.
The move was started by Johnston whose accurate cross was collected by Kirkpatrick who took aim before drilling the ball into the net.
Minutes later he went close again while Johnston and Weir were both denied by the Campbellians 'keeper.
Saintfield also handed a senior debut to Marty Johnston during last weekend's league game, and he gave a particularly good account of himself, never putting a foot wrong.
This weekend, Saintfield face Ballymena at the Demesne before it's a home game against Crossgar the following weekend.

24/03/07 East Antrim V Saintfield (League)

East Antrim 4
Saintfield 5

SAINTFIELD were 4-0 ahead after 15 minutes of this Senior Two clash at Paisley Park with all three points seemingly in the bag.
But East Antrim staged a dramatic fight back and nearly grabbed a share of the spoils in this nine-goal thriller.
Saintfield aim to secure runners-up spot in the league and want to take maximum points from the their two remaining league games against Ballymena and Crossgar respectively.
Last Saturday, it was simply too easy for Saintfield in the first half when they literally pulverised East Antrim who have become the whipping boys of Senior Two.
Davy Johnston opened the scoring in the second minute when he fired home after some great build-up play involving the hard-working Gavin Kirkpatrick. The floodgates were well and truly opened two minutes later when Alan Buchanan moved from his midfield role to support the attackers and ended up drilling the ball past the 'keeper.
East Antrim had no answer as a sea of blue shirts swarmed around them and Kirkpatrick scored the first of his brace in the eighth minute.
Any hope the home side had of the goal-rush coming to an end were dispelled when Lance Walker ghosted into the penalty are unmarked to make it 4-0.
At the other end, Saintfield 'keeper, Graeme Finlay, was a virtual spectator and while East Antrim forced a number of short corners, they failed to get a telling shot in on goal.
Saintfield introduced a number of their younger players in the second period, but the on-off appearance of a number of blue shirts upset the balance of the side.
East Antrim, who came out and had a really good go at the start of the second period, made it 4-1 when an unmarked forward popped up at the back post to steer the ball past Finlay following a short corner.
Minutes later, East Antrim scored again from another short corner and Finlay had to be on his toes to make sure the home side did not reduce the margin of deficit to just a single goal.
Walker, Kirkpatrick and Johnston all had chances to put the game out of sight, but they failed to register. With the visitors becoming just a little edgy, Kirkpatrick settled the nerves when he made it 5-2.
The fifth goal should have extinguished the East Antrim fire, but they kept battling away and scored another two before the end to finish within a whisker of grabbing a point from a game where they looked dead and buried after 15 minutes.
This weekend it's Ballymena and the following Saturday Saintfield complete their season against Crossgar.
They'll also be keen to see how Down get on against Armagh this weekend as a win for the Malone Park would not almost guarantee them the title but see Saintfield secure runners-up spot if they win their final two games.

31/03/07 Saintfield V Ballymena (League)

Saintfield 0

Ballymena 4

IN what was probably their last game of the season, Saintfield were given a lesson by a vastly improving Ballymena side at The Demesne.

The locals are due to face Crossgar in their final Senior Two game, but it is unlikely to go-ahead as their opponents have been ravaged by a series of injuries. Saintfield, who led the table for a number of weeks earlier in the season, were bitterly disappointed to surrender so easily at home last Saturday.

Virtually at full strength, Lawrence Murphy's side was keen to bag another three points after the previous weekend's thrilling 5-4 win over East Antrim. But it wasn't to be. Ballymena were fitter and much sharper and while the home side did create a number of chances during the game through Davy Johnston, Alan Buchanan and Gavin Kirkpatrick, they all failed to rattle the backboard.

In truth, Saintfield never got going and took the lead in the 13th minute after what was a fairly even opening 10 minutes. An unmarked forward was allowed to steer the ball past Graeme Finlay after a quick free outside the penalty area and 10 minutes later, Ballymena doubled their advantage.

It was one of those days as far as the home side was concerned and a forward's shot shortly before the break struck both Graeme Finlay's pads before crossing the line. Saintfield threw caution to the wind at the start of the second half. With nothing to lose, they were determined to force their way back into the game. But things wouldn't come together when they mattered most.

A number of half chances were created and Johnston was again denied by the 'keeper. Ballymena rubbed salt in the home side's wound in the closing stages to complete a 4-0 rout. It may be the end of the season as far as the visitors are concerned, but they could just be the team to watch next season.

Perhaps not title contenders yet, with a smattering of highly talented young players, Senior One may not be that far away. As for Saintfield, it's been a great season and at one stage it looked as though they were going to push Down all the way to the wire.

Mens 2nd XI

14/10/06 Down III v Saintfield II

Down III.........0
Saintfield II....0

The first derby clash of the season between these two junior 7 sides ended in a draw.
Although Down will be kicking themselves they didn’t bag maximum points against a very experienced Saintfield outfit. The Demesne outfit included Bertie Hamilton, Ivor Johnston, Sammy Davison, Dougie Reid, Ian Weir and Lawrence Murphy in their line up, while Down blooded a number of youngsters, with Stephen Callum making his home debut at Malone Park.
Trevor Lennon’s charges are determined to secure one of the two promotion spots up for grabs and Saintfield are also keen to move up to junior 6. Richard Tarbotton went close for Down early on, while at the other end, Stewart Clydesdale was forced to make a number of routine saves.
Gavin Laferty, fresh from his impressive performance for the home side’s second eleven, also played well and Stephen Strain carved an opening for himself in the first half. Saintfield who were playing their first game of the season after last week’s game against kilkeel fourths was called off, relied on Murphy to keep them in the game early on.
The experienced trio of Weir, Davison and Hamilton, made Down’s youngsters work hard and they emerged at the end with credit. Clydesdale was again called into action in the second half as the visitors threatened to score, with both Reid and Weir denied by the young keeper.
For Down, Laverty and Torbotton kept running all day and look certain to be staking a claim for a place in the senior side in seasons to come. Strain had a great chance to steal both points for the home side in the closing stages, but his effort was saved by Murphy and both sides had to settle for a draw.

21/10/06 Saintfield II v Larne II

Saintfield II 1
Larne II 1

Saintfield very much dominated most of this Junior 7 clash only to come out of it with a draw. Saintfield had most of the possession in the first half putting Larne under pressure at every opportunity.

The experienced Bertie Hamilton ruled the midfield area feeding many great passes to the forwards but the Larne defence worked hard to stifle almost every chance, Connor Patterson and Gary Graham worked exceptionally hard Moving the ball down the flanks getting the ball into the circle but no one managed to direct them goal wards.

The second half began as the first, goalless and with saintfield dominating. Saintfield continued to work the ball into the circle but to no avail. Midway through the second half Connor Patterson had two great short corner chances but was denied by the Larne keeper. Larne also had some chances when they won several concurrent short corners but were unable to convert any.

It was with about ten minutes to go that saintfield scored with the midfield working their magic once again and the ball falling to Dougie Reid who beat the keeper at close range. Larne pushed more players up field in an effort to get an equaliser in the dying minutes, which paid off three minutes from time when Larne swamped the Saintfield defence and a powerful shot proved too much for Saintfield keeper Colin Barratt. Saintfield pushed hard to re take the lead but were beaten by the final whistle.

28/10/06 Mossley VI v Saintfield II

Mossley 6th......6
Saintfield 2nd ..0

Saintfield seconds suffered a heavy defeat at the glade last week, conceding six goals in this junior 7 clash.
The visitors were up against it from the off, but two of their up and coming stars, Scott Murtagh and Thomas Brown played well on the synthetic surface.
Mossley who also fielded a number of young players, led 2-0 at the interval and the advantage could have been greater had it not been for some superb defending from Ivor Johnston and Aaron Kearney, with the latter taking the full force of one shot on the knee which forced him to leave the field.
The visitors came back strongly at the start of the second half, with Young Brown seeing a lot more of the ball, but it was the home side who scored another two quick goals in succession.
Mossley continued to dominate and completed the rout in the closing staged, Condemning saintfield to their first league defeat of the season

04/11/06 Saintfield II v Mossley V

Saintfield 2nd………1
Mossley 5th………..2

Saintfield seconds were defeated at home last weekend with the defeat putting a major dent in their promotion hopes.
Greg Burns moved into the back four to replace Ivor Johnston who was with the senior side and he played well, making some important tackles to keep the Mossley forwards at bay.
Scott Murtah and Thomas Brown continued to show good form in the middle of the park alongside the experienced Bertie Hamilton, but neither ‘keeper was troubled early on.
Saintfield created the first chance of the game through Ian Weir and the locals also failed to make the most of a short corner opportunity.
Mossley took the lead from a well-worked short corner and doubled their advantage minutes later with a high shot into the net.
Early in the second period the home side snatched a goal back when Hamilton netted from a short corner. Although Saintfield continued to press for the equaliser, it was the visitors who emerged victorious in the end.

11/11/06 N.I.C.S. VII v Saintfield II

Saintfield II………. 3
Civil Service VII…. 0

Saintfield seconds wrapped up a comfortable win against civil service on the shale at Stormont last Saturday.
Connor Patterson, who was playing in the middle of the park, was very energetic all afternoon and was unlucky not to score early on from a short corner.
Saintfield took the lead early on through Ian Weir who seized upon a loose ball which he drilled into the back of the net and while the visitors continued to dominate, they failed to increase their advantage before the break.
In the second period, Saintfield introduced a number of substitutes and the fresh legs made it difficult for Civil Service.
Goalkeeper, Colin Barrett, did not have much to do at all in the second half, as the Saintfield defence was very much on top thanks to the efforts of Ivor Johnston.
The visitors second goal was scored by Ian Warnock after some terrific play from Aaron Kearney, with Patterson completing a superb day for the visitors when he made it 3-0

18/11/06 Annadale VI v Saintfield

Annadale VI……….5
Saintfield II………..1

Saintfield seconds crashed to their heaviest defeat of the season at a bitterly cold Lough Moss last Saturday.
Saintfield played well in the opening exchanges and took the lead when the experienced Bertie Hamilton created an opening for Craig Harkness who fired past the ‘keeper.
Saintfield were very much in control at this stage of the game and while they were awarded a number of short corners, they failed to increase their one-goal advantage.
Annadale made it 1-1 with a shot which struck the post before flying past Saints ‘keeper Colin Barratt.
Saintfield’s Adam Thompson ran his heart out in the middle of the park and showed great form for his new club. The young Annadale side, more used to the synthetic surface, began to play with increasing confidence and made it, 2-1 with another goal, which came courtesy of a deflection.
In the second period Annadale looked to increase their lead as the visitors pushed for an equaliser, with Ian Warnock going close.
Gordon Marshall played well at the back for Saintfield, but it was Annadale who made it 3-1, would you believe it, with another deflection.
The home side scored again and when they made it 5-1 the visitors threw in the towel.
In the closing minutes, Harkness again went close, but his goal-bound shot was cleared off the line.

25/11/06 Saintfield 2nd v Ballymena 2nd

Saintfield 2nd 1

Ballymena 2nd 3

Saintfield suffered yet another defeat on saturday at the Demesne in a game the should have won.

The home side fielded a strong team and having the advantage of playing on gravel most weeks gave them a strong advantage.

Saintfield domiated this junior 7 clash from the off puting pressure on Ballymena at every oppertunity and it wasnt long before they took the lead.

Lance Walker was the man who scored working the ball into the circle and unleashing a powerful reverse stick shot into the roof of the net.

Saintfield pushed hard to get a second goal but it was Ballymena minutes later who leveled the scoredue to a saintfield defensive lapse.

The home side worked hard to regain the lead in the second half but it was the visitors with two more goals snatched the two poiints.

02/12/06 Saintfield 2nd v Lisnagarvey 7th

Lisnagarvey 7th……1
Saintfield 2nd………1

A young Saintfield seconds side were out to prove themselves after last week’s unfortunate defeat at the hands of Ballymena.
The locals opened strongly and took an early lead through Dougie Reid who scored after some great build up play involving Connor Patterson.
Lisnagarvey were stunned and stepped it up a gear, driving into the Saintfield half and while they tried to create a few openings, the experienced Davy Hobbs kept them at bay.
Towards the end of the half, the home side forced two short corners, scoring from the second of these to level the scores.
In the second period, Saintfield continued to press forward with Patterson lobbing the ‘keeper from a short corner and unfortunate not to put his side 2-1 ahead.
With Hobbs in commanding form at the back and the experienced Bertie Hamilton pulling the strings in midfield, Saintfield held on for a point, despite a late Lisnagarvey onslaught.

09/12/06 Saintfield 2nd v Lisnagrvey 7th

Saintfield II 2
Lisnagarvey VII 2

SAINTFIELD seconds were forced to start with 10 men in this Junior 7 clash played at Ballynahinch's Langley Road.
With Ivor Johnston called up to the senior squad, Saintfield missed his experience and guile and the visitors scored the opener when an unmarked forward fired past Barratt.
Saintfield retaliated immediately with Connor Patterson converting a penalty flick after Dougie Reid's stick was chopped by a Garvey defender as he was about to shoot.
Johnston then arrived after helping the firsts defeat Crossgar and the locals moved up a gear.
They attacked every ball and drove deep into the Lisnagarvey defence, but it was the visitors who went 2-1 ahead, scoring from a short corner.
But back came Saintfield, with Scott Murtagh and Thomas Brown very prominent in the middle of the park. And it was Brown who grabbed the equaliser.In the closing stages, Barratt produced a number of great saves to keep his side in the game, ensuring they earned a point to maintain their push for promotion. At the other end, Reid also went close.

16/12/06 Saintfield 2nd v Kilkeel 4th

Saintfield 2nd……7
Kilkeel 4th………1

Saintfield seconds went into this junior 7 clash looking for full points after only managing a draw in their last two matches. The Demesne side had home advantage after Kilkeel failed to travel to Saintfield at the start of the season.
The locals were on the front foot from the off forcing Kilkeel back into their own 25 and creating early chances and it wasn’t long before it paid off. A well-worked short corner saw Bertie Hamilton net the first of Saintfields seven goals after 10 minutes. The ball was switched at the top of the circle before being worked to Hamilton who easily beat the Kilkeel ‘keeper with a well placed shot.
This seemed to spur the locals on even more as they pushed for a second goal. Several chances went a wandering as Dougie Reid, Thomas Brown and Lance Walker went close but still Kilkeel persistently held them off.
It was quite late in the first half before Saintfield got their second goal. A well-timed pass into the circle from Lance Walker found Thomas Brown who slipped the ball past the Kilkeel ‘keeper.
Just before the interval Saintfield got another break when they worked the ball into the Kilkeel circle again courtesy of lance walker but this time finding Dougie Reid, who blasted the ball past the ‘keeper, putting Saintfield 3-0 in front at the interval.
Kilkeel started after the break with a lot more vigour, which paid off as they won a short corner as the ball hit a Saintfield defender on the foot. The Kilkeel forward beat both Saintfield runners at the top of the circle and unleashed a shot which Saintfield ‘keeper Colin Barratt was unlucky not to save.
After the visitors scored they got themselves back into the game, they created a few more chances but to no avail and it wasn’t long until Saintfield extended their lead.
A superb run from Scott Murtagh down the wing saw him beat several players and pick out team-mate Thomas Brown who Slipped the ball under a diving Kilkeel ‘keeper, and within minutes of the push-back saw Reid get his second. A superb cross found Reid who unleashed another unstoppable shot past the Kilkeel ‘keeper. At this point Kilkeel pushed hard to try and get a consolation goal but Greg Burns and Connor Patterson who played a superb game at the back continued to hold off their efforts.
Lance Walker was the next man to get his name on the score sheet, a superb run taking him almost the full length of the pitch saw him beat player after player and unleashing a magnificent reverse stick shot saw him make it 6-1.
In the dying minutes and just as Kilkeel thought things couldn’t get any worse that man Reid popped up in the circle unmarked to get his third of the game. A solid pass from Walker saw Reid drive the ball into the back of the net without even stopping it giving the visiting ‘keeper no chance.
This Saturday Saintfield face Down 3rd XI at the Demesne, who they drew 0-0 with at the beginning of the season. The match ball sponsor for Saintfield v Kilkeel was Philip White Tyres.

30/12/06 Larne 2nd v Saintfield 2nd

Larne II 6
Saintfield II 0

SAINTFIELD seconds were gunned down by a rampant Larne side last weekend.
Able to scrape just 11 players together, the locals were still sleeping when the match got underway and it wasn't long until Larne seized the advantage.
Connor Patterson and Greg Burns had their work cut out at the back while Saintfield got some great balls up to Larne danger zone, but the home was giving nothing away.
Saintfield's play improved at the start of the second period, but they failed to get the vital breakthrough, despite an outstanding performance by Bertie Hamilton in the middle of the park.
Saintfield: Colin Barrett, Connor Patterson, Marty Johnston,
Aaron Kearney, Greg Burns, Bertie Hamilton, Lance Walker,
Thomas Brown, Scott Murtagh, Craig Harkness, George Buchanan.

06/01/07 Saintfield 2nd v Mossley 6th

Saintfield II 2
Mossley VI 1

SAINTFIELD seconds bounced back in style last weekend after their defeat at the hands of Larne the previous week.
The home side welcomed back Gordon Marshall after injury and he gave a timely reminder why he is such a vital member of the team.
Saintfield started off on the defence after a quick break from Mossley caught them sleeping, but Connor Patterson was alert to the danger and cleared his lines superbly.
Mossley continued to try and break through the Saintfield defence but the rock solid Marshal was having none of it.
The play soon moved to the middle of the park where Bertie Hamilton again showed his form. He made lots of moves forward to the waiting Ian Warnock who went close a few times.
Saintfield opened the scoring five minutes from the break with a great move which ended with Craig Harkness scoring after Warnock's initial shot was saved by the 'keeper.
After the break, Saintfield continued to dominate, but it was Mossley who drew level in the 55th minute when home 'keeper, Sammy Davidson was beaten by an unmarked forward at the back post.
The home side was determined to secure maximum points and the experienced Hamilton was the toast of the Demesne when he scored the winner.

20/01/07 Annadale 6th v Saintfield 2nd (Strabane Cup)

Annadale VI………3
Saintfield II……….1

Saintfield seconds bowed out of the Strabane cup at Lough Moss Leisure Centre last weekend.
And while the locals dominated the opening 10 minutes, it was the home side who scored first in the 20th minute, despite Colin Barrat making an initial save from a short corner.
Five minutes later Annadale went 2-0 ahead, but Craig Harkness gave saintfield a glimmer of hope when he made it 2-1 after collecting an inch perfect pass from George Bucannan. Dougie Reid went close with a rasping shot from a short cornerfor the visitors.
Saintfield were keen to get themselves back on level terms in the second half but they failed to find a way past a resolute Annadale Defence.
The visitors were then caught cold by the home side which capitalised on Saintfield pressing forward in search of an equaliser.
The ball was worked to an unmarked forward who had time and space to pick his spot past Barratt to end Saintfield’s cup hopes for another season.
In the closing stages, Saintfield’s Harkness was left frustrated when his “goal” was disallowed.

27/01/07 Saintfield2nd v N.I.C.S.7th

Saintfield II 1
Civil Service VII 0

SAINTFIELD'S mens seconds were determined to complete a Junior 7 league double over Civil Service last weekend.
Having already defeated the Belfast side at Stormont, the locals were keen to pick up another two points at the Demesne.
The action was contained mostly in the Civil Service half and with some great defending from home sweeper, Gordon Marshall, the locals were never in any real trouble at the back.
The first half ended scoreless and the home side had to wait until midway through the second half to break the deadlock when Dougie Reid blasted home.

31/03/07 Saintfield 2nd v Annadale 6th (League)

Saintfield II 0

Annadale VI 0

AFTER a seven-week break, Saintfield seconds returned to action at the Demesne last Saturday when they entertained Annadale sixths.

The home side was very much on control in the first half, attacking hard, but not managing to get the ball into the net. Gordon Marshal picked up a number of through balls, while Adam Thompson was working well with Bertie Hamilton in the middle of the park.

Young Scott Murtagh again showed up well, while Marty Johnson was a tower of strength at the back. The home side was awarded a number of short corners in the first half, but failed to get a telling shot in on goal.

After the break, Annadale made a number of changes in a bid to secure the win, but the Saintfield defence held firm. In the closing stages however, they attacked in numbers and it was backs-to-the-wall stuff for the home team. On several occasions, the visitors came really close to opening the scoring.

In the end, Saintfield were delighted with the draw and a good performance which came after that seven-week break. Saintfield: Colin Barratt, David Hobbs, Aaron Kearney, Marty Johnston, Sammy Davidson, Bertie Hamilton, Adam Thompson, Scott Murtagh, Ian Weir, Craig Harkness, Gordon Marshall. Sub: Connor Patterson.

Ladies

Ladies 1st XI

25/11/06 Saintfield v Portadown 2nd

Portadown 2nd 0
Saintfield 4

Saintfield ladies put in an impressive performance to dominate their opponents.
Opportunities were plentiful for Saintfield and when captain Andrea Gibson got the opener, Portadown quickly relinquished any hold on the game they may have had.
However, Saintfield had to wait until the second half before they made sure of the points with further goals from Jen Henderson, Claire Withers and Alex Evans.
The opening 10 minutes were evenly matched with both sides testing the respective defences, with Saintfield going close to breaking the deadlock.
Saintfield used good passing to push their opponents back and Henderson was unlucky not to open the scoring after 8 minutes when a cross from the right was slightly out of her reach.
Minutes later Gibson gave her side the lead when she converted a Julie Shaw cross at the near post with a defender only able to assist the ball into the net.
Portadown occasionally forced Saintfield back and almost got back on level terms, but an excellent diving save from Stephanie Rea Kept them at bay.
Several short corners forced the Portadown Goalkeeper into action as the Saintfield players queued up for target practice.
In the second period Saintfield again maintained control through strong tackling and good distribution of the ball. Saintfield intercepted a clearance and struck toward the back post where Henderson was lurking to net.
Pamela Murray, often an unsung hero, was a key link in the midfield area and she put her forwards clear with perfect passes.
Withers past her marker with ease and slipped the ball to Henderson, but her effort went narrowly wide.
Minutes later slick passing down the left put Withers into the circle and she outwitted the defence to grab her side’s third goal with a reverse stick sweep.
Saintfield were now finding plenty of space and their forwards had plenty of scoring opportunities, but they were unable to find the back of the net.
However a well worked short corner between Shaw and Evans brought about goal number four when Evans struck into the corner.
In the dying minutes Withers again outpaced her marker before unselfishly slipping the ball inside to Henderson but her goal was disallowed after the ball touched her foot.

02/12/06 Saintfield ladies v Harlequins 3rd

Saintfield ladies 1
Harlequins 3rd 0

Saintfield continued their fine form, but could not convert their dominance into goals.
Despite numerous efforts they had to wait until midway through the second half for Julie Shaw to net the only goal of the game.
The home side got off to a strong start forcing Harlequins onto the back foot. Their midfield too was in control and distributing the ball well to the forwards.
Many attacks were thwarted by the Harlequins goalkeeper, but the saintfield forwards saw their efforts go wide.
Despite the variety in their attacks, either using a direct approach or a steady build up making good use of possession, they still couldn’t find a way to score.
A quickly taken free hit put Shaw down the wing and her early cross found Jen Henderson lurking at the back post, but she was unable to connect with enough power to trouble the visiting custodian.
Several short corners found Alex Evans take strike, but the goalkeeper was equal to the task. Andrea Gibson went on the attack and showing good close control, she was unfortunate to see her effort come off the post.
Occasionally Harlequins would gain ground, but these were limited and the Saintfield defence was able to deal comfortably with these.
Saintfield continued to push forward in the second half, but they still struggled to find the net as Claire Withers, Shaw and Evans all had efforts blocked by the goalkeeper or go narrowly wide.
Continuous hard work by Pamela Murray ensured Saintfield retained possession and sharp interchanges with her teammates saw them move back into the danger zone.
With 45 minutes gone a perfect pass from Gibson found Shaw clear in the circle and her shot left the Harlequins goalkeeper helpless.
Saintfield continued to press, but despite raining in shots from all angles they were unable to add to their tally.

Ladies 2nd XI

02/12/06 Saintfield Ladies 2nd v Newry Ladies 2nd

Saintfield Ladies 2nd 2
Newry Ladies 2nd 0

The locals were dominant in their match with Newry and deserved their two-goal victory.
They hemmed the visitors into their own area for long periods and were able to notch up two goals through Pamela Cairns and defender Gillian Johnston.
Saintfield demonstrated good teamwork throughout the game. Their passing-movements dissected the opposition with ease and the defence were able to get out of their area.
Laura McManus was full of running, but also with her forwards as Rachel Edgar and Cairns caused difficulty for the Newry defence.
The Newry goalkeeper was often the thorn in Saintfield’s side denying Cairns, Edgar and Wallace. The visitors had to rely on the long pass to try to break Saintfield, but their defence was solid with their tackling.
Jocelyn Orr is continuing to grow in stature and she gave an assured performance throughout.
With 14 minutes gone Cairns netted the opener following good build up down the right flank. Cairns was fearless as she challenged for possession with the Newry goalkeeper bearing down on her.
However, Cairns got enough contact on the ball to force it past the ‘keeper.
Lisa Gregg, who was making her comeback from injury, was put free down the left by the industrious Heather Sofley. Gregg struck for goal and earned her side a penalty corner from which Johnston stepped forward and showed good composure before unleashing an unstoppable shot into the corner of the net.
A reorganised Newry side caused Saintfield some problems in the second half, but the home defence held firm.
Karen Todd was unlucky not to make it 3-0 after great play from Cairns and Edgar had an effort rebound off the upright.

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