Match Reports 07-08

SAINTFIELD opened their Linden Cup campaign with a 1-1 draw against Ballymena at the Demesne.
On a dusty, bumpy pitch, the locals were just five minutes away from maximum points when the visitors mounted a counter-attack to steal a share of the spoils.
Saintfield went into the game with Sammy Davidson deputising in goal for the missing Graeme Finlay, while a former number of Crossgar players made their debuts.
Paul Fenton, Nigel Patterson, Julian Spratt, Stephen Tate and Gareth Lennon lined out in blue for for the first time, but it was Nigel Jackson, another former Crossgar player, who took the plaudits with an outstanding performance at the heart of the defence.
Not content with keeping the Ballymena forwards at bay, Jackson also scored on his debut, but he was left disappointed in the end when Ballymena scored that late equaliser.
Saints skipper, Matt Owen, is delighted to have such a strong squad to choose from this season and is hoping his side can make a concerted bid for promotion come April.
With Omagh and Newry in their Linden Cup group, Owen also knows that another two wins could set his side up for a place in the semis.
For now, he's concentrating on the positives to come out of last Saturday's game when the former Crossgar players blended in well.
Ballymena, who have recruited a few new players themselves this season, struggled on the shale last year, but with the surface no longer alien to them, they gave a good account of themselves.
Jackson was magnificent in defence for the home side, with his stopping on the bumpy surface one highlight of his play. His presence at short corner alongside Davy Johnston also increase Saintfield's attacking options and there's little doubt Jackson's name will feature a lot more on the score sheet over the coming weeks and months.
Midway through the first half, with Ballymena under a little pressure, the home side were awarded a penalty corner. The ball eventually found its way to that man Jackson and, although off balance after side-stepping an opponent, he managed to get enough purchase on the ball to drill it into the net.
Saintfield continued to press and while a number of dangerous balls were whipped into the penalty area, no one could get on the end of them. Gavin Kirkpatrick also went close on a few occasions in the first half.
In the second period, Saintfield were keen to press home their advantage and created a number of scoring opportunities, but were thwarted due to a combination of poor finishing and some fine goal keeping. Meanwhile at the other end, Davidson had to be alert to clear a number of dangerous crosses.
With five minutes to go, Saintfield looked home and dry, but when they lost possession just outside the Ballymena penalty area, the visitors seized the initiative to mount a quick counter-attack.
Within seconds a forward managed to squeeze the ball between Jackson and Davidson for a fortuitous equaliser, given how many chances the home side had created.
Lance Walker went on a mazy run in the closing stages, but his cross, not for the first time during the 70 minutes, wasn't converted and the home side had to settle for the draw.
This weekend it's Omagh at home in a game Saintfield should win comfortably to keep alive their hopes of making it to the cup semi-final stages.

22/09/07 Saintfield v Omagh (Linden Cup)

Saintfield 1
Omagh 0

SAINTFIELD need a win against Newry this weekend to book their place in the Linden Cup semi-finals.
A goal from Steven Ferguson was enough to see off a spirited Omagh side at the Demesne last weekend when, not for the first time, one Bobbie Hawkes was in blindingly spectacular form.
The netminder is widely regarded as one of the best 'keepers in Ulster hockey and he proved again last weekend why that tag sits comfortably on his shoulders.
Time and again he produced stunning saves to deny Saintfield who thought it was going to be one of those days when they would have to settle for a point because Hawkes was son outstanding.
Richard Owens made his debut for the Saintfield senior side and hopes to be a permanent fixture in the team. Also making his first start following his switch from Crossgar was Conor Ferguson. Alan Buchanan was also back for the Saints.
The home side was missing Davy Johnston and with goalkeeper, Graeme Finlay also unavailable, Marty Johnston took over in goal and did everything that was asked of him.
In a game they dominated from start to finish, Saintfield could only score a solitary goal which, in the end, was enough to secure victory.
Despite missing key players Chris Telford, Matt Owen, David Johnston and Finlay, Saintfield played some good hockey, particularly in the second half. Buchanan stepped up to skipper the side in Owens' absence, giving an impressive performance alongside Sammy Davidson and Adam Thompson in a hard-working midfield.
The best move of the first half led to the only goal of the game. A neat passing move led to debutant Patterson slipping the ball through for Steven Ferguson to slot home.
With Owens back in the heart of the midfield, Saintfield had a solid look about themselves and the former skipper helped set up some good passing moves.
Saintfield should have scored more goals, with Gavin Kirkpatrick going close on a number of occasions. A "goal" from a short corner was disallowed for no obvious reason, and there were also claims for a penalty stroke as Kirkpatrick was fouled as he prepared to shoot.
In the latter stages there were a few nervous moments as Omagh counter-attacked. However, Nigel Jackson was again dependable at the back, protecting stand-in keeper Johnston from any dangerous shots.
With three points from two games everything now hinges on what happens this Saturday against Newry. Saintfield's opponents are missing a number of key players and with such a strong squad to choose from, the locals could just pull of a surprise result.
If they can, there's every chance there'll be three local teams in this year's semi-finals. And with a larger squad now available, there may be a selection dilemma for Saintfield coach, Lawrence Murphy, for the Newry match.

29/09/07 Newry v Saintfield (Linden Cup)

Newry 8
Saintfield 2

THE scoreline may suggest Saintfield were out of their depth in this Linden Cup tie, but that simply wasn't the case.
The locals knew a win would clinch a semi-final spot and they started very brightly against a side that plays its hockey in a league above them.
Indeed, the opening chance in the cup tie fell to Gavin Kirkpatrick whose terrific shot cannoned off the post before rebounding to safety, much to the relief of the Newry players.
With David Johnston leading the line and Nigel Jackson in top form at the heart of the Saintfield defence, the visitors looked comfortable. Lance Walker was also causing problems on the wing, with his pace making life uncomfortable for the Newry full back.
It was certainly a case of nip and tuck during the opening period although Saints 'keeper, Graeme Finlay, did have to produce a great save to keep his side in the game with a short corner block.
However, three minutes later, just as Saintfield settled into a nice rhythm, they were disappointed to go a goal behind from what they believe was a dubious short corner award.
And, as so often happens, the home took the lead from the set piece.
The goal boosted Newry and, 10 minutes later, they doubled their lead via a drag flick from another short corner.
Saintfield tried to get a foothold on the game at this stage and while they created a number of half chances, nothing was happening for them in front of goal.
In the 25th minute, Newry went 3-1 ahead, but the goal sparked the locals into life. Saintfield skipper, Matt Owen, pulled a goal back with a short corner strike and while the goal produced a lift in spirits, the locals felt they weren't getting the rub of the green when it came to a number of umpiring decisions, particularly the awarding of a number of short corners.
Johnston rapped the 'keeper's pads with a powerful shot while Walker was unlucky to see his shot also saved at the near post.
With half-time approaching, Saintfield were keen to go into the break just two goals in arrears, but their hopes were dashed when Newry made it 4-1 from the penalty spot. A Newry forward managed to get a shot in on goal, despite being impeded. His effort was saved by Finlay, but the umpire then stopped play and awarded a penalty stroke, much to the annoyance of the visitors.
The second half had barely started when Newry made it 5-1, but Johnston restored some confidence to his troops when he scored. Walker then nearly made it 5-3, but his shot was well saved.
In the closing stages, Newry scored three more goals without reply. Jackson went close with a short corner effort, while Johnston was also denied. This weekend, the Senior Two season resumes when the locals entertain Campbellians at The Demesne and with promotion a real possibility, skipper Owen will be demanding nothing less than three points.

06/10/07 Saintfield v Campbellians (League)

Saintfield 3
Campbellians 0

SAINTFIELD are off and running in their bid to make it to Senior One.
They swept aside Campbellians at the Demesne last Saturday with a powerful performance which sends out a clear warning to their title rivals.
Missing Graeme Finlay, Davy Johnston and Alan Buchanan, the locals still had enough quality to see off the Belfast outfit.
Marty Johnston took over in goal in place of the absent Finlay and while he had little to do, he produced a superb stick save in the second half to ensure he kept a clean sheet.
Saintfield finished third last season and they are out to make win the title this time out to join Down and Ballynahinch in Senior One.
The opening exchanges were fairly even with few chances at either end, although Gavin Kirkpatrick did go close with a crisp shot.
However, he wasn't to be denied and fired his side just before the interval after some terrific build-up play involving Gareth Lennon and Conor Ferguson, the latter of whom had an outstanding game.
Nigel Jackson, Willie Heaney, Paul Fenton and Adam Thompson kept things tight at the back and Campbellians rarely threatened the home goal.
In the middle of the park, Saints skipper Matt Owen and Richard Owens were always in control and their experience told as they slipped balls wide to Ferguson and Lance Walker.
The second half was just five minutes old when Saintfield doubled their advantage. The Campbellians 'keeper and his defender got in a tangle and when the ball struck the defender on the foot, the umpire played a good advantage, allowing Kirkpatrick to smash the ball into the net.
Ferguson was making a real nuisance of himself; he was a constant thorn in the side of the visiting defenders and was always keen to whip dangerous balls into the penalty area.
Saintfield went 3-0 ahead with 15 minutes to go following a short corner. The ball was pushed out to Jackson who squared it to Ferguson and with Campbellians expecting him to shot, he squared it back to Jackson who rifled it home.
The home side created a few more chances in the closing stages and could and probably should have scored a few more, but they were happy with the three points in the end.
This Saturday they face Ballymena who last weekend lost narrowly to Armagh in a 5-4 thriller. With Saintfield's big guns due back, the locals will be keen to secure another win as they aim to stay top of Senior Two.

13/10/07 Ballymena v Saintfield (League)

Ballymena 2

Saintfield 6

SAINTFIELD blasted out a title warning to their Senior Two rivals last weekend with an emphatic 6-2 win over Ballymena.Matt Owen's side produced their best display of the season as they completely overwhelmed their opponents with a powerful display. Richard Owens bagged a double and could have ended up with a hat-trick had it not been for the home side's 'keeper, while Davy Johnston was also a thorn in the side of the Ballymena defenders.

The return of Owens has provided the locals with vital experience in the middle of the park and with Conor Ferguson terrorising defenders on the flanks, Saintfield will never have a better chance of winning the title. In Johnston, they have one of the most prolific goal scorers in local hockey and with an influx of Crossgar players at the club this year, things are looking rosy for Saintfield.Last weekend, the home side started brightly and while they enjoyed a lot of possession early on, they failed to get a telling shot in on goal. Saintfield took the lead in the 11th minute following a short corner. Matt Owen's push out was controlled by Johnston and with the defenders expecting him to shoot, he slipped the ball to Nigel Jackson who powerfully flicked it into the net.

Three minutes later the visitors doubled their advantage from another short corner which saw Owens drive the ball into the net for the first of his double on the day. It was all one-way traffic at this stage as Ballymena were camped in their own half, trying to stem the constant wave of attacks. Johnston again went close from a short corner, while Jackson was denied what would have been his second goal of the day. Gavin Kirkpatrick also went close.With Ballymena looking to the interval in order to regroup, they were caught by a sucker punch as Saintfield went 3-0 ahead when Johnston drilled the ball home. The same player almost made it 5-0 before the interval, but his well struck shot was saved.

With nothing to lose, Ballymena came out with all guns blazing at the start of the second period and gave themselves a glimmer of hope when they made it 3-1. But any hopes of a dramatic comeback were dashed two minutes later when Johnston made it 4-1 after great play in the middle of the park by Saints skipper, Owen.Ballymena continued to press, but Saintfield 'keeper, Graeme Finlay, made a number of important saves to preserve his side's three-goal advantage. Owens bagged his second of the game from another well-worked short corner but Ballymena came back again, scoring to make it 5-2.

But Saintfield still weren't finished. In the closing stages they rounded off a superb team performance when they made it 6-2 when Kirkpatrick's efforts were rewarded with a goal. This weekend, Saintfield face Omagh and another win will leave them with nine points after three games and the perfect start to their assault on the league title.

20/10/07 Saintfield v Omagh (League)

Saintfield 2
Omagh 1

THIS Senior Two game should have been a stroll in the park for Saintfield, but it didn't turn out that way.
The locals were delighted at the end to grab three points and while the performance wasn't as good as they expected, it really was a case of the result being more important.
Against one of the weaker sides in the league, Saintfield were odds-on favourites for a win before the start of play and while it worked out that way in the end, it was only a last-gasp double-save from goalkeeper, Graeme Finlay, which earned his side maximum points.
Omagh arrived without regular 'keeper, Bobbie Hawkes, and if the home side were looking for good omens, here was surely one of them. But Saintfield struggled and, ironically, are currently performing far better on synthetic surfaces than they are on shale.
If the locals had been looking for a free-flowing start, it just didn't happen. They failed to control the ball and were a little sloppy at times, something they will have to work on ahead of this Saturday's difficult trip away to Portrush.
Nothing was really happening up front, with Davy Johnston struggling for scraps in a game tailor-made for his goalscoring prowess.
With Saintfield failing to fire on all cylinders it took a rather fortuitous penalty stroke award to give them the lead in the 20th minute. While accepting the umpire's decision, Saintfield players would have been a little more than annoyed if they had been on the receiving end of a similar decision.
Penalty stroke expert, Nigel Jackson, stepped forward and placed the ball high into the top corner of the net to give his side the lead, and, more importantly, a much-needed boost at this stage of the game.
With a goal to the good, Saintfield inexplicably took their foot off the gas, rather than pressing the accelerator. The Omagh 'keeper made a few routine saves, but he wasn't at all stretched.
With 10 minutes of the half remaining, Saintfield went 2-0 ahead. Jackson this time was the architect of the goal. He intercepted an Omagh attack and raced up field, slipping the ball to Johnston who picked out his skipper, Matt Owen, who made it 2-0.
The pressure lifted immediately and Johnston was left confused when his "goal" to put his side 3-0 ahead just before the break was disallowed by the umpire.
Saintfield were keen to press home their advantage at the start of the second half and believed more goals would come. However, play became scrappy and Saintfield lowered their game, slugging it out toe-to-toe with Omagh for possession, rather than raising their game and pressing home their advantage.
They did create a number of half chances, but the Omagh 'keeper was rarely troubled.
With 10 minutes to go, the visitors pulled a goal back from a short corner strike and the remainder of the game was a nervous affair when, in truth, it should have been well out of the visitors' reach.
The goal lifted Omagh and in the dying seconds of the game Finlay produced that marvellous double save to deny Chris Martin scoring what would have been a heart-breaking equaliser for the visitors.
With three wins out of three and nine points on the board, things are looking rosy at the Demesne. But this Saturday the locals face a stiff test when they face Portrush in Ballycastle.
A win would not only be a tremendous result, but make the locals promotion rivals, including the PSNI and Armagh, sit up and take notice.

27/10/07 Portrush v Saintfield (League)

Portrush 2
Saintfield 7

Anyone in senior 2 who hadn’t Considered Saintfield as serious title contenders will certainly be changing their view now.
Matt Owens side their fourth win of the season at Ballycastle last weekend, sweeping aside the challenge of a full-strength Portrush side.
Star striker, Davy Johnston, bagged a hat trick during a game the locals dominated from start to finish. They even had the luxury of allowing Portrush to enjoy a little spell of possession in both halves, but the result was never going to be in doubt.
No one at the Demesne is counting their chickens just yet, but Saintfields next two games are at home to Larne and away to East Antrim where there’s six points waiting for the taking. Two more wins will take Saintfield’s total to 18 points and they could be sitting pretty at the crucial turn-of-the-year-period, with eyes on promotion to senior 1.
On paper the game against Portrush was always going to be tricky, especially after the long journey to the north coast, but the locals were a class apart, with Johnston again rolling back the years with a virtuoso performance.
He was a constant threat all afternoon and not only did he bag a hat trick; he had a hand in a number of other goals. His partnership with Gavin Kirkpatrick is one of the most feared in the league, and on this form Saintfield are looking good. But no one at the club is getting carried away just yet. It may be one of the oldest cliché’s in sport, but they plan to take each game as it comes.
Richard Owens, who is playing some brilliant hockey, started the move, which led to Saintfields opening goal in the third minute. His precision pass picked out Johnston and he drilled the ball home for a superb opener.
Seven minutes later, the visitors led 2-0 following a short corner. Play broke down from the set piece but when the ball found it’s way to Nigel Jackson, there was only going to be one outcome.
Before defenders had time to put in a challenge, Jackson had already pulled the trigger and the ball was in the back of the net.
To their credit, Portrush fought back and forced a number of penalty corners, but Saints ‘keeper Graeme Finlay, was alert to the danger. Portrush were trying to haul themselves back into contention at this stage and they made it 2-1 in the 20th minute.
At the start of the second period, Saintfield were keen to use the speed of Lance Walker on the wing and he was terrific. He was combining brilliantly on the right flank with Alan Buchanan and it was AB who put his side 3-1 ahead in the 38th minute.
A powerful run took him into the penalty area and after sidestepping a defender he produced a superb strike. But back came Portrush to make it 3-2 when they scored what was a scrappy goal which evaded Finlay after bobbling through a crowd of players. Any hope the home side had of making it 3-3 were dashed as Saintfield moved into overdrive.
Kirkpatrick made it 4-2 after some great build-up play by walker and when his pass found Johnston he turned his defender, setting up Gavin for a great team goal. But the scoring wasn’t over and there was much more to come.
Kirkpatrick then grabbed his second of the afternoon to make it 5-2 and with Portrush looking for the final whistle, there was more misery fir them to endure.
Johnston made it 6-2 with 10 minutes to go and then he completed his hat-trick to make it 7-2 in the closing stages with another superb effort.
A magnificent seven for Saintfield and with winnable games against Larne and East Antrim to come, the locals know they can’t afford to be complacent. If they have 18 points on the board in two weeks’ time their title rivals will have much to think about

03/11/07 Saintfield v Larne (League)

Saintfield 6
Larne 0

SAINTFIELD are on a mission to win the Senior Two title.
Their unbeaten start to the season continued at the Demesne last Saturday with a 6-0 win over Larne and this weekend the locals should bag another three points away to East Antrim.
After that comes their biggest test of the season to date when they face the PSNI. Relegated from Senior One last season, the police are keen to make it straight back at the first time of asking, but standing in their way is a slick Saintfield side, which is playing its best hockey in many years.
There is a real belief in the squad and with so many options now available to skipper, Matt Owen, the future looks good. A win this Saturday is expected, but the locals will take nothing for granted.
Once that game's out of the way they can focus on the police. Home advantage on the shale will be a deciding factor in the outcome and a win here would set up the locals for possible promotion glory.
Last weekend, Owen's side produced a professional performance to see off Larne who have been struggling at the wrong end of the table for the past few seasons.
The scoreline was emphatic, but the home side's goal tally could easily have reached double figures had it not been for some good goalkeeping and poor finishing.
After a poor performance against Omagh the previous week, Saintfield were not keen on a repeat performance and took the lead in the sixth minute.
Richard Owens started the move, which led to the goal from his own 25-yard line. His pinpoint pass picked out Gavin Kirkpatrick and he slipped the ball to his strike partner, Davy Johnston, who drilled the ball home for a superb opener.
Nine minutes later the home side went 2-0 ahead and another three points were in the bag. The goal came from a short corner and while Saintfield failed to get an initial shot on goal, the ball broke to skipper Owen who picked out Nigel Jackson who scored with ease.
It was all one-way traffic at this stage and the home side should have went into the interval with more than the two-goal advantage that they had. Stephen Tate should have scored, while Johnston, Kirkpatrick and Lance Walker also went close.
Such is the confidence in the local ranks this season that they were disappointed with their 2-0 lead and wanted to substantially increase their advantage in the second period.
But they had to wait until the 42nd minute before the third goal came from a short corner awarded to Larne. They failed to control the ball and Owens picked out Kirkpatrick who fired home his side's third goal.
With Larne now engaged in a damage limitation exercise, Saintfield hit them with three goals in a spellbinding six-minute spell.
The fourth goal was scored by Walker, just seconds after he missed a sitter with the goal at his mercy, with Saintfield's fifth coming from the irrepressible Johnston.
The joy of six was completed by Kirkpatrick after the home side had twice struck the crossbar.
Another very impressive win; confidence is growing all the time and the locals have a real championship look about them. However, they know there's a long way to go and that they must take each game as it comes. Total concentration is required East Antrim this weekend to avoid any potential slip-up before everyone focuses on the clash against the police.
Saturday's match sponsor, Philip White Tyres.

10/11/07 East Antrim v Saintfield (League)

East Antrim 0
Saintfield 8

THERE'S just no stopping Saintfield right now.
The locals took their goal tally to 32 in just six games with a comprehensive 8-0 thrashing of East Antrim last Saturday to maintain top spot in Senior Two.
But Matt Owen's side face their stiffest test of the season when they face promotion rivals PSNI on the shale surface this weekend. A win would put the locals on 21 points before they face Parkview and back-to-back games against Armagh.
Maximum points in these fixtures would put them on 30 points and if Saintfield maintain their winning run, they will certainly take some stopping.
East Antrim are again struggling for form this season and found themselves 6-0 in arrears by halftime of this totally one-sided game. From Saintfield's perspective, they were delighted with the win and scoring eight goals, but they perhaps would have preferred a tougher workout ahead of this weekend's crunch game against the police.
Davy Johnston, who finished with yet another hat-trick, should have given the visitors the lead in the second minute, but he fluffed his effort when he looked well-placed to score.
Two minutes later he made amends when he set up flying winger, Lance Walker, for a superb goal and from that moment on, it was always going to be a case of how many Saintfield would score. Walker collected a pass from his team mate before dancing past a posse of defenders before drilling the ball past the 'keeper.
The visitors went 2-0 ahead in the seventh minute when Walker, who was a threat to the East Antrim defence all afternoon, turned goal-provider. He did all the hard work, skipping past his marker to set up Gavin Kirkpatrick for a great goal.
Skipper Owen, who has been among the goals this season, made it 3-0 from a short corner after only 11 minutes. East Antrim were pulling men back behind the ball in a bid to stifle the Saintfield avalanche, but they were powerless as the relentless blue surge powered to victory.
Nigel Jackson made it 4-0 in the 18th minute following a short corner. While the visitors failed to get an initial shot in on goal, the ball was squared to Jackson who side-stepped a defender before firing the ball into the bottom corner of the net.
Johnston made it 5-0 after more good work by Walker and the East Antrim 'keeper then produced two great saves to deny the Saintfield forward and his strike partner Kirkpatrick.
With the home side waiting for the whistle, Saintfield piled on the agony for their opponents when they made it 6-0 in the 32nd minute.
The sixth came from that man Owen who scored his second of the afternoon following another well-worked short corner routine and he wasted no time blasting the ball home.
Inevitably, Saintfield took their foot off the gas in the second period, but Johnston found time to score his second of the game after some terrific build-up play involving Adam Thompson. Johnston then completed his hat-trick with a scorcher in the closing minutes.
An all-round professional job by the locals who know every man must be in top form this weekend against the PSNI. A win would be a great result; it would not only maintain top spot for the locals, but let their rivals know they mean business this season.

17/11/07 Saintfield v PSNI (League)

Saintfield 0
PSNI 1

SAINTFIELD'S unbeaten start to the season in Senior Two was ended by the PSNI last weekend.
The league leaders were left frustrated at the end of a game which they controlled for long periods and one were they couldn't make the most of home advantage.
The PSNI will be one of the Demesne outfit's main title challengers this season and Matt Owen's side now need to take something from the return fixture against the cops later in the season.
Coming up are back-to-back games against Armagh and while a win at home is vital, a point away will be enough to keep the locals well placed in the race for the title.
The shale pitch was heavy underfoot as a result of last Saturday's downpour and the ball was bobbling out all over the place, making it difficult for both sides to settle.
For the opening 35 minutes it was all one-way traffic, with the locals in complete control and the PSNI forced to defend in numbers.
Lance Walker was causing all sorts of problems for the police defence and was particularly unlucky not to score with a perfectly executed reverse stick shot. His effort had "goal" written all over it, but the PSNI 'keeper produced a first class save.
Davy Johnston went close with a half chance as the home side piled on the pressure, but having weathered the storm, the visitors came back into things.
In fact Saintfield had to be thankful that 'keeper, Graeme Finlay, produced three stunning saves in quick succession to prevent the police from taking the lead against the run of play.
Still level at the break, Saintfield were keen to press home their advantage at the start of the second half, but it was just two minutes old when the visitors scored after what the locals believe was a "debatable" short corner award.
Saintfield were angry the push out did not result in the ball being taken outside the circle before a shot came in through a crowd of players into the net. The goal was allowed to stand.
With nothing to lose, they piled men forward, but rather than reverting to their normal passing game, which has been so successful this season, players opted for a long ball game, hoping either Johnston or strike partner, Gavin Kirkpatrick, would get on the end of something.
Nigel Jackson and Johnston both went close with short corner strikes which were saved by the 'keeper, but the second half performance matched the miserable weather conditions.
By pushing forward in search of an equaliser, Saintfield were exposed at the back and the PSNI were prevented from increasing their advantage when Finlay produced an excellent save in the 61st minute.
In the closing stages Saintfield tried in vain for an equaliser but it just didn't come on what was one of those days when everything did not go according to plan.
This week, Saintfield face Campbellians in an Irish Junior Cup tie and they must be confident of success, given the fact that their opponents were defeated 6-1 by Portrush in a Senior Two league game last weekend.

24/11/07 Campbellians v Saintfield (IJC)

Saintfield 2
Campbellians 4

SAINTFIELD are out of the Irish Junior Cup.
The Demesne outfit crashed out of the competition following a surprise first round defeat at the hands of Campbellians last Saturday when their normal free-flowing style deserted them.
Saintfield were hoping for an improved performance following last week's defeat against the PSNI, but they again struggled for form, inexplicably opting for the long ball, as opposed to their normal passing game.
Having already defeated Campbellians at home, the locals should have been able to play better than they did in the first half.
Campbellians took the lead in the 14th minute from a short corner when a forward rifled the ball into the bottom corner of Finlay's net. The goal should have provided the visitors with the wake-up call they needed, but rather than upping their game, they found themselves trailing 2-0 five minutes later.
Again a well-worked move saw the ball shifted to a striker who again picked his spot past Finlay who could do nothing, such was the pace on the ball.
Saintfield then did start to play a little and Gareth Lennon, who had a great game for the visitors, pulled a goal back to make it 2-1. The visitors also created a number of half chances, but never really looked like getting back on level terms.
Saintfield were determined to raise their game in the second half and while the commitment to do so was there, the players again struggled for rhythm. The ball was getting through to Davy Johnston and the visitors were left with a mountain to climb when Campbellians made it 3-1 midway through the second period.
Passes were going astray in the middle of the park and while Saintfield tried to summon one last effort to possibly force extra time, it was just one of those days when nothing went right.
Finlay made a great save from a short corner to keep his side in the hunt, but he was beaten minutes later as Campbellians booked their place in the second round with just 10 minutes of the tie remaining.
Nigel Jackson made it 4-2 following a short corner, but it was too little too late and the locals bowed out of the cup.
This Saturday it's back to league action and the locals have three cup finals coming up if they are to maintain their bid for promotion.
Matt Owen's side face Parkview this weekend before back-to-back games against Armagh. Three wins would keep them in the hunt and Saintfield know they must raise their game if they are to emerge unscathed from three vital games which could make or break their season.

01/12/07 Parkview v Saintfield (League)

Parkview 2
Saintfield 3

SAINTFIELD'S title challenge is back on track following this five-goal thriller against Parkview at Ballyclare.
And the win became even more crucial when it emerged that title rivals Armagh could only manage a scoreless draw against Campbellians. Saintfield face Armagh twice over the next two weeks and two wins would see them draw level on points with their title rivals.
Saintfield went into last weekend's vital tie missing a number of their key players, including Davy Johnston, Adam Thompson, Conor Ferguson, Nigel Jackson and Paul Fenton, but they gave a gutsy performance to secure the win.
It certainly was backs-to-the-wall stuff in the closing stages, but the Demesne outfit hung on for a crucial win and one that could prove vital in the season run-in.
Saintfield, who were forced to reshuffle their pack given the number of key players they were missing, took the lead midway through the first half from a short corner.
The ball made its way to Alan Buchanan who slipped it to Richard Owens who blasted it past Richard Nesbitt into the bottom corner of the net for a brilliant opener.
Five minutes later the home side was back on level terms, with the equaliser coming from a short corner and no prizes for guessing who score it.
Paul Harvey, who is so accurate from set-pieces, moved him from defence for the set piece and picked his spot past Finlay, with the shot going into the net off the post.
Five minutes later, Harvey thought he had given his side the lead, but his shot was blocked by Finlay, who was only wearing one leg pad at this stage of the game, and the ball rebounded to safety.
With the interval approaching, Parkview took the lead for the first time in the game with their second of the afternoon coming from another penalty corner. This time the set play was switched with Harvey slipping the ball to John Young who drilled it past Finlay.
Gavin Kirkpatrick went close at the other end after some great work by the inspirational Lance Walker who was the subject of a number of strong challenges all afternoon.
Walker then created a chance for Stephen Tate whose first time shot was saved by Nesbitt who somehow managed to push the ball onto the crossbar before it rebounded to safety.
Parkview continued to hold the upper hand at the start of the second period but Walker, who again was the subject of some hefty challenges, was continuing to cause them problems.
The home side had two players yellow-carded for misdemeanours and Saintfield made them pay for having just nine men on the pitch, scoring two goals in quick succession.
The first came via Kirkpatrick who drilled the ball past Nesbitt after some great approach play by Nesbitt. Three minutes later, Parkview trailed 3-2.
The architect of the Saintfield winner was Owens. Carrying the ball out of defence, he picked out Gareth Lennon with a long raking pass and the former Crossgar man teed up Kirkpatrick who took great delight in scoring his second goal of the afternoon.
Parkview, who ended the game with 10 men after one of their players was red-carded, threw everything at Saintfield in the hope of grabbing a last-gasp equaliser.
But Finlay, now complete with both pads, made a number of fine stops, with one outstanding stick save denying McDonald an equaliser with a drag flick effort.
In a pulsating finale, Owens took a shot off the goal line and Harvey hit the cross bar with just seconds remaining.
The visitors hung on for a magnificent win and they now go into their next two games against Armagh brimming with confidence. A win this Saturday at home will place all the pressure on their opponents for the following week's clash in Armagh and what cracking two games lie ahead.

29/12/07 Campbellians v Saintfield (League)

Campbellians 2
Saintfield 3

A BRILLIANT hat-trick by Saintfield striker, Gavin Kirkpatrick, saw off Campbellians in this five-goal thriller last weekend.

Kirkpatrick, one of the unsung heroes of The Demesne outfit and a man who often lives in the shadow of his strike partner, Davy Johnston, made the headlines himself with three stunning strikes, all of which came in the first half of the game. Saintfield were forced to reshuffle their pack for the tough away game with Alan Buchanan, Adam Thompson, Willie Heaney and Matt Owen all unavailable, but their replacements who included Sammy Davidson, Nigel Patterson and Lawrence Murphy, never put a foot wrong.

Lance Walker, who is getting better every week, again caused problems with his pace and tenacity and had to ride some rough tackles as the visitors took the game to their opponents. Saintfield, who are hot on the heels of Armagh at the top of Senior Two, ended 2007 with a performance which has been a feature of their play all season and they know they'll have to keep firing on all cylinders for the remainder of the season.

Matt Owen's side went close last season in the race for the title and know they have the wherewithal to make it to Senior One. Saintfield opened the scoring in the 12th minute when Johnston's shot was saved by the 'keeper, but the rebound fell to goal-predator supreme, Kirkpatrick, and he made no mistake.

The goal spurred the home side into life and for the next passage of play the visitors were forced to defend in numbers as Saintfield's passing went astray and they fell into the old trap of the long-ball game which doesn't suit their pattern of play. Although Campbellians were on top at this stage, the locals were soaking up the pressure, but they couldn't prevent the home side equalising from a short corner. A forward's shot looked to be too high, but it struck Graeme Finlay's stick and the Saintfield 'keeper could only watch in horror as the ball dipped to strike the backboard.

Normal service was resumed minutes later when Kirkpatrick made it 2-1 after a free hit was drilled into the penalty area by livewire Walker. Kirkpatrick stopped the ball, swivelled and with the defence expecting him to blast the ball, he only half-hit his shot which still managed to cross the line with the home defenders guilty of ball-watching. Minutes later, Kirkpatrick completed his hat-trick when he was again in the right place at the right time. A short corner strike by Johnston was again saved by the 'keeper, but the rebound fell to his strike partner who buried it in the back of the net.

Saintfield were expecting a backlash in the second period and while they were under pressure, they were able to cope and use every opportunity they could to catch their opponents on the break. Campbellians did pull one back from a short corner to make it 3-2 to set up a thrilling finale and Nigel Jackson used all his experience to cover his 'keeper Finlay and take one goal-bound shot off the line.

Finlay then produced a stunning save to keep his side in the game while at the other end, Johnston was unlucky not to put the issue beyond doubt when his shot struck the base of the post and rebounded to safety. With no games this weekend, Saintfield are next in action on January 12 when they face Ballymena at home and while the locals will treat their opponents with the respect they deserve, they know three points are there for the taking.

19/01/08 Larne v Saintfield (McClements Cup)

Larne 0
Saintfield 8

SAINTFIELD strolled into the next round of the McClements Cup with a superb win over Larne in this first round tie at The Glade.
The Demesne outfit let 3-0 at the break and scored five more in the second period to complete a superb victory which was achieved with a makeshift side which included a number of the club's rising stars, including Thomas Gordon who scored on his debut for the senior side and Adam Thompson who finished with a hat-trick.
Incredibly, Saintfield went into the tie missing twin strikers, Davy Johnston and Gavin Kirkpatrick. Also missing were Alan Buchanan, Paul Fenton, Lance Walker, Matt Owen, Richard Owens and Stephen Tate.
The loss of so many players resulted in call-ups from the seconds for young striker Gordon who was also joined by the experienced Ivor Johnston, Davy Hobbs and Sammy Davidson.
With such a weakened side, Larne probably thought they could have sprung a major surprise by claiming a victory, but the visitors had other ideas, none more so that young Gordon who proved he is a star of the future with a very accomplished performance.
He opened the scoring after just three minutes after a counter-attack involving several players. When the ball was worked to Gordon, he kept his composure to produce a scintillating reverse stick shot which went into the net off a post.
Three minutes later Saintfield doubled their advantage when Nigel Patterson, another player called up from second eleven duty, made it 2-0. Adam Thompson tested the 'keeper with a powerful shot which was saved, but the rebound fell to Patterson who made no mistake.
It was all one-way traffic at this stage and the Saintfield goalkeeper was able to admire some fine passing play ahead of him. In fact, he could have watched the game from the sideline as the home side failed to conjure up a shot on goal all day.
With Saintfield pressing forward at every opportunity a third goal was inevitable and it came 11 minutes before the interval when Davidson's cross into the penalty area picked out Thompson and he made no mistake. Conor Ferguson then went close and Thompson was also unlucky.
Saintfield were prepared for a Larne comeback at the start of the second period and the fact it never materialised was due to the fact that the visitors went 4-0 ahead within a minute of the restart.
The goal came from Gordon who by now was thoroughly enjoying life in the senior side. The goal came from a short corner and with the Larne defenders expecting Nigel Jackson to shoot, he switched the ball to Gordon who drilled it home.
Larne were out of it at this stage and from Saintfield's point of view, it was now a question of just how many they would score.
Thompson scored his second and his side's fifth in the 42nd minute after a through ball from Jackson and Thompson completed his hat-trick 15 minutes from time with a brilliant goal.
Faced by a defender and the Larne 'keeper, he stopped, looked up and produced a reverse stick flick which saw the ball nestle in the back of the net.
Ferguson then got in on the act when he made it 7-0 with a fine individual goal and Gareth Lennon, who worked tirelessly all afternoon, made it 8-0 to complete a superb all-round performance.
The McClements Cup is for teams knocked out in the first round of the Irish Junior Cup and while Saintfield are hoping to win the Senior Two championship, they won't mind a good cup run at all.

26/01/08 Saintfield v Portrush (League)

Saintfield 2
Portrush 1

Saintfield went into this fixture against Portrush with several key players making a return to the squad after being missing last week against Larne. Saintfield skipper Matt Owen along with Stephen Tate, Alan Buchanan, Lance Walker and Gavin Kirkpatrick all made a return to the Demesne outfit.
The home side started the match the stronger of the two with Owen and Walker causing chaos in midfield. In the opening minutes a superb pass from Owen found Gavin Kirkpatrick un-marked in the circle, his shot going narrowly wide. Moments later Walker, after a scintillating run down the wing played in a superb cross but no one was able to make contact with the ball.
With 15 minutes gone on the clock Saintfield took the lead after winning a short corner. The push out from Matt Owen found it’s way to Nigel Patterson who played it straight back to the Saintfield skipper who slotted in from close range with the Portrush ‘keeper firmly rooted to the spot.
The goal seemed to spur on Portrush who fought back hard to try and re-gain some control over the game, but some great defending from Sammy Davidson, Nigel Jackson and Alan Buchanan kept the score-line at 1-0. In the dying minutes of the half the home side found themselves under serious pressure from Portrush, an initial sot was well saved by Saintfield ‘keeper Graeme Finlay the rebound fell to another Portrush man who flicked the ball goal-wards but Finlay did well to re-gain composure and pull off a second great save.
The second half started very much as the first with Saintfield in complete control and within minutes the home side extended their lead. An initial shot which was well saved by the Portrush ‘keeper rebounded to Gavin Kirkpatrick who sneaked the ball in from close range to give Saintfield a 2-0 lead.
Saintfield started to push for a third and within minutes of the re-start found themselves caught on the break. Portrush were trying to work the ball out from the back and when the ball hit Alan Buchanan on the foot and the ball fell to a Portrush player Saintfield stopped waiting for the whistle, but the umpire played great advantage, allowing Portrush to work the ball down the wing and a perfect cross found a Portrush forward in the circle. Finlay found himself in a two on one situation, the Portrush forward drew Finlay out and had the good sense to pass to his comrade who was left with an open goal to make it 2-1. At this point Saintfield started to become quite shaky and passes started to stray which made it easy for the visitors to ply pressure onto the Demesne side, but the Saintfield defence were resolute and Portrush were unable to turn the pressure into an equaliser. Saintfield also had chances in the dying minutes. Kirkpatrick went close only to be denied by the ‘keeper and some great crosses from Walker were not picked up by the Saintfield front men and so the score-line was held at 2-1 until the final whistle. It wasn’t pretty by any means but Saintfield got the result they needed to stay hot on the heels of league leaders Armagh who are only one point ahead.
Next week Saintfield face Cookstown 3rds in the second round of the McClements cup.

09/02/08 Saintfield V East Antrim (League)

Saintfield 9
East Antrim 0

SAINTFIELD hammered out a nine goal warning to their title rivals last weekend.
Against a lacklustre side who have become the whipping boys of Senior Two, the home side cruelly put them to the sword.
Saintfield have now scored 49 goals in the league this season and have 30 points in the bag. They are also right on the heels of title rivals Armagh and the PSNI.
Star of the show last weekend was Gareth Lennon. The former Crossgar man ended with four goals and he could have scored more. At the other end, goalkeeper, Graeme Finlay, only had two saves to make during the entire 70 minutes.
But he will be a lot busier this Saturday when his side face Cookstown seconds in a postponed McClements Cup tie at Coolnafranky.
But back to last Saturday and East Antrim, who had been on the edge of pulling out of the tie due to a shortage of players, agreed to fulfil the game and how they must have wished they'd stayed at home.
Saintfield were at their clinical best and while they scored nine, it could easily have been so much more as they continued what they hope will be a successful title bid.
Lennon scored the first of his four goals in the fifth minute when he drew the 'keeper after collecting a past from his skipper, Matt Owen, to slip the ball into the net. From that moment on, it was simply a case of how many.
With Davy Johnston, Paul Fenton and Richard Owens back in the squad, the home side had an abundance of riches to choose from, and opted to start Lennon up front alongside Gavin Kirkpatrick.
Lennon was on fire during the opening minutes and could have had hat-trick within the first 15 minutes such was the home side's dominance.
Saintfield went 2-0 ahead in the 11th minute through Owens. A quick free drilled into the penalty area was saved by the 'keeper, but Owens reacted quickest to fire the ball back into the net.
Surprisingly, the locals failed to increase their advantage during the rest of the half and while two goals in arrears, East Antrim tried to come back into it.
The home side's short corners were poor and they were keen to put that right in the second period and also add to their goals tally, which they did in emphatic style. Nigel Jackson made it 3-0 from a short corner set piece within minutes of the restart and the East Antrim challenge was over.
Lennon scored his second and his side's fourth goal in the 48th minute, with the strike signalling the proverbial opening of the floodgates.
Jackson scored his second of the game with another bullet short corner strike in the 54th minute to make it 5-0 and then Johnston came off the bench to make it 6-0.
Owens got his second of the game after Jackson's short corner strike was saved to make it 7-0 and then Lennon took over to complete his hat-trick and then add a fourth to record his highest ever goals tally in a game.
The win maintains the pressure on Saintfield's rivals at the top of the league, but this Saturday they forget about the pressure of the title race when they face Cookstown seconds.
It will be a tough test against a well organised side which plays its hockey in the elite Junior One. A win is not out of the question, but the locals will have to grind out a result and produce one of their best performances of the season.

16/02/08 Cookstown III V Saintfield (McClements Cup)

Cookstown III 7
Saintfield 2

SAINTFIELD have been left to concentrate on their Senior Two promotion battle after bowing out of the McClements Cup last Saturday.
Cookstown thirds, who play their hockey in Junior 2, were simply too good on the day. But take nothing away from the visitors who played really well, with Richard Owens the outstanding player on the park. The cup tie fell originally fell victim to poor weather a few weeks ago and Saintfield signalled their intentions early on by going on the attack in last Saturday's rearranged tie. Their passing was slick and direct and Lance Walker was unlucky not to give his side the lead in the third minute.
The locals, who had 80 per cent of the play in the first 10 minutes, worked the ball to livewire winger Walker and his great first time effort sailed agonisingly wide. Three minutes later, the visitors were awarded their first short corner of the game and literally seconds after Nigel Jackson saw his shot saved by the 'keeper, the ball was in the back of the net at the other end.
The rebound following Jackson's shot allowed Cookstown to catch Saintfield on the break and while goalkeeper, Graeme Finlay, did what he could, the ball was passed around him and swept into the net. Cookstown quickly doubled their advantage when Alan Buchanan was surrounded by three home players and the ball was subsequently drilled past Finlay and before the visitors had time to recover, they found themselves three goals in arrears.
Owens, who was magnificent on the day, pulled a goal back for Saintfield from a short corner when his bullet strike fizzed past the 'keeper before he had time to move. A mix-up in the Saintfield defence was then harshly punished when Cookstown made it 4-1 and minutes before the break it was game over when they scored a fifth.
A centre forward cleverly lifted his stick as if to strike the ball goalwards, even though he was outside the circle, but as soon as it was on top of the line, he smashed the ball home. Saintfield came out at the start of the second period to show they can play and they produced an inspired performance, even though Cookstown scored to make it 6-1.
But the visitors were then awarded a penalty stroke after a clumsy stick tackle by a Cookstown defender and Owens stepped forward to convert it to make it 6-2. The home side then scored a seventh, but while defeated, Saintfield did play well in parts and they hope that another good performance against Parkview this weekend will keep them in contention for a place in Senior One next season.

23/02/08 Saintfield V Parkview (League)

Saintfield 3
Parkview 0

SAINTFIELD maintained their push for promotion to Senior One with an easy win over a lacklustre Parkview at The Demesne last weekend.
Goals from Gareth Lennon, Richard Owens and Davy Johnston saw the locals home. More importantly, the win keeps them hot on the heels of Armagh and the PSNI whom they are slugging it out with for the title. Saintfield still have to play both teams and their title destiny is in their own hands. No date has beet set for the PSNI game, but the locals could find themselves facing Armagh this weekend in a rearranged league tie and how crucial the outcome of this game will be.
Last Saturday, Saintfield were always in control and were so much on top that goalkeeper, Graeme Finlay, didn't have one save to make during the entire 70 minutes. How he would like the situation to remain the same when his side face the PSNI and Armagh during the season finale! Despite no official umpires arriving for the game, it went off without major incident. Saintfield's Lance Walker had to ride some tough tackles in the first half, but his pace always got him out of trouble as he skipped past defenders to set up a number of attacks for his side.
For the opening 10 minutes, the home side clicked into gear, with Richard Owens and skipper Matt Owen in top form in the middle of the park alongside Alan Buchanan. The trio soaked up anything Parkview had to offer and were clinical in going forward themselves. Lennon almost opened the scoring in the sixth minute with a half chance and while Johnston also went close, the home side surprisingly failed to break the deadlock.
The game sprung into life in the second period when Saintfield upped the tempo, scoring three goals without reply and sending out a timely reminder to the PSNI and Armagh that they intend to have a major say in the destination of the title. Saintfield took the lead in the 41st minute when former skipper Owens was rewarded for his efforts in the middle of the park when he rifled the ball past Richard Nesbitt after being put through by Johnston whose clever pass cut the Parkview defence in two.
Owens then almost doubled his side's lead minutes later, but his well struck shot was saved by Nesbitt. At the back for the home side, Nigel Jackson never out a foot wrong and indeed it was his performance which ensured his 'keeper had nothing to do. Saintfield scored their second goal of the afternoon in the 56th minute when Owen's shot was saved by Nesbitt. But the rebound fell kindly for Johnston who rifled it goalwards. His shot struck the post and with the ball rolling across the goal-line, Lennon pounced to stab it home.
It was effectively game over at this stage and the only question in the minds of the home supporters was how many Saintfield would score. Johnston, who was a constant thorn in the Parkview defence all afternoon, made it 3-0 with six minutes to go when he scored with one of his trademark shots.
In the final five minutes Saintfield were camped in the Parkview penalty area but they couldn't increase their advantage. Nevertheless, there's only three points for a win, no matter how many you score. With a possible game against Armagh this weekend, Saintfield are on the crest of a wave and with games in the Senior Two Cup still to come, the players are on a high.
The biggest squad the club has had in recent years has been the mainstay of their form this season and while they are taking one game at a time, the players know a possible league and cup double is on the cards.

01/03/08 Saintfield V Armagh (League)

Saintfield 3
Armagh 3

TITLE chasing Saintfield looked dead and buried by half-time in this battle with their promotion rivals Armagh.
Matt Owen's side trailed 3-0 and Armagh could not believe the scoreline against a side which has pushed them and the PSNI all the way in this season's promotion race. Conditions at The Demesne were perfect and while the home side was keen to get off to the best possible start, it was Armagh who seized the upper hand in a game they knew they had to win to put a little breathing space between them and Saintfield.
The story of the first half was a real simple one; Armagh took their chances, while the home side didn't. It wasn't that they were failing to find the target, quite the opposite in fact, but the visitor's 'keeper was having one of those afternoons when everything was going right, especially in the first half. His opposite number, Graeme Finlay, was also busy during the opening exchanges. He had to make a number of saves to deny Howard Quinn and Gregory Croft, but was powerless to prevent the visitors from taking the lead.
Incredibly, the opening goal came seconds after Saintfield were awarded a short corner. The ball was pushed out to Nigel Jackson and while his bullet shot was on target, it was saved by the 'keeper. The ball was then fired upfield and with two Saintfield defenders faced by three Armagh attackers, it was no surprise when the ball ended up in the back of the net.
Three minutes later, Armagh were celebrating when they went to 2-0 ahead. Finlay produced a superb save, but the ball rebounded to Quinn who fired it back goalwards. Finlay again blocked the shot before it fell to another forward who fired it into the net with the home defenders guilty of ball watching. Saintfield dangerman, Lance Walker, was marked out of the game in the first half, cutting out the service to Gavin Kirkpatrick and Gareth Lennon, who were also well marshalled by the Armagh defence.
Kirkpatrick did go close and Jackson was again denied from a short corner set piece before Armagh were in dreamland when they scored to make it 3-0 just on the stroke of half-time. A short corner routine saw Finlay produce a smart save from an initial shot, but the follow up struck Jackson on the line and the umpire had no hesitation awarding a penalty stroke. Despite Finlay's best efforts, the ball beat him to give Armagh a comprehensive lead they never would have expected before the start of play.
Saintfield's interval talk was composed, with the players disappointed they had not made more of the chances they created. However, they felt they were still in with a shout and believed that their normal passing would come good in the second half. How right they were. Armagh relied on a long ball in the game in the second half and were obviously keen to preserve their lead, but the tactic ultimately proved to be their downfall. Armagh's 'keeper made a brilliant save to deny Jackson and then denied Richard Owens as the home side's pressure started to tell.
Midway through the second period Saintfield gave themselves a lifeline. Jackson went on a raking run from defence and fired the ball into the Armagh penalty area where Kirkpatrick got the slightest of touches to deflect it past the 'keeper. Game on. The long ball game wasn't proving effective for the visitors, but with 10 minutes to go, they looked to be home and dry. While they created a few half chances in the second half, Finlay was nowhere near as busy.
Walker was reintroduced at this stage and had an immediate impact. He beat his marker to make his way into the penalty area and when he unleashed his shot the spectators held their breath. The 'keeper again got something on it, but when the ball came to Lennon he drilled it home. With two minutes to, Saintfield were awarded a short corner with responsibility for the strike on goal handed to Owens. While his shot was saved, Kirkpatrick was on hand to crash the rebound home.
Armagh were rocked and drove forward in search of a winning goal in the dying seconds, but it was too little too late. Saintfield, who had been staring down the barrel of defeat, had clawed their way back into the game in true championship chasing style. They are still in the hunt for the title and with the PSNI still to play, who knows what might happen. Conor Ferguson was outstanding for the locals in the weekend performance when every Saintfield player stood up to be counted in that pulsating second half. With the score at 3-2, an Armagh player was about to pull the trigger to fire past Finlay when the midfielder produced what proved to be a match-saving tackle.
This Saturday the locals have no game, but are back in action on March 15 when they face Portrush in the McClements Cup. Last weekend's second half performance will ensure they go into this game brimming with confidence and intent on going all the way to the final.

15/03/08 Saintfield V Portrush (Sussex Regiment Cup R2)

Saintfield 3
Portrush 2

SAINTFIELD booked a place in the semi-finals of the Senior Two Cup with a 3-2 win over Portrush at The Demesne last weekend.
All the goals in the cup tie came in the first half and the home side had to rely on their experienced goalkeeper, Graeme Finlay, to send them into the semis. He made a number of superb saves in the closing stages as Portrush went for broke in a bid to force the tie into extra time. If the Saints go on to win the cup, they will look back at the final minutes of this tie and realise that perhaps their name was on the trophy.
Armagh, Campbellians and the PSNI and the other teams in the hat for the semi-final draw and Saintfield will be hoping for nothing more than a home tie. Last Saturday, they were confident of winning against a side which can blow hot and cold at times. The home side started with Conor Ferguson up front alongside Gavin Kirkpatrick in the absence of Gareth Lennon.
Saintfield created the first chance of the afternoon when Lance Walker went close and then Nigel Jackson was unlucky to see his shot saved by the 'keeper. At the other end, Finlay had to make two early saves, but wasn't really troubled after that. With Richard Owens, Matt Owen and Alan Buchanan providing the drive in the middle of the park, the home side always looked in control and they hoped to stamp their authority on the cup tie in the second period.
But it was Portrush who started the brighter and Finlay had to produce a smart double save to prevent his side from going behind. He first denied Mervyn McKeemin before blocking Andy Dalzell's follow-up. Having weathered this early storm, Saintfield roared back and minutes later Owens was unlucky to see his shot saved by the 'keeper.
The opening goal came in the 40th minute when Walker's shot was stopped illegally on the line by a defender. The umpire had no hesitation in awarding the penalty and Jackson placed the ball high into the top corner of the net, well out of the 'keeper's reach. Minutes later, the home side doubled its advantage from a short corner. Owens' initial shot was picked up by Walker, whose powerful shot was deflected into the net by an unlucky defender.
To their credit, Portrush came back strongly and pulled a goal back from what Saintfield argued was a harshly awarded short corner. As so often happens when decisions like this go against teams, it resulted in a goal. Saintfield could have shut up shop at this stage, but decided to press on and they deserved to take a 3-1 lead when Walker popped inside the penalty area to score.
The home side had one foot in the semi-final at this stage, but Portrush weren't going to roll over and play dead. They stormed back magnificently and scored to make it 3-2 to set up a thrilling finale. Even though the goal was scrappy, it gave them great hope and they kept coming forward. Finlay again came to his side's rescue with some great saves, while at the other end, Jackson and Kirkpatrick both went close to putting Saintfield further ahead. When the final whistle went, the home players were delighted and now look forward to see who they'll draw in the semis.
With the cup-tie out of the way, Saintfield are looking forward to a hectic finish to the season. In addition to the semis, they have to complete their Senior Two league programme against Armagh (which could decide the title race), the PSNI, Larne, Ballymena and Omagh.

29/03/08 Armagh V Saintfield (League)

Armagh 9
Saintfield 0

SAINTFIELD'S Senior Two title dreams are in ruins.
The Demesne outfit were hammered into oblivion by their promotion rivals last Saturday in a one-sided game which was effectively over by the interval. Crucially for Saintfield, they were missing a number of key players for what was their biggest game of the season. Skipper Matt Owen and Alan Buchanan, two of the lynchpins of the Saintfield midfield, were missing as was the influential Lance Walker.
Having been on Armagh's tails all season, Saintfield were keen to take something from the game to ensure the title race goes all the way to the wire. But the absence of those key players proved crucial in the final analysis and Saintfield finished a very poor second.
Having drawn 3-3 with Armagh just a few weeks ago, the locals went with a game plan to keep things tight for the first 10 minutes and while this worked, the wheels then came off soonafter. Saints 'keeper, Graeme Finlay was a busy man in the opening 10 minutes and kept his side in the game with a number of fine stops.
The locals called up the experienced Lawrence Murphy who was joined by Henry Ward and Connor Patterson, but Armagh were simply too strong on the day. The home side took the lead in the 12th minute from a well worked short corner which resulted in a drag flick flying into the net past the unsighted Finlay. Four minutes later Armagh doubled their advantage from another short corner.
An initial shot was well saved by Finlay but cruelly for the 'keeper, the ball broke to an unmarked forward who hammered it back past him into the net. Two goals in five minutes hit the visitors hard and while Finlay produced another top drawer save following a short corner in the 27th minute, the rebound again picked out an Armagh forward who scored.
The last time the sides met at The Demesne, Saintfield were 3-0 down at the interval; on that occasion, they staged a great comeback to level things at 3-3, but there was no chance of any repeat this time. Saintfield did have a real go at the start of the second half, but they lacked bite and penetration in front of goal. Armagh then made it 4-0 and from that point on they completely overwhelmed Saintfield, scoring another five goals without reply.
In the end, Saintfield were well beaten, but they can still claim runners-up spot. Despite the fact it's now April, Saintfield still have four league games to play against Larne, Omagh, Ballymena and the PSNI. If they win all four, they can pip the cops for the runners-up spot. And in exactly two weeks' time, Saintfield have a golden opportunity to book their place in the final of the Senior Two Cup when they face Armagh at home. If all their big guns are available, they have the capability of shooting down the opposition to book their place in the final.
The priority is now winning those remaining league games and of course booking that cup final spot.

05/04/08 Larne V Saintfield (League)

09/04/08 Saintfield V Armagh (Sussex Regiment Cup semi)

12/04/08 PSNI V Saintfield (League)

19/04/08 Omagh V Saintfield (League)

23/04/08 Saintfield V Ballymena (League)

Mens 2nd XI

13/10/07 Ballymena II v Saintfield II (League)

Ballymena II 0
Saintfield II 2

SAINTFIELD seconds went into their first Junior 7 clash of the season with all guns blazing and picked up maximum points.
The locals boasted a strong side following the introduction of several ex Crossgar players and the locals pushed hard in the first half, taking the game to Ballymena who tried to catch them on the break on several occasions.
The Saintfield defence of Aaron Kearney, Connor Patterson, Nigel Patterson and sweeper, Ivor Johnston, ensured there was no danger of the new seconds 'keeper, Marty Johnston, being threatened.
Gareth Lennon played several outstanding balls across goal, but no Saintfield forward could make the vital contact with the ball to break the deadlock.
Ballymena looked sharper at the start of the second half, driving forcefully into the Saintfield penalty area, but Ivor Johnston was on hand to avert any danger.
Lennon continued to be a thorn in Ballymena's side, creating several chances for the visitors, but the chances went begging as Saintfield forwards Scott Murtagh and Ian Weir failed to direct the crosses goalwards.
Saintfield made the breakthrough midway through the second half with a controversial goal. A free hit was directed goalwards by midfielder, Sammy Davison, with Ballymena claiming the ball had actually been deflected by one of their defenders. But the umpire awarded the goal.
The visitors continued to push hard to increase their advantage, but it was Ballymena who were next to come close and 'keeper Johnston was finally called into action to clear the lines with a little help from his namesake Ivor who set up a counter attack which resulted in veteran, Bertie Hamilton, slotting home in the dying minutes of the game.
Ballymena tried hard to get back into the game, but 'keeper Johnston and his defence worked hard to maintain their two-goal advantage.
This Saturday, Saintfield seconds face Mossley sixths at home, as they continue their quest to secure promotion to Junior 6.

20/10/07 Saintfield II v Mossley 6th (League)

Saintfield II 2
Mossley VI 0

The goal is promotion to Junior 6 and if their early season form is anything to go by, they are in with a great chance.
The locals recorded their second win of the season last Saturday with a particularly impressive performance from Connor Patterson who bagged all three goals.
Goalkeeper, Marty Johnson, finished with another clean sheet and has taken to net minding like a duck to water this season.
Connor Patterson slotted in at right back, while sweeper and namesake, Nigel, was rarely troubled.
Connor's goals all came in the second half. The first came courtesy of a short corner strike, while the second was scored from a successfully converted penalty stroke.
The best goal-of-the-game was Patterson's third to complete his hat-trick. He carried the ball from deep inside his own half to the Mossley penalty area where he unleashed a terrific shot which flew into the net.
Gareth Lennon was unlucky not to make it 4-0, as was Willie Heaney who was celebrating his 24th birthday.
Saintfield also handed a debut to new boy, Mike Allen, last Saturday and he showed tremendous form and ability at centre-back position. Henry Ward also made his debut for Saintfield, with other top performances coming from Ian Weir and Scott Murtagh.

27/10/07 Kilkeel IV v Saintfield II (League)

Kilkeel IV 1
Saintfiel II 2

Saintfield seconds maintained their bid for promotion into junior 6 with this great win in Kilkeel. The locals welcomed back Dougie Reid and Thomas Brown , but still missed Nigel Patterson. Connor Patterson moved into sweeper alongside Mike Allen, with Sammy Davidson on the Left.
The Saints went into the game without their injured skipper, Bertie Hamilton and while they were not used with the synthetic pitch, they gave a good account of themselves.
There was plenty of passing and great displays of tackling, particularly from young cubs like Scott Murtagh. Although Saintfield had the majority of the play, the Kilkeel ‘keeper had little to do.
The visitors took the lead through Ian Weir who scored shortly before the end of the half.
Hamilton’s encouraging words at the interval rallied the troops for the second half and they went 2-0 ahead through Thomas Gordon after an error from the Kilkeel Defence.
Kilkeel then started throwing men forward, but the Saintfield team held firm until a stray man broke and ran the ball to the D where he scored past Marty Johnston.
The goal spurred Kilkeel and while they swamped forward, the locals held out for a much-needed two point.

03/11/07 Saintfield II v Omagh II (League)

Saintfield II 3
Omagh II 2

Saintfield seconds remain on course for one of the two promotion places up for grabs in Junior 7, following this five-goal thriller at the Demesne when Ian Weir bagged a glorious hat-trick.
Ivor Johnston was in commanding form at the heart of the Saintfield defence, with Gareth Lennon causing problems on the wing and the experienced Bertie Hamilton running things in the middle of the park.
But it was the visitors who took the lead from a short corner which saw the ball flash past 'keeper, Marty Johnston.
Saintfield took the blow on the chain and while they tried to battle back, they soon found themselves two goals in arrears.
With the home side's unbeaten run in jeopardy, they moved up a gear and roared right back into contention.
The experienced Weir pulled a goal back for the home side shortly before the break to provide Saintfield with much-needed heart going into the interval.
Weir was the star of the show for the locals with his non-stop running and tackling a feature of his play over the 70 minutes.
And it was no surprise when he scored to level the scores with just three minutes of the second period getting underway and Weir then made it 3-2, giving his side the lead for the first time in the game.
With over two quarters of the game to go, Omagh were hoping to haul themselves level again, but the home defence stood firm, with Johnston having an outstanding game at sweeper.
Young Scott Murtagh again played well, while Thomas Brown proved he is also one for the future with an impressive performance.
Match ball sponsored by Phillip White Tyres.

10/11/07 South Antrim V v Saintfield II (League)

South Antrim V 0
Saintfield II 4 0

SAINTFIELD seconds stayed in top spot in Junior 7 with another
highly impressive win last weekend.
Playing on the shale against South Antrim fifths they dominated the game from start to finish, with Ian Weir, who bagged a hat-trick the previous week, again in top form on the wing.
Dougie Reid led the line superbly, while Marty Johnston was delighted to keep a clean sheet for the team at them other end.
The experienced Davy Hobbs filled in at sweeper, with Connor Patterson in front of him and Scott Murtagh at right back and Aaron Kearney on the left side of the defence.
Bertie Hamilton pulled the strings in the middle of the park where he was joined by Gareth Lennon and Thomas Brown. In fact it was Brown who was instrumental in Saintfield's opening goal when he set up Reid, with the big striker making no mistake after 10 minutes. Seconds later, the visitors went 2-0 ahead when Brown turned goalscorer.
The home side then got a foot-hold on the game for a time and any time they managed to breach the Saintfield defence, Johnston stood in the way.
At the start of the second period the visitors were keen to increase their advantage and Gareth Lennon's superb display was rewarded when he fired his side 3-0 ahead.
It was all one-way traffic at this stage as Saintfield proved why they will take some stopping this season.
That man Weir made set up his side's fourth goal which ensured they collected another two points to help ensure his side remain looking down on their rivals at the top of the table.
Weir's shot looked as though it was about to cross the line, but Craig Harkness nipped in to make sure.

17/11/07 Saintfield II v North Down V (League)

Saintfield II 0
North Down V 5

SAINTFIELD seconds lost their unbeaten run in Junior 7 last Saturday when they were comprehensively defeated by North Down fifths.

The visitors scored with their first attack of the game after just 30 seconds and it was always going to be difficult after that. Five minutes later, North Down went 2-0 ahead, but Saintfield tried to claw their way back into the game through the efforts of Ivor Johnston and Sammy Davidson.

The home side almost reduced the arrears when Ian Weir teed up Dougie Reid, but the big striker's effort flew past the wrong side of the post. North Down failed to add to their advantage by the interval, but played a lot better in the second, scoring another three goals.

They mounted attack after attack and the home side was forced to defend in numbers. The Comber side were on fire and they would have scored a lot more than five goals had it not been for a great performance by Saintfield 'keeper, Marty Johnston. At the end, Saintfield were disappointed, but not disheartened and are looking forward to meeting their derby rivals later in the season.

15/12/07 Lisnagarvey VII v Saintfield II (League)

Lisnagarvey VII 2
Saintfield II 3

SAINTFIELD seconds defeated Junior 7 side Lisnagarvey sevenths in a five-goal thriller last weekend.
The locals travelled to Hillsborough with a full strength squad with ‘keeper, Marty Johnston, having an outstanding game in goals along with sweeper, Nigel Patterson. He was joined by Aaron Kearney, who was nursing a broken finger at right back.
In midfield, proceedings were dominated by Saintfield's Bertie Hamilton, Ian Weir, Thomas Brown and Craig Harkness, while up front, Connor Patterson gave the 'Garvey defence a hard time marking him and strike partner Thomas Gordon.
Saintfield started well and it was no surprise when Connor Patterson, out to show no fear of the surface they lack familiarity with proved early on they showed dominance, picking up the ball from the Garvey men and moving the game deep into the Garvey half, it didn’t take long for Connor to find his feet and with a superb strike hammered the ball into the top corner. The game remained taxing with lots of play around the centre of the park and Saintfield missing a few opportunities, Garvey were unable to breakdown the Saintfield defence and any attack was quickly dispelled giving Garvey no chance on goal in the first half, Saintfield leading 1-0 at half time was pleasing but the team wanted more and began a further push, resulting in a short corner which Connor Patterson flicked into the net.
Saintfield improved their lead to 3-1 with a superb run all the way to the backboard from Lance Walker.
Garvey came back strong and forced a number of short corners in quick succession with the first few saved buy some fearless running from Ivor, and superb saving from Marty, finally one made it into the goal, to bring it to 2-1 to Saintfield. Play continued and Saintfield defence stood defiant against the Garvey attack. Then devastation hit as another short corner found its way into the net, bringing the game to 3-2 and only minuets left on the clock. Saintfield not wanting to let the game fall apart after this length of time stepped it up a gear to keep the game away from there half and held out until the final whistle,
Final score Saintfield 3 Garvey 2
Match ball sponsored by Phillip white tyres

12/01/08 Mossley VI v Saintfield II (League)

Mossley 6th 1
Saintfield 2nd 3

Saintfield went into this fixture having played no hockey for almost a month due to matches being cancelled and the Christmas break and facing a team who have always caused them problems on Astroturf.
The visitors started without midfielders Sammy Davidson and Scott Murtagh, but William Heaney and Lance Walker stepped in to take their place.
Saintfield started the stronger of the two teams forcing the play deep into the Mossley half and within 5 minutes took the lead through centre forward Thomas Gordon. A faltered clearance from Mossley found it’s way to Gordon who made no mistake driving a superb reverse stick shot into the bottom left hand corner.
From the push back Mossley found themselves under pressure this time coming from hot shot Lance walker who caused endless problems for the home side all afternoon and within minutes the pressure paid off as walkers perfectly timed pass found Thomas Gordon at the edge of the circle and an unstoppable shot gave Saintfield a 2-0 lead.
Saintfield continued to pile on the pressure and several chances from Gordon, Walker and front man Dougie Reid went begging.
After a broken down attack Mossley caught Saintfield on the break and won a short corner. The corner was well taken and it was a superb stick save from Saintfield ‘keeper Marty Johnston that stopped the home side from lowering the deficit with a powerful drag flick. Moments later Mossley were awarded another short corner, this time another superb drag flick was placed in the top left corner well out of Johnston’s reach.
In the rest of the half both teams played each other out of the game with neither side having many clear-cut chances giving Saintfield a slender 2-1 lead going into the break.
The second half started much as the first had ended and in the opening fifteen minutes neither team made any headway. With 20 minutes gone on the clock Mossley threw caution to the wind pushing more players up the pitch in an effort to level things up but their efforts were thwarted by some great tackling from William Heaney, Davy Hobbs, Aaron Kearney, Henry Ward and Nigel Patterson.
Moments later Saintfield found themselves outnumbered at the back and a well placed pass found its way to a Mossley striker who flicked the ball goal wards only for Johnston to pull off yet another fine stick save to keep the visitors in the game. The long corner was defended badly by Saintfield and Mossley were awarded a short corner after the ball struck a Defender on the foot. Johnston pulled off another save from a well struck shot the ball immediately fell to lance walker who ran the full length of the pitch avoiding several tackles and after a quick one two with Bertie Hamilton played the ball into Gordon who slotted home giving Saintfield their third and himself a well deserved hat trick.
With the home side conceding a third goal their heads began to drop and Saintfield fought hard to extend their lead, a first time pass from Hamilton found it’s way to Dougie Reid who was unable to make contact with the goal at his mercy, Lance Walker also scored in the dying minutes but had his goal disallowed by the Mossley umpire who clamed he used the back of his stick. The match finished giving Saintfield another two points Keeping them in prime position at the top of junior 7 with North Down and Omagh right on their heels.

19/01/08 Saintfield II v Down III (Strabane Cup)

Saintfield 2nd 1
Down 3rd 3

Saintfield unexpectedly exited the Strabane cup on Saturday in the first round being beaten by derby rivals Down.
Saintfield can take heart in the fact that they went into the match missing several key players who had been called up for the 1st XI, Sammy Davidson, Nigel Patterson, Ivor Johnston, Davy Hobbs and Thomas Gordon all travelled with the firsts.
This left Saintfield seriously depleted but they gave Down a run for their money regardless.
Saintfield started the stronger of the two causing early chaos in the Down half but it was midway through the first half before the home side took advantage. A pass from Saintfield captain Bertie Hamilton found Dougie Reid unmarked in the circle, Reid unleashed an unstoppable shot which gave the Down ‘keeper no chance.
After the push back Down managed to pick up the pace and turn things around but their only clear cut chance of the half, a rifling shot was well saved by Saintfield ‘keeper Marty Johnston, Dougie Reid went close at the other end the shot going narrowly wide of the post leaving Saintfield with a 1-0 lead going into the break.
After the break Down seemed the more lively of the two teams and within five minutes of the restart claimed their equaliser. The Saintfield defence gave a Down forward a free shot on goal resulting from a badly defended short corner, which he carefully placed into the bottom corner of the net just out of Johnston’s reach.
The home side pushed hard to retake the lead but several great chances for Saintfield forward Dougie Reid were either well saved by the Down ‘keeper or went narrowly wide. The visitors also had their fair share of chances to make it 2-1 but some great defending from Lawrence Murphy who went into the match sporting an Achilles tendon injury and some great saves from Johnston left the scores tied at full time.
Within moments of the start of extra time the visitors were on the attack and won a dangerous free hit on the edge of the circle. The free hit was played to Down forward Cecil Telford who placed a perfect push through a crowd of players in the circle which caught Johnston by surprise and giving Down a 2-1 lead. Saintfield pushed to get an equaliser but some great chances for Michael Allen and Dougie Reid went begging.
The second period of extra time saw Saintfield push almost everyone up the pitch to try and force a goal but mid way through the half the home side got caught on the break a probing pass deep into the Saintfield half beat Lawrence Murphy’s stick and fell to Aaron Kearney in the circle. Kearney was unlucky not to get the ball clear, but the ball fell to a Down forward leaving him with only the ‘keeper to beat. He caught Johnston wrong footed and put the ball in the back of the net giving the visitors a 3-1 Lead.
In the dying minutes all of the action was at the other end of the pitch Saintfield working hard to try and get back in the game. A perfect cross from Michael Allen found Reid at the front post. Reid slipped the ball under the ‘keeper but it went narrowly wide of the goal.
In the end time ran out for Saintfield putting Down through to the next round of the Strabane Cup against Ballymena 2nds on the 2nd of February.
Next week Saintfield once again face derby rivals Down in the league and will be hoping to have their full squad back in action.

15/03/08 Saintfield II v Omagh 2nd (League)

Omagh 2nd 4
Saintfield 2nd 1

Before Saturdays match Saintfield were 2 points clear at the top of junior 7 and even though they were defeated by Omagh they remain 2 points clear as a nine man North Down side fell to defeat at the hands of Ballymena 2nd.
Saintfield went into the game missing Ian Weir, Dougie Reid and Nigel Patterson. The introduction of Sammy Davidson into the squad was just not enough for the visitors and they found themselves outclassed by a strong Omagh side.
The first fifteen minutes were pretty even with a fierce battle going on in mid-field but neither team could create any chances.
The game eventually opened up with Thomas Gordon being handed a great chance from a Sammy Davidson pass but the Saintfield striker could not capitalise.
Moments Later it was Omagh who were on the attack and a lapse in concentration by the Saintfield defence saw an Omagh forward slip through with the ball but a superb charge from Saintfield ‘keeper Marty Johnston saw the ball cleared and the danger averted.
The last five minutes of the half were costly for Saintfield as two defensive lapses allowed Omagh to score twice within 60 seconds. The first goal came when two Omagh strikers made their way into the circle with the ball, Aaron Kearney did well to get his stick in front of the shot but a cruel deflection saw the ball fall to the other striker leaving Johnston beaten.
The second goal came as Johnston found himself only a minute later two on one with the Omagh front men giving him no chance and the home side a comfortable lead. Saintfield came close to pulling one back in the dying minutes of the half but were denied by the whistle.
The second half saw Saintfield make a much brighter start and had two great chances from short corners but they were denied by two superb saves from the Omagh ‘keeper. With ten minutes gone in the half Saintfield were awarded another short corner. The ball was played short to Bertie Hamilton. His shot was saved by the ‘keeper but the rebound fell to Connor Patterson who made no mistake.
Saintfield pushed hard for an equaliser and repeatedly got caught on the break but some great defending from Henry Ward and Aaron Kearney and a couple of good saves from Johnston kept Saintfield in the game.
Unfortunately for Saintfield they got caught on the break one too many times and once again Johnston found himself two on one once again. He closed the player down but he squared it to his strike partner Bobby Hawkes who had all the time in the world to put the ball in the back of the net.

Saintfield pushed hard to get back on track but in the dying minutes Omagh put the game well and truly to rest earning a late short corner. The ball was played out to the top of the circle and some hesitant defending from the saintfield runners gave the omagh striker all the time he needed to pick his spot past Johnston.

08/04/08 Saintfield II v Ballymena II (League)

15/04/08 Saintfield II v East Antrim II (League)

Ladies 1st XI

13/10/07 Saintfield v Owls (League)

Saintfield Ladies 1
Owls Ladies 2

Saintfield hosted Owls in a league encounter on Friday evening at Lough Moss but unfortunately they slipped to a home defeat.
The Saints who tumbled to a 3-0 defeat to Kilkeel last week were hoping for an improved performance.
The early signs were encouraging as they dominated the opening ten minutes but a moment of poor concentration and a disputed short corner gave their opponents the victory. Jennifer Rice pulled one back for her side late in the game.
Saints started strongly putting Owls in a defensive mood. The sharp passing of Alex Evans from the centre of midfield ensured that Clare Withers, Kerry Mitchell and Rice had plenty to work with, although they were unable to break the Owls defence.
A strong shot from withers forced the ‘keeper into action and soon after Mitchell showed her pace down the line before driving a powerful cross past goal and just out of reach of her team mates.
The pressure was maintained but the Saints forwards were looking for a more snappier release from their colleagues, which might have created better opportunities.
The Saintfield defence, when called upon, stood firm, Rosemary Owen and Rozi Bell marshalling their area well. Rice who was full of running, linked well with Withers on one scything move and the return pass put her through but her effort was pulled the wrong side of the upright.
Gradually Owls found composure going forward but still Saints kept their defensive line-up tight and Lesley Prentice was in top form with some outstanding tackles.
The game became evenly matched with both sides working hard and seemingly solid at the back.
In the 26th minute though Owls got a breakthrough. A short corner was initially blocked by ‘keeper Steph Rea but the defence hesitated to move for the clearance allowing the winger time to pick her spot and nudge her side ahead.
In the second period Saints looked a little out of sorts and took some time to settle back into their rhythm, but by now Owls were forcing the pace and keeping them hemmed in for short sells.
When Saints did move forward, were slow to release and got caught in possession too often. Defensively they continued to work hard but felt they were wrongly accused when a short corner was given against them. To add insult to injury Owls added to their tally from this as the ball looped into the net just clipping the backboard.
Saints tried hard to respond but Owls kept pressing tight so passing had to be early and accurate. On the few occasions Saintfield were able to get through the defence, Withers and rice saw chances go narrowly wide.
In the 51st minute Rice gave her side a chance when she netted at the back post following a good cross from Andrea Gibson. Time though ran out with Saintfield chasing the equaliser.

20/10/07 UUJ v Saintfield (League)

Saintfield Ladies 0
UUJ Ladies 1

This was a much better show than of late by the Saints but they still slid to a disappointing defeat at Laurelhill, Lisburn.
At times Saintfield threatened to run away with it, but couldn’t unhinge a stubborn UUJ defence that was resolute and determined.
Rebecca Orr and Clare Withers did play a tug of war game with their opponents, but even their trickery and inventiveness couldn’t upset a fine UUJ rearguard.
Saints ‘keeper Steph Rea was tested as UUJ mounted a few adventurous moves, and did well to prevent the home side leaping ahead.
Sharon Wilson, Rozie Bell, Alex Evans and Rosemary Owen were just as alert as their counterparts, and time and again thwarted home raids.
Julie Shaw, Laura McManus and Kerry Mitchell were others to serve the saints well. Chances, overall, were few and far between but Saintfield were caught when a deflected free hit spun past helpless ‘keeper Rea who could only make a token gesture to prevent the ball from skipping into the net for the late UUJ winner.

10/11/07 Saintfield v Parkview (League)

Saintfield Ladies 3
Parkview Ladies 1

Saints entertained 2nd placed Parkview and demonstrated good team work and skill to claim victory .Clare withers netted a brace and Alex Evans also made the score sheet.
Parkview started strongly and moved the ball well with quick sharp passes, but the local defensewere strong with Rosemary Owen and Rachel Cranston giving the wingers little space. As Saints settled they also showed good passing although the visiting sweeper was difficult to get past. However when Saints put a little more angle on their passing game Jen Rice was finding plenty of space in which to run. An early opportunity fell to the home side when Withers went clear but her shot went narrowly wide. Saints maintained a strong press making it difficult for the visitors and were soon back in possession. Andrea Gibson working well in midfield to create space again putting her forwards clear; but again they were denied by some strong defending. Several short corners also tested the keeper . It was from a short corner in the 20th min that Saints took the lead. The initial shot was pushed and in the ensuing melee Withers netted from an really narrow angle. Parkview looked for an instant reply but Sharon Wilson and keeper Steph Rea combined well to avert the danger.
In the 2nd period Saints came under strong pressure but again the defensive lineup were in top form. A series of ‘disputable’ short corners were given against them but Saints stood firm until the 45th min when the visitors switched play quickly to knock in at the back post. Having weathered the storm Saints again moved forward. Withers was quick to close down the defense allowing her midfield to pick up the hurriedly cleared ball. The saints moved forward with Gibson weaving her magic and were awarded a short corner which Evans put away just inside the post. Again Parkview put saints under pressure but their defense held firm. A pass out of midfield by passed the Saints forwards and the defender thought she had plenty of time, under-estimating the speed of Withers who dispossessed her and with a clear run to goal she had time to pick her spot and slot past the advancing keeper to give her side a resounding victory.

Ladies 2nd XI

13/10/07 Civil Sercice III v Saintfield II

Civil Service III 0
Saintfield Ladies II 1

On the back of two defeats Saintfield were determined to win a testing fixture away to Civil Service on astro-turf on Friday night.
Pamela Cairns netted early to bring her tally to two goals in as many games as Saintfield controlled the game from the start.
The play from Saintfield on the whole was exceptional and they were credited even further as they were playing on a surface, which they weren’t accustomed to.
Defender Amy Johnston-Wood, who pushed forward to support the midfielders when she could, was brilliant all first half but unfortunately had to come off at halftime as she was feeling unwell.
Most of the game was spent in the Civil Service circle as right midfielder Cheryl Wallace and right winger Rachel Edgar linked up well and got the ball moving for Saints. Central midfielder Megan Wilson also added a terrific performance to the Saintfield team and she was at the centre of everything.
Good communication and understanding throughout the team allowed Saints to attack Civil Service even more in an attempt to double their lead. But they just couldn’t create any clear cut opportunities and had to be satisfied with their one goal victory. This result will send them into their next game against Dromore III at home with more confidence. Saintfield are sponsored by GR Homes.

20/10/07 Saintfield II v Dromore III (League)

Saintfield Ladies II 0
Dromore Ladies III 3

Unfortunately the score line does not do any justice to Saintfield. They will feel hard done by as the played just as well as the opposition, who are top of the league.
The start of the game was evenly matched although Dromore had a few good chances early on. Goalkeeper Steph Fulton the score remained neck and neck pulling off two great saves in the early minutes.
The goal, an unstoppable shot from the top of the circle, was eminent though as Dromore passed the ball better than Saintfield.
Sadly, even though heads did not drop, the second goal came in similar fashion to the first as Saintfield left too many gaps at the back, leaving their goalkeeper powerless to prevent a second Dromore goal.
Saintfield tried hard to repair the damage and Pamela Cairns and Rachel Edgar were dangerous the attack although when they went forward they had little support. Saintfield were glad to hear the halftime whistle to regroup.
After the break, the home side started Brilliantly, and spent most of the opening minutes in the opposition’s circle.
The pressing came to no avail and Dromore comfortably settled into the rhythmic hockey they played in the first half.
Saintfield captain Heather Sofley and defenders Amy Johnston-Wood and Tara Johnson kept it tight at the back and prevented the visitors from sneaking a third.
However, that did happen mid-way through the half and all of the Saintfield players looked fatigued, resulting in them creating few opportunities to try and lower the deficit. Hopefully they will pick up their form for the visit of Lisnagavey 4th at the Demesne.

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