Result for Saturday 2nd May 2009

2nd May 2009

Late Santos Comeback Denies 4TH

Santos F.C 4-4 4TH A

Having secured their status in 2B for next season with a 1-0 midweek win against Kirkubbin, the pressure was off 4TH against fellow mid tabler’s Santos in Saturdays clash. Having thumped the Belfast side 5-3 early on in the season, 4TH knew they would be in for a tough game as their opponents would be out to avenge the defeat. It was Newtownabbey who flew out of the traps and by playing some beautiful football were able to create glorious opportunities, notably captain Trimble who hoisted his effort horribly over the bar. Santos looked shell shocked as they couldn’t get into their rhythm, the back four very comfortable, and when Trimble raced clear from Cochrane’s pass, he made no mistake this time tucking the ball under the keeper. With keeper Dempster rarely called into action it was the visitors who doubled their advantage when from a D. Craig corner, the ball fell to Kennedy who smashed in an unstoppable volley. With the half drawing to a close and Abbey still pressing for more goals, long range efforts from Cochrane and a Trimble free kick came close but the half ended 0-2.

The start of the second half saw the hosts dominate possession and start to open up 4Th, but the 3rd goal again came from the Carnmoney side via a slick move which saw Macaulay slip through Lane, who coolly slotted past the custodian. Santos known for their belief on playing beautiful football, despite being 3 down they continued to do this and gradually this wore their opponents down. Dempster found himself picking the ball out of his net for the first time in the afternoon after the hour, only for Abbey substitute Lusty set up Kennedy for his second to surely end the clash. 4Th seemed to tire and it took two fantastic saves from Dempster to maintain their three goal advantage. But with 5 minutes to go, Santos produced a remarkable comeback to stun their opponents and end the match 4-4 after a combination of tiredness, errors and some cool finishing. A hugely disappointing end to a great day of football although assistant McNeilly who was standing in for gaffer Dickson quoted after the match, ‘It was probably the best football we’ve played all season though how we didn’t claim all 3 points I’ll never know.’

Team: - Dempster, Cullen, N. Harvey, Gordon, S. Lawson, Lane, Cochrane, Kennedy, D. Craig, Macauley, Trimble. Subs:-, S. Lusty, S. Gilmore

«Back