League Table

1	Bangor Rangers	0	0
2	Annalong Swifts	0	0
3	Kirkcubbin	0	0
4	Queens II	0	0
5	Temple Rangers	0	0
6	Rooftop	0	0
7	Queens Grads	0	0
8	Grange Rangers	0	0
9	Newtownbreda	0	0
10	18th Newtownabbey	0	0
11	McQuiston Rec	0	0
12	Santos	0	0
13	Bangor Swifts	0	0
14	Kilroot Rec	0	0

Hurricane Wins

While the heavy rains that had pummelled Belfast stayed away, a howling gale blowing down from the Mournes turned this game into a lottery.

To their credit both teams tried their very best to produce any semblance of football but the circumstances proved that football cannot be played under such atrocious conditions. Players were unable to take throw ins, free kicks and goal kicks were taken with the ball moving and the two keepers were struggling to get the ball out of the penalty area. The powers that be must surely look at this situation where the game descends into farce. The most pleasing aspect had to be the performances of both keepers Gerry McVeigh of Santos and Trevor Wright of the home side. Their handling of crosses with the wind gusting the ball all over, was impeccable and were certainly the highlights of the day.

The old cliché that it was a game of two halves was never more true. As the wind blew down the pitch it took mammoth efforts to even get it into the opponents half at all. So Santos playing into the breeze had to be content to play 5a side in their own half and try to restrict Annalong from direct shots. This they did to great effect though the home side chalked up quite a few corners which Mc Veigh handled with great skill. Annalong did not ‘hoof’ with the wind but played sensible controlled football with new skipper the young Stephen Bunten outstanding. Santos had the ever reliable Stephen Walker to thank for timely intervention and Barry Doherty at Left back mastering the conditions best. But, apart from 2 free kick efforts over the bar the Santos goal was unthreatened and of course at the other end the Analong keeper was a mere spectator.

So half time 0-0

Santos were obviously happier with the hurricane now at their backs, though some of the younger players were suffering with cold and visibly distressed. With Mc Geehan dictating the tempo and keeping the ball on the ground they looked threatening without ever really troubling Trevor Wright in goals. Indeed it was his conterpart McVeigh who, fielding the sole second half effort from Annalong, tested the opponents keeper with his kick out. Santos had a array of corners too in this period but the Annalong centre back display of Sam Lockart was inspiring.

Opting to give his youngsters a break manager McGeehan brought on all three subs at once and immediately got the goal that clinched the game. But how unfortunate for the gallant Annalong boys was the goal.! Trevor Wright attempted to clear just as a mighty gust blew in his face. The ball just travelled outside the box before veering back viciously towards the Annalong goal. The keeper had no alternative but to make a save from his own clearance giving Santos a bonus 6 yard indirect free. The wily McGeehan shielded the ball before rolling it back to Jonny Agnew and the sub cleverly stroked it low into the corner of the net.

After that Annalong seemed to sense that the fates had gone against them and the game ended with all players camped outside the Annalong box. So it was a fixture fulfilled and Santos were grateful for the points but really it was a day when the game of football was just not possible. Manager Mc Geehan was genuinely sorry for the plight of strugglers Annalong. “ when you are down nothing seems to go your way the Santos goal being the supreme example, but Annalong kept playing the right way and I hope for them that some luck visits them soon”

Next week Santos take on Intermediate Kingpins Sirocco Works at Blanchflower P.F. in the Clarence Cup and just hope conditions are much different at the Belfast venue.


Player	Position	Rating	Info
Gerard McVeigh	Goalkeeper
Gerard Brady	Right Back
Barry Doherty	Left Back
Liam Maguire	Centreback
Stephen Walker	Centreback
Aaron Harmon	Right Midfield
Joseph McGeehan	Center Midfielder
Conor McCormack	Left Midfield
Manus O'Gorman	Striker
Conor McAuley	Striker
Patrick Parker	Defensive Midfielder