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

Gutted

GRANGE RANGERS 2 SANTOS 1 Mirror Amateur League Div 2b Lady luck played another cruel trick on the Santos team struggling for a consistency in results. No fewer than 6 regulars succumbed to the ‘flu bug ruling them out on the Saturday morning while yet another, Michael Burns, was forced to come off after 18 mins with the same problem. So with a back four with only one regular and a patched up midfield it was going to be hard. But yet another shock awaited Santos. In a day of baffling refereeing decisions Santos were denied a clear penalty had a goal disallowed for offside while Grange were awarded a pen which was dubious and a goal which clearly looked offside. So it looked like Santos luck is still out, yet it did not detract from a wholehearted performance lacking the skill of recent weeks yet committed and full of courage. Grange were strong and organized and on a sticky pitch were winning the physical battle and were a constant threat. The revamped Santos backline held firm where Conor Mc Cormack ,dropping back to Right Back, was excellent. Mc Veigh in goals was sure in his handling and was organizing his rookie back four superbly so Santos were secure. Up front O Gorman and Paul Brady were fighting for scraps as the Santos midfield rarely got to grips with the game. O Gorman, victim last week of a refused pen and having an effort ruled out for offside inexplicably suffered the same fate this week Yet patience saw Santos score. With the game going to half time O Gorman yet again held the ball up superbly then played Harmon in. The young skipper cleverly shielded the ball before laying off to Paul Brady who bent the ball low inside the far post. So Half time saw Sanros lead 1-0. A second goal was vital and with Parker who had replaced Burns asserting himself Santos looked better organized mark Corlette at the heart of the Grange defence was proving unbeatable though, and Santos were reduced to long shots which keeper Ryan Higging handled well. Still Santos self belief was rising. With Gerry Brady exerting his influence on the passing game Santos were comfortable enough. Then a silly throw in high up the pitch was dispatched long to Grange striker Bell standing alone and looking well offside. Alas!!,no whistle sounded and Bell smacked home the equalizer. Undaunted Santos went after the second goal and a series of near misses ensued .But Santos lacked a strong man in the box to force the ball home on two occasions. Then in a situation akin to the first Grange goal a long ball to Bell was dealt with (it appeared) confidently by the Santos centre back Hughes and his keeper Mc Veigh. As the ball was cleared Bell tumbled and to the amazement of all a penalty was awarded. Grace blasted the spot kick home after a delay where Mc Veigh and Harmon were booked . Santos refused to lie down but a series of refereeing decision seemed to go totally against them and the rhythm they needed was broken. Throwing the powerful Hughes forward Mc Carthy had the best chance to settle the game from Hughes’ flick on . But he snatched and the chance flew wide. So Santos looked at another game where they, the better side, lost. Players were inconsolable in the dressing rooms yet the heart and determination they showed will stand them in good stead for the rest of the season. Manager Mc Geehan, although genuinely upset at the decisions against his young side had nothing but praise for his side and their opponents. “Grange played the game scrupulously fairly, played to their strength and were worthy of their win. Santos have taken a series of body blows this month and still are standing and this fills me with pride in this club. Young Aaaron Harmon who had captained all Santos junior sides, captained the Senior side for the first time today and that gave me enormous pleasure. I look forward to jousting with king pins Albert Foundry in the Cup next, our first home game since early November, and just pray the ‘flu bug strikes Lady Luck now and leaves us alone.


Player	Position	Rating	Info
Gerard McVeigh	Goalkeeper
Conor McCormack	Right Back
John Ossawy	Left Back
Aidan Hughes	Centreback
Liam Maguire	Centreback
Michael Burns	Center Midfielder
Aaron Harmon	Center Midfielder
Johnathan Agnew	Left Winger
Paul Brady	Striker
Manus O'Gorman	Target Man
Gerard Brady	Right Midfield