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

Fighting Spirit

Mirror Amateur League Div 2 B Sat 22^nd March 08

SANTOS 2 KIRCUBIN 2

Barry Doherty in his first match as caretaker manager almost pulled off a fine victory against high riding Kircubbin. Yet a nightmare start almost ruined his day. Setting his stall out to restrict the aerial threat of the towering Kircubbin frontmen, he was badly let down by the conceding of a needless corner in the 5^th min which resulted in an early strike ,the ball wickedly deflecting off Walker to arch crazily into the net. Then worse followed when Ossawy’s poor free kick out of defence went straight to Mc Grory of Kircubbin who outpaced the hapless Ossawy to fire home a gift goal. But the fighting spirit of Santos was never more evident when urged on by their manager they surged forward and took a tight grip on the game. Manus O Gorman was leading the line with great skill and when he drew the defence and played in Conor Mc Auley for an apparent simple tap in it looked as if Santos were back in the game. Unbelievably Mc Auley put the tap-in wide to the despair of his team mates. But the miss only acted as a spur to the Santos lads who stormed the Kircubbin defence time and time again. Coolness in the box again, was the key. O Gorman again played in strike partner Mc Carthy. As the youngster saw his angle was too tight he intelligently held on and as his midfield arrived he played in Paddy Parker who swept home the immaculate pass.

So Ht saw Kircubbin hold a 2-1

Going straight for the jugular Doherty introduced Paul Brady (back after injury) and the three man strike force cut through the Kircubbin defence again and again. When Stevenson came from defence on one of his “trademark” blistering runs Kircubbin wilted and from Stevenson’s pass Mc Carthy grabbed his first league goal, a fitting reward for a great afternoon’s work. Now the game was in Santos hands but in a blistering 15min period wayward finishing saw 5 glorious chances spurned.

Superb keeping by Kircubbin,s keeper too kept Santos at bay. The wastage nearly cost Santos dear as Kircubbin suddenly surged back into life and only careless finishing from their normally lethal strike force, too, prevented them from snatching all three points. Still Manager Doherty was probably the most disappointed as the second half blitz really should have seen at least two of the chances converted,

So the teams stay on equal points.

It has been a difficult time for Santos injury wise. The regular Midfield of Burns and Mc Geehan has been wiped out by injury and young Brady ,just back after a 6 week lay off is clearly short of match fitness. Then the losing ( albeit temporarily)of manager Mc Geehan had rocked the club but thankfully the club hope to see out this rocky patch and emerge stronger than ever. The performances of Hughes in goals are proving inspirational and Walker ,Stevenson and Maguire are helping their younger team mates through this tricky patch so the future when illness and injury clear up looks good as Santos seek to consolidate their position in Div 2B


Player	Position	Rating	Info
Aidan Hughes	Goalkeeper
Conor McCormack	Right Back
Stephen Walker	Centreback
Nigel Stevenson	Sweeper		Man of Match
John Ossawy	Left Back
Aaron Harmon	Center Midfielder
Patrick Parker	Attacking Midfielder
Conor McAuley	Right Midfield
Liam Maguire	Left Winger
Manus O'Gorman	Striker
Conor McCarthy	Forward