Match Report

Match : 1st XI v Portrush
Date : 2003-01-18
Venue : H
Score : 0-4
Scorers :

By Alan Burgess

We knew before the game started that this would be a tough game for us to get something out of, any silly mistakes or lapses of concentration would be punished. I asked the players before the game to mark tight, focus 100% and concentrate on their own game and not everyone elses but it would seem that some of the players were not listening during the team talk or just simply decided to ignore what I had asked for.

East Antrim were on the back foot right from the first whistle with Portrush moving the ball with speed and accuracy, any time East Antrim did get the ball we gave it straight back to Portrush. Portrush did have the ball in the net from a short corner after 10mins but the first shot was high and the goal was disallowed. A few minutes later Portrush did score, when it seemed that every player was inside the East Antrim 25 yard line. East Antrim created an opportunity a few minutes later when a long ball out of defence found James Greer who turned and beat his marker, rounded the keeper and what looked a certain goal was cleared off the line by a Portrush defender. Shortly before half time Portrush scored again when a poor pass from Davy Menaul was intercepted by the Portrush forward who made no mistake with the finish.

The second half was much the same as the first with East Antrim having to withstand constant pressure from Portrush who scored their third goal with precise, quick passing which opened up East Antrim with ease. East Antrim did create the odd half chance in the second half but nothing that gave the Portrush keeper too much trouble. Portrush made it four with about 10mins remaining when again a weak pass in defence, this time from Burgess, was intercepted.

Another defeat for the 1st XI, but this one was totally deserved and no excuses can be made. This will continue to be the case until some players grow up and realise that arguing between ourselves means that we are not playing as a team, certain players are quick to point the finger and blame others when really they need to be looking at thier own performances and asking are they giving 100%. I could go on and on about this but what would be the point, it would be like the team talk before the game, people will not listen or just choose to igorne it.

P Fraser
A Murphy
D Menaul
M McDonald
A Burgess
D Caldwell
G Reid
N Hermon
J Greer
L Currie
P Irwin

Paul Fraser