Match Report

Match : 2nd XI v Down 2nds
Date : 1992-11-28
Venue : A
Score : 1-1
Scorers : Richard McCullough

By The Webmaster

Spectators who bothered to turn up at Down Leisure Centre saw a great show of character and determination by the ’stiffs’ when they pulled back from one goal down at the interval to take a share of the hspoils.

Having to start the game with a ’kicking back’ and also with supersub D. Jackson, the ’stiffs’ resolved to hold firm in defence. When young keeper, J. Hamill and left-back, A. Murphy finally arrived they were somewhat relieved to find the match still goalless. However, the relaxing in concentration which greeted their arrival led to a goalmouth scramble from which Down took the lead. East, determined not to give up, held firm until the interval led by an excellent effort by I. McStea and yet another first-rate performance by G. Hooks.

The second half saw East take the game to Down and only a superb reflex save prevented I. McStea from finding the net in the opening minutes. The ’stiffs’ continued to press with some good work from B. Reid on the right creating chances for D. Jackson and P. Glass. Fruit was born from this pressure when D. Martin took the ball of a Down defender and calmly slotted the ball past a floundering keeper.

The final 20 minutes saw M. Long shrug off his age and his weight in equal proportions to produce a performance which R. Hughes could only dream about. It also saw what might be described as some of the most enthusiastic displays of encouragement from an anxious Mrs. Hamill which managed to keep the spirits high.

Johnny Hamill
Mark Long
Brian Reid
Alan Murphy
Gary Hooks
Patrick Glass
Ivan McStea
Darren Martin
David Jackson
Richard McCullough
.

Mark Long