Missed chances cost Whites points

Match Report:

The game started with the Whites on top for the opening twenty minutes, creating chance after chance but unable to find the net, Kerr going close twice with good efforts, and Brannigan also missing from close range. Then out of the blue the home side took the lead when a inocuous cross, at the near post slid past Magill, when it looked an easy save. This spurred the Whites on and again they came close when Kerr clipped a cross from McQuillan onto the post, and then Brannigan broke through, but was unable to direct his shot, from close range, into the goal. Then further pressure from the Whites saw an effort from Thompson headed over the bar from a defender on the line. More chances went begging and the Whites went in at half time a goal behind.

The second half saw a repeat of the first with the Whites dominating but unable to finish off their good play with a goal, chances being squandered by poor finishing. They were punished again by Newry, from their first chance in the second half, after half an hour’s play, when another cross cum shot hit the underside of the bar and bounced on the line, for a home forward to prod into the net, with the keeper on the ground. Undaunted the pressure from the Whites at last brought a goal, with five minutes left, when Brannigan broke through the middle and coolly slotted the ball past the keeper for a goal they richly deserved. For all their pressure the visitors could not find an equaliser and were left to rue all their missed chances for a much relieved Newry side to take all three points.

 

Managers Comments

This game should have been over at half time, when a three or four lead would not have flattered the Whites, but for all their excellent football they just could not find the finish their play deserved. As the opposition manager commented after the game, they stole three points from a game, which saw them completely outplayed, but if you don’t take your chances you finish up with nothing to show for all your good play. We can only take positives from the fact that our outfield play was excellent, and that on another day we would have finished easy winners.

David Taylor