Local derby is all square

Local derby is all square

19 January 2022

A LARGE crowd gathered at the Demesne to watch the local derby which included Ballynahinch’s travelling faithful alongside the Saintfield home support.

The first quarter began with both teams sitting back and waiting to see what their opponent was going to do. 

‘Hinch started to play the ball from defence to midfield with Andrew Mulholland passing the ball to Scott Leetch, who was able to shift it out wide to apply pressure on Saintfield. 

Josh Higginson was able to create space down the left wing before passing to Matthew Martin at the top of the circle, only to be stopped in his tracks. 

Saintfield started to apply the pressure on ‘Hinch but they were halted in their attack down the right wing by defenders Hugo Melville and Leslie Harrison. 

They both displayed some outstanding tackling, which contributed to the opening 15 

minutes remaining goalless.

The local rivals started to settle into the game after some quick instructions and soon passes began to link up nicely. 

As the game started to heat up, both teams were fighting for every ball and neither were sitting back. The competitiveness of the derby resulted in a stalemate by half-time.

With chances coming early on into the third quarter, short corners naturally started to follow. ‘Hinch were able to work the ball up through Adam Dodds before passing over to Jason Campbell, who was able to win a short corner for his side. 

Matthew Martin released his drag flick going just wide of the post. 

Saintfield were able to keep ‘Hinch at bay until a cross ball from Martin found team-mate Andrew McIlwaine at the back post to opening the scoring.

With ‘Hinch looking to keep their lead, they engaged a high press on to the Saintfield defence as they hoped to increase their lead. 

However, with this high press tactic Saintfield were able to break away past the ‘Hinch defence only to be met at the top of the circle by ‘keeper Aaron Donnell, who did well to prevent a goal. 

A super ball from Leslie Harrison to forward Lewis Higginson, allowed the ‘Hinch attacker to run the baseline and win a short corner. 

Martin took a drag flick only to be stopped by the Saintfield ‘keeper. 

Saintfield responded by pushing ‘Hinch into their own circle and winning a short corner.

The Saints managed to convert off the short corner to equalise the game in the final quarter.

Despite a few more half chances, both sides went home with a share of the spoils.