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Sion Swifts 1 v 3 Newtowne |
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Newtowne started off the 2006/2007 league season with an impressive 3-1 win over Sion Swifts in Strabane. Three second half goals helped Newtowne to victory in a game that was fast paced , feisty and exciting.
Sion almost took the lead from the off. Johnny Maybin surged down the wing but his cross was interrupted by Magee before it reached Rihane and Gamble. Newtowne created a similar chance soon after. Deighan creating a good opening.
The game had a familiar rhythm for the first 20 minutes. Maybin was causing Newtowne havoc in the wings. He fed Canning who released the Sion wing backs. Newtowne looked threatening going forward. Harkin and Morrison were a threat whilst Loughery and Deighan lead the line well.
In the 23 rd minute Samir Rihane was clean through. Norris saved brilliantly but ran into Magee in the process. O'Reilly cleared the ball off the line. Norris had to leave the pitch injured. Deighan went into nets and manager Burns went up front.
Five minutes later Sion took the lead. Again it was Maybin the instigator. He danced past a few defenders to free Rihane, he calmly slotted home. Sion didn't capitalise on their lead and from here on in surrendered the initiative to the visitors.
In the 15 minutes before the half time whistle Newtowne created a string of chances. Morrison and Harkin sent in a number of good crosses. Brady showed he has a pulse and beat three defenders to set up a chance for Loughery. McGarrigle made 2 or 3 excellent interceptions and cleared off the line when the keeper fumbled. The Lion almost scored into his own net at one stage.
The second half belonged to Newtowne as they capitalised on the wind. Every Sion kick out found the big head of Derek Wilson and from this Newtowne launched a series of attacks. Loughery just missed and the Sion keeper made a world class save from Harkin to keep it 1-0.
O'Reilly was a major force in the second half as he helped Nicholl and Walsh take control in the middle. The equalizer came 10 minutes into the second half. Wilson toe poking in from a Morrison corner.
The goal further inspired Newtowne who went for victory. O'Reilly sent in a few delicious crosses but no one got on the end of them. Newtowne took the lead 18 minutes from the end. Mickey Burns calmly rounded the keeper to put the Newts in front.
With Maybin silenced Sion didn't pose an attacking threat as the game died out. The third and decisive goal came minutes from time. Deighan's long punt saw Harkin with an empty goal and even he doesn't miss from there.
This was a great result for Newtowne. All 12 players contributed to the victory. Despite going a goal down Newtowne kept their composure and played some very nice football. In a great team performance it would be unfair to single out any one player for individual mention.
Sion were not at their best on Saturday and without doubt they will be a major player in the league this year. They relied too much on Canning and Maybin and when they faded towards the end Newtowne capitalised. With Lynch and Patterson back Sion will be an entirely different proposition.Hopefully young Carlin will return too, he tormented Newtowne at Melvin park last year and was brilliant in The City Cup final. On the 3 occasions Newtowne met Sion last year McNamee was outstanding, he is a big loss to Sion.
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