January 16th 2010 – Away

League

Newcastle v Orangefield 1st XI

After the Christmas break and some bad weather conditions, Orangefield’s first match of the new year was away to Newcastle in the league, a full four weeks after their previous game. Being a top of the table clash, it was important for both teams to try and get a good start as a single goal can be costly in these games.

Unfortunately for Orangefield, it was Newcastle who got on top in the first 20 minutes of the match. Unable to get control early on, Orangefield were subjected to several long balls which weren’t dealt with well enough by their defence. 10 minutes in and a throw from near the corner flag was flicked on and the Newcastle forward reacted first and headed the ball into the net.

Another 10 minutes gone and when a Newcastle player went down 25 yards from goal, Orangefield were lining up the wall when a shot was hit towards the far post. Taylor in goals was only able to parry the shot, and the in rushing midfielder slotted home to make it 2-0.

Although the referee was questionable on the time allowed before hitting a ‘quick’ free kick, the away side should have been on their toes for the rebound.

Rather than let the heads go down though, Orangefield came into the game and had some good possession. Chances were starting to fall for the away side, but several saves from the home keeper and a few last ditch tackles from their defence kept Orangefield from getting one back.

Orangefield forward Clarkey did have the ball in the net, but the referee blew for half-time right before he struck it from inside the penalty area.

Half-time: 2 - 0

The second half continued in the same vein as the first ended with Orangefield keeping the ball well and trying to create openings. The away defence had got itself sorted and this allowed Orangefield to push on looking for an opening goal. Again though, Newcastle defended well and it wasn’t until about 15 minutes to go that Jonny Gibson struck a great free kick from 25 yards out into the bottom corner of the net. This gave Orangefield more encouragement and they continued to play good football, especially down the right hand side, Ryan Hardy and Brian Reynolds linking up well with the midfield and front men, though the number of clear cut chances created was limited due to Newcastle defending in numbers. Dean Cousins worked hard in midfield trying to create an opening, but was unlucky to find the space limited.

The final chance of the game fell to Harvey when Clarkey hit the by line and scooped the ball back in. Harvey managed to get his head on it but the header found a relieved goalkeeper once again and it was Orangefield who were left disappointed by a bad start to the game.

Full-time: 2 - 1  

Lineup: G.Taylor, R.Hardy, S. McNaul, A.D’Arcy (Capt), D.Wilson, R.McNaul, B.Reynolds, J.Gibson, D.Cousins, C.Dempster, C.Harvey Subs: D.Finlay, D Tittensor, T.Craig