December 5th 2009 – Home

League

Orangefield 1st XI v Rathfriland

Orangefield welcomed Rathfriland to Gibson Park this week and were looking to bag another three points to continue their recent good form. After a tough game at the start of the season away to the league strugglers, Orangefield knew they'd need to work hard to get the win.

The first half started with Orangefield on the attack, but Rathfriland defended well, getting plenty of men behind the ball. A couple of half chances were all Orangefield could come up with in the first half hour, despite some great play by Brian Reynolds out on the right wing. Reynolds played some good balls into the box, but the Orangefield attack found little space behind the away defence who were sitting very deep. Jonny Gibson also created a couple of chances from the left, but these were cut out by the away side. One Rathfriland attack in the first half saw the ball bounce around the home box, but it was the Orangefield defence who got in the crucial challenges and got the ball away to safety. In attack, Orangefield had to show a little patience until a space opened up, and on 35 minutes Ryan Hardy chipped a good ball forward, dropping it in behind the defence. Harvey made the run and after a good touch rifled the ball into the roof of the net from 15 yards out, a good strike.

Half-time: 1 - 0

The second half started with the home side looking to keep possession, trying to limit Rathfriland's chances and create some more of their own. Rathfriland did create a couple of chances but Wilsy did well in the air and Taylor in goals was again in good form. Reynolds was still giving the Rathfriland left back a terrible time, and it only looked a matter of time before Orangefield extended their lead. After a tussle in the middle of the pitch, D'Arcy took the ball forward and played in Clarke Dempster, who slid the ball under the keeper to make it 2-0.

Rathfriland soon tried to push further forward, but it was Harvey who added to his tally with his second of the afternoon and Orangefield's third, beating the away keeper at his near post, again after good work by Reynolds.

Sam McNaul made a great run from the heart of defence to the Rathfriland 18 yard box, but play was stopped due to a squabble at the other end of the pitch and what looked like a possible goal chance came to nothing. Orangefield made three changes, Ryan McNaul again impressing on the right.

Some great possession football started by Dean Cousins and Tony Craig in midfield proved a hit with the crowd on the sidelines, but it was Harvey who wrapped things up in style by finding the net again for his hat-trick. Impressive after hitting two last week against Ballynahinch.

Another good three points for Orangefield and a much improved second half display after a poor show last week in the same half.

Full-time: 4 - 0

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