South fifths take the points from tough match

With the 5ths last match having been played on the 27th February and also having lost both previous cup matches to Portadown 5-1 and 8-3 respectively, South knew this was going to be a tough match.

Having won the toss South started as they meant to continue by playing full throttle attacking hockey.

Within five minutes South won a short corner. McElhinney’s initial effort was well saved by the keeper but Nathan Donald pounced on the lose ball but again the keeper saved his first two efforts but third time lucky, he found the roof of the goal to give South a deserved lead.

Portadown found their rhythm and started playing better hockey. However, Trevor Wallace had his defence well marshalled.

Andrew Wallace in nets covered anything the defence let through and made decisive saves at short corners to keep his side in the lead.

Portadown pushed back in the second half looking to get back into the game, however, South defended well and within two minutes of the restart a McCormack pass found Donald on the right who used his lightning pace to drive to the right of the circle and square a pass across goal, his pass found Ian McElhinney whose first time shot nearly broke the back board.

With three minutes remaining South won another short, however, this didn’t go to plan and a break down let Portadown drive at the South defence. Unfortunately a badly hit shot fooled Andrew Wallace and the ball slipped inside the near post over an outstretched leg.

A superb team performance and effort from everyone on the team saw the 5ths take all three points.