Newry Olympic 1-2 NICS

Newry hosted NICS in their first competitive game in 11 months, this showed as both teams were extremely cagey and rusty in the opening exchanges.

The home side had much of the ball without causing the Service defence many problems. However Newry were unlucky not to take the lead after Ivan Steen slotted home, only for the goal to be ruled out for a lifted ball into the circle.

Soon after Service took the lead with poor play from Newry at the back.

Newry then picked it up and got back on level terms within five minutes, with Andrew Baird popping up at the back post to equalise.

Both sides ruled each other out for long periods. Newry should have been in the lead, however they failed to convert their short corners and there was a clear chance for Peter McNiece.

With 10 minutes remaining, Service again pounced on poor play in the Newry defence to go 2-1 up. Newry pressed to get back into the game but it was a disappointing start to the new campaign for the home side.

Newry Olympic

R. McGivern, M. Russell, C. Henning, A. Baird, J. Porter, C. McKnight, J. Taylor, P. McKnight, K. McWilliams, P. McNiece, I. Steen, D. Liggett, K. Fletcher, J. Greer, C. Large