Foyle knocked out of Sussex Cup

Bolstered by having a full bench of substitutes following a successful summer of recruitment, the home side weathered a forceful initiative from the County Down men placing pressure on the Foyle backs only for Ellis in goal to deny certain strikes.

The defensive players of Wilson, Burnside and McCague worked hard to keep on top of talented strike force but midfield seemed new hands to the role of defending.

Eventually a short corner saw a powerful flick glance of Ellis’ glove to open the score for the visitors.

While Saintfield pressed hard and converted a second score, eventually the defence pulled back in time to minimise the damage.

Foyle did get some good spells of possession and should have got on the score sheet twice through rebounds but alas it stayed 2-0 at half-time.

Whilst rolling subs saw players refreshed the second half saw disarray as fitness saw player subbed to unfamiliar territory especially in midfield.

Saintfield scored two goals in quick succession to put pay to any intentions the Foyle team may have had.

Some individual effort from Foyle’s Cleverly and Upton was worthy of note but could not find the final pass to complete with a strike on goal.

A further three goals were conceded to complete the drubbing and see Foyle out of this years cup competition.

With the league starting next week Foyle men travel to Parkview and they must readapt to their stronger style play of last season, but with the fitness and strategy needed to compete effectively at this level.

Local men interested in learning the sport should get in contact through Facebook or attend on Thursday evenings for practice from 7.30pm at St Columb’s Park.