Southside extend 100 per cent win record

Sam McNiece rattled the crossbar after only 2 minutes as the local boys showed their intent.

The large crowd of faith Southside followers had only 10 minutes to wait for the opening goal when the busy Stewart Nixon linked with Leon Bonnes to stroll into the Newington penalty area and fire home his first goal for the club.

Newington got back into the game on 13 minutes when the referee awarded a disputed penalty following a tackle from William Allen. Lewis Erwin in the Southside goal managed to get his hand to the kick he couldn’t stop it going in.

Leon Bonnes was extremely unlucky not to restore the lead when his effort struck a post but on 20 minutes the lead was restored when the home team failed to clear a cross and Leon Bonnes was on hand to fire home.

Again, however, Southside lost concentration having got themselves in front and on 30 minutes from a free kick the Newington striker rose unchallenged to head home the simplest of goals, meaning the hard work had to be done all over again.

As the minutes ticked away towards half time Southside went in front for a third time, this time from Josh McCready.

As a loose ball broke to the edge of the penalty area Josh calmly picked his spot and through a crowded penalty area stroked the ball into the bottom corner of the Newington net.

The second half started as the first ended Southside pushing forward with Newington hitting on the break.

The Southside defence of Kirk, Allen, Livingstone and Logan seemed to have the measure of the home team forward line but Newington were still very much in the match with only one goal in it.

Southside’s determination and resilience was rewarded eventually on 70 minutes when up stepped the smallest player on the pitch Corey McDowell. 
Receiving the ball in a wide left position the wee man dazzled two Newington defenders before firing an unstoppable left foot shot into the far corner of the net.

Manager Colin Stewart was absolutely delighted with the entire squad who showed the hunger and desire needed to extend the lead at the top of the table.

With the 100% league form still intact the team make the trip this Saturday to Cloyne Cresent to play 18th Newtownabbey.

Southside: Erwin, Kirk, Allen, Livingstone, Logan(C), Nixon, McCready, Bonnes, R Stewart, Corrigan, McNiece, Hamill, McDowell, Calderwood.