18th tumble out of Clarence Cup
18th Newtownabbey OB 1
Shorts 3
MANAGERLESS 18th Newtownabbey Old Boys had their first outing since Christmas, but slithered to their ninth defeat on the spin, tumbling out of the Clarence Cup at the hands of 1B outfit Shorts in this tie switched from Aircraft Park to Cloyne Crescent.
Newtownabbey had the first two real pots on goal, both coming from striker George Cook, forcing a fine save from the Shorts custodian and then squeezing one wide from an unpromising angle.
Instead, it was Shorts who were first off the runway, propelling themselves into the lead thanks to a 25 yard free kick which swerved into the far corner of the net.
Eighteenth weren’t yet out of it, bouncing back through just five minutes later when Cook slipped the ball through for Simon Bennett to steer into the bottom corner; Shorts appealing in vain for an offside decision that didn’t come.
Shorts were up and flying again just after the break, courtesy of a long distance strike, from virtually on half way, that sailed over the head of the back peddling Gavin Robb, who managed to get his hand to the ball, but could only help it on its way into the net.
By now, the Aircraft side really were on a different plane, and there would have more turbulence for 18th just minutes later had young Robb not underlined his potential, with a superb reflex save.
Even so, there was to be no ‘half measures’ from Shorts, who sealed their place in the next round with a third goal just before the close.
Newtownabbey, meanwhile, are idle yet again next week, returning to action the following Saturday with a Supplementary Cup encounter with Bangor Rangers.
18th Newtownabbey OB; G Robb – A Robb, Taylor, Clarke, Craig (Elliott) – R Greer, Beattie, Cole, Bennett – Spence, Cook.
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Weather for Newtownabbey
Tuesday 07 February 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 4 C to 7 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Light rain
Temperature: 5 C to 6 C
Wind Speed: 21 mph
Wind direction: South
