13/04/2010 1/4 finals Clarence Cup

Groomsport 4 - 0 Killyleagh 

Groomsport pulled of the result of the season on Tuesday night when they played premier league side Killyleagh at the Meadow, Groomsport, in the quarter finals of the Clarence Cup.

After overcoming Dunmurry Rec in the previous round 1c side Groomsport had little to lose in this ¼ final clash. The home management team of David Williams and Davy Bryson decided to keep with the formation that had served them well i previous rounds and started the game with a side of, Stephen Cummings, Garreth Pundyke, Peter Garrett, Mark Megreeghan, Jamie Bryson, Stuart Cameron, Jackie Coulter, Michael Hunter, Craig Holmes, Scott Robbie and Colin Bell. Gareth Caldwell, Mark Ferguson and Ryan Hay made up the subs bench.

With a very large home support behind them, the ‘Port started the game at a fast tempo, not allowing their illustrious opponents time to settle on the ball. For the first tem minutes the game was fairly even but the home centre back pairing of Garrett and Megreeghan began to get the upper hand on the Killyleagh forwards. After 15 minutes Hunter won the ball in midfield and battled his way through a couple of tackles before firing the ball home to give Groomsport the lead. Colin Bell, who was showing all his experience, was giving the Killyleagh defence a torrid time and he hurried their centre half into a misplaced back header which the keeper was unable to gather. Much to the delight of the home supporters the ball trickled over the line to add to Groomsport’s lead. Rather than sit back and defend the lead the ‘Port pushed forward and with only 25 minutes gone Jamie Bryson added to the lead when his cross/come shot deceived the keeper.

Groomsport’s defence had been marshalling the Killyleagh forwards well and their main threat was from set pieces. It was from a set piece that perhaps the defining point of the game occurred. The Killyleagh centre back, for the first time, won a headed ball at a corner and powered the ball towards the top left hand corner of the net. Every spectator in the ground thought the ball was going to hit the back of the net until Stephen Cummings leapt full length and palmed the ball to safety. If Killyleagh had scored at this point perhaps the result could have been different. For the rest of the first half the action was end to end but neither goal keeper was really threatened, and the half finished with Groomsport leading 3 – 0.

At half time the experienced heads in the Groomsport changing room emphasised that Killyleagh would not lie down and that the game was far from over. When the second half started Killyleagh came at the Groomsport defence but the home side stood firm and backed by the experienced Coulter repulsed the Killyleagh attack. Killyleagh received a lifeline when they were awarded a rather soft penalty. But once again Cummings was the hero when he tipped what was a well struck shot, round the post. This appeared to deflate the premiership side and Groomsport increased their lead when Hunter doubled his total when he fired home from 25 yards. With 30 minutes left Bell received his second yellow card of the game, so Groomsport had to battle for the rest of the game with 10 men. The home side replaced Robbie, Holmes and Cameron with Hay, Ferguson and Caldwell and their fresh legs proved decisive. Finally the ref sounded his whistle to end the game with Groomsport worthy winners by 4 goals to nil. The seaside village team has never been as far in the competition before and their delight at the final whistle was obvious.

While all 14 players gave their all, and Cumming’s two saves and Hunter’s goals were highlights, it would be unfair to nominate a player of the game. A big “thank you” goes out from all the players and staff at Groomsport to the magnificent support that turned up at the Meadow and it was most gratifying to see players from other local clubs in attendance as well as quite a lot of ex G’port players and staff offering their congratulation.

20/03/2010 4th round Clarence Cup

Groomsport 2 - 2 Dunmurry Rec

(5 - 4 penelties aet)

On Saturday Groomsport entertained Premiership challenging Dunmurry Rec in the fourth round of the Clarence Cup. After squeezing past 1a side Downshire in the previous round Groomsport were certainly considered to be big underdogs for this encounter.

With both Garreth Pundyke and Michael Hunter available for selection the management started with a side comprising: Steve Cummings, Garreth Pundyke, Pete Garrett, Mark Megreegan, Jamie Bryson, Gareth Caldwell, Jackie Coulter, Michael Hunter, Craig Holmes, Colin Bell and Scott Robbie. Ryan Hay, Stuart Cameron and Norman Mitchell filled the subs bench.

For one this season Groomsport started on the forward foot and gave their illustrious opponents no time to settle on the ball. Dunmurry were playing a long ball game out of defence and the home centre back pairing of Garrett and Megreegan dominated the two large forwards. With Cummings, in nets dealing superbly with cross balls the home defence were looking comfortable. Pundyke was able to push forward at every opportunity with Bryson playing a more controlled, disciplined game. The experience of Coulter and Hunter in the middle of the park was subduing the lively Rec midfield. After 10 minutes Groomsport were awarded a free kick on their right side and Holmes played a dangerous ball in to the penalty area. Hunter was quickest to react and slid the ball home to give Groomsport a worthy lead. The game now swung backwards and forward with neither keeper been tested. Caldwell and Holmes were giving their full backs great support while at the same time venturing forward whenever possible. Bell was ploughing a lone furrow at times but Robbie was able to support him when the occasion arose.

The ref’s whistle sounded for half time with the home side holding a slim but vital one goal lead. The talk in the home changing room at half time was calm and reassuring with the emphasis being on increasing the tempo and concentrating at all times.

The second half started in the same vein as the first with Groomsport having slightly the better on the game. A major talking point them occurred when Bell appeared to be wrestled to the ground just outside the penalty area by the last defender so denying a goal scoring opportunity. While the ref gave a free kick to Groomsport he only issued the offending player with a yellow card when most of the crowd were expecting a red. From the resulting free kick the Rec keeper made a great save from Holmes attempt. 20 minutes into the second half Bell latched onto a great through pass from Hunter cooling rounded the defender and hammered the ball past the despairing dive form the Rec keeper. This lead of two goals was wholly justified by Groomsport’s attacking play. With eight minutes left on the clock Dunmurry were awarded a free kick from which they managed to pull one goal back. At this stage Groomsport replaced Bell, who had run himself into the ground, and Caldwell with Hay and Cameron. Dunmurry were now throwing everything they had at Groomsport and got the equalising goal with two minutes left on the clock. The game went into extra time with Groomsport, having regained their composure, restricting Dunmurry to long range efforts. With no more goals the game entered the dreaded penalty kick scenario.

Cummings made a wonder save to give Groomsport the advantage which they held onto and with penalties successfully converted by Coulter, Cameron and Hay it was Groomsport who moved into the quarter finals of the Clarence cup. This was a historic day for the village outfit as they have never been this far in a major cup competition before.

This was a true “team” performance so it would be unfair to signal out any individual for man of the match. We would like to thank all who turned up at the Meadow and gave their support, the players  and management certainly appreciated this.

Border Cup

12/09/09 Ardglass 2 - 1 Groomsport FC

Groomsport travelled to Ardglass to play their Border Cup game with two changes to last week’s starting line up. Garreth Pundyke returned to central defence duty and Ross Spiers replaced the unavailable Craig Holmes on the right of mid-field. The other changes to the squad were Chris Reid and Norman Mitchell replacing Colin Bell and Lyndon McCullough on the subs bench.

The game started with Groomsport once again slow of the mark. The playing surface left a lot to be desired and the narrowed pitch restricted Groomsport’s ability to spread the play. This suited the home side, who appeared content to hit the long ball to their two forwards at every opportunity. Groomsport came into the game and put the home side under pressure but a long ball out of defence fell to a home forward who was standing a good two yards off-side. To the dismay and disbelief of the travelling supporters the referee did not blow for the offence and the Ardglass forward ran on and gave Cummings no chance of stopping his powerful drive. Five minutes later the Ardglass doubled their lead with another crisp finish. At this stage Groomsport were rattled and took some time to recover their composure. They were somewhat relieved to hear the halftime whistle.

At half-time Davy Williams encouraged his charges to play the ball wide and get behind the home sides full backs.

The second half began and it soon became obvious that Groomsport had now gotten the bit between their teeth. Playing up the hill suited their passing game and they had the home side penned back in their own half for long periods. When Ardglass attempted to relieve the pressure with long balls these were easily mopped up by the Groomsport back four. The pressure finally told and a great strike by Dean McCormick found the back of the net. Groomsport continued to press the Ardglass defence back but strive as they might they were unable to breach the nine man defence. When the referee’s whistle sounded it was a very relieved Ardglass who went into the next round to play Shankill United away.

This was a contest that Groomsport will look back on and think they could and should have won, but they will have to start games better in future. If they had played for the full 90 minutes the way they played in the second half there would only have been one winner. Lesson must be learnt from this defeat and not repeated in future league games.

Team Stephen Cummings. Gareth Caldwell (Norman Mitchell) Garreth Pundyke, Peter Garrett & Jamie Bryson. Ross Spiers (Jackie Coulter), Michael Hunter, Scott Robbie& Stuart Cameron (Chris Reid). Dean McCormick & Ryan Hay

Intermediate league 1c

5/09/09 Groomsport 3 - 2 18th Newtownabbey

Groomsport entertained 18th Newtownabbey. With Garreth Pundyke unavailable, Norman Mitchell still not recovered from his foot injury and Colin Bell feeling the effects of a back injury Groomsport were, once again, required to reshuffle their starting line-up. The home side started with Cummings in goal, a back four of Caldwell, McCullough, Garrett and Bryson. Cameron, Hunter and Robbie were joined in mid-field by new signing Craig Holmes and Hay partnered McCormick in attack. Coulter, Dunbar and Bell made up the subs bench.

The playing surface had recovered well from the weeks rain but the grass was on the long side. This slowed the pace of the game and it took the home side a while to get into their stride. It appeared that Groomsport could not get the ball down and resorted to playing a long ball game which suited the away side. The first half was a dull affair with neither side able to gain an advantage.

At half time the Groomsport management team re stated their aim of moving the ball quicker. With 20 minutes gone of the second half Groomsport finally broke the 18th rearguards resistance and Ryan Hay opened the scoring. Shortly after the same player doubled the home sides lead when he pounced on a loose ball in the penalty area to force the ball home. At this stage Groomsport were well on top and had a couple of other chances to increase their lead but failed to take them. Groomsport made their three substitutions with Coulter, Bell and Dunbar replacing Caldwell,Hay and Holmes.18th got back into the game when they were awarded a penalty which was duly dispatched. With 5 minutes to go they got an equaliser when after, a bout of ping-pong following a corner, the ball was hammered home.With the game approaching it's final minute Dunbar set of on a mazy run on the left and he skipped past three 18th defenders before he sent over a pin-point cross which was met by Bell who coolly sidefooted the ball home. This gave Groomsport their first victory in the Intermediate league and overall was a deserved result. Best for Groomsport was Hunter.

Intermediate league 1c

22/08/09 Mossley 2 - 2 Groomsport

Groomsport travelled to Mossley on Saturday. The game started with Groomsport coming to terms with the un even playing surface and Mossley played the long ball to their advantage. The Groomsport centre back pairing of Pundyke and Garrett mopped up everything than came their way and this allowed Groomsport to get a foothold in the game.  With the Caldwell dovetailing well with Cameron on the right and Bryson and Robbie playing well on the left Groomsport began to take control. Groomsport took a well deserved lead when Cameron powered home a header from Bryson’s corner. Hunter and Coulter had the upper hand in midfield and the new forward pairing of Bell and McCormick were causing trouble to the home defence. A great pass from Bell put Coulter in on goal but unfortunately he narrowly put the ball the wrong side of the goal post under great pressure from the recovering defender and keeper. The half time whistle sounded with Groomsport well on top but not adding to their lead.

At halftime the manager emphasized the need to up the tempo and improve the quality of both the final pass and in decision making.

Groomsport started the second period slowly and this allowed Mossley to, at last, get into the game. They equalised when Orr got the benefit of a marginal off side decision and slide the ball past Cummings in the Groomsport goal. This seemed to wake up the Port side and they came back into the match. They were rewarded for their efforts when the ref gave a penalty for a hand ball. Bell sent the keeper the wrong way with his spot kick. Groomsport got on top of their opponents but were unable to finish them off. Mossley got the equalizer when their right winger was left unmarked from a long throw. Groomsport replaced McCormick and Coulter with Dunbar and Hay but could not regain the lead and the game petered out to a 2 all draw.

While there were good individual performances from Pundyke, Garrett and especially Caldwell, Groomsport will need to sharpen up their overall team performance for the next league game.

Team Cummings: Caldweel, Pundyke, Garrett, Bryson, Cameron, Coulter, Hunter, Robbie, Bell & McCormick, subs. Dunbar, Hay & McCullough(not used)

Steele and Sons Cup rd 1

15/8/09 PSNI 3 - 2 Groomsport FC aet  

On Saturday Groomsport travelled to Newforge to play IFA Division 2 side PSNI in the Steele and Sons Cup. This was Groomsport’s first game ever in this prestigious tournament.

With two players unavailable due to injuries a change to last weeks starting line-up was required. Groomsport started with Cummings in goal a back four of Caldwell, Pundyke, Garrett and Bryson, with Cameron, Coulter, Hunter and Dunbar making up the midfield quartet. Robbie supported Bell in attack.

Groomsport started rather tentatively on the manicured playing surface and the police took command in the opening exchanges.  The Port soon found their feet and began to play attractive fast flowing football which caused their opponents some trouble. The back four were controlling the much vaulted home side’s attackers and when they did get a shot on target Cummings was able to deal with everything that can his way. The left side pairing of Bryson and Dunbar were causing the home side all sorts of trouble and Groomsport were unlucky when a number of goal bound efforts were stopped by desperate blocks.  The police were awarded a dubious free kick in the 43rd minute of the first half and they opened the scoring when the resultant kick was headed home.

At half time the Groomsport management encouraged their side to continue to keep to their passing game. Groomsport were rewarded   when Scott Robbie fired home the equaliser. Groomsport replaced Dunbar and Coulter with Hay and McCullough. McCullough moved to right back and this allowed Caldwell to play a more creative role in midfield.  At this point Groomsport were more than holding their own against their illustrious opponents, but the police once again took the lead when the ball was scrambled home at the near post despite the combined efforts of Pundyke and Garrett. This set back acted as a spur to Groomsport and after a well worked move and a great pass from Caldwell, the home keeper could only parry out a Bell thunderbolt and grateful Hay hammered the ball home. At this stage the home side were hanging on and they were glad to hear the referee’s whistle to bring the 90 minutes to an end.

Extra time started with Groomsport pressing but a quick breakout by the police resulted in them once again taking the lead. The experience in the PSNI side now came to the fore and they began to “kill” the game. Try as they might Groomsport were unable to resume the fluent style of play and the game petered out with the PSNI winning 3 – 2 after extra time.  This was a game that Groomsport could have won but they certainly can look back on the game with credit  and learn from the experience.

Friendly 18/7/09

SEAPATRICK 1 - 4 GROOMSPORT

Groomsport FC commenced the build up to their first season as an NAFL Intermediate club when they travelled to Banbridge to play local side Seapatrick FC. Seapatrick play in the Mid-Ulster Premier Intermediate league so a stiff encounter was expected.  

With new manager Davy Williams in charge of his first game a few changes were made to the starting line-up. Groomsport started with Steve Cummings in goal and a back four of Gee Caldwell, captain Pete Garrett, Garreth Pundyke and Jamie Bryson. The midfield consisted of Stuart Cameron, Jackie Coulter, Michael Hunter and Michael Dunbar with the ever youthful front two pairing of Ryan Hay and Colin Bell.  

It took Groomsport a bit of time to get to grips with the 3g playing surface and the experienced home side put the Port defence under pressure without creating any real chances. Groomsport found their feet and a well taken goal from Bell settled them. this was followed up by a very good Hay special. At half time the manager made four changes Replacing Caldwell, Coulter, Bell and Hay with Lyndon McCullough, Marty Caskey, Scott Robie and Norman Mitchell. These changes up-set the rhythm that Groomsport had established and Seapatrick pulled a goal back shortly after the start of the second half. The new players began to gel and groomsport retained their composure and now dominated the game. With the extremely hot weather playing a part further replacements were made with Bell and Caldwell rejoining the game. Bell restored the Ports 2 goal lead with another well taken goal before Caldwell completed the scoring with the goal of the game.

Manager Williams stated that he was very satisfied with the overall performance. The players are aware that they will have to step up their game every week to make any impression on Intermediate football and look forward to the new challenge that the season brings.