12/09/2026
PSNI 1st XI 9-1 Parkview 1st XI
Parkview 1st XI had a tough start to their Linden Cup group as they came up against PSNI 1st XI. The hosts started with an energetic press out of the gates to put Parkview under serious pressure. The men in red and white could only hold on for 5 minutes before PSNI dribbled in from the side and found the net for 1-0. Stewart Smith in goals was called into action at a short corner which his defenders then cleared but the hosts kept coming back in waves. With quick movement that was hard to track and strong pace behind their passes, PSNI got a second goal after reacting first to a loose ball, 2-0. Parkview dug deep but still struggled to create, only finding half chances at the end of the quarter. After earning another short corner, PSNI scored again for 3-0 early in the second quarter. They swiftly added another two, scoring a good deflection and then another short corner, deflecting the high and wide flick back on target for 4 and then 5-0. Despite the scoreline, Parkview still had some good combinations between the tackles and top saves from Stewart.
Starting the second half similarly to the first, the hosts were flying out of the blocks. Stewart made plenty more top saves but whether it was a missed pass, wrong decision or determined defending from PSNI, Parkview just couldn't fashion chances of their own. Towards the end of the quarter, PSNI got another goal for 6-0 before scoring another penalty corner for 7-0. In the last quarter, the game opened up and Parkview were getting forward more. But after the keeper had to leave, Parkview conceded an eighth against 11 outfielders as the ball got through for a back post tap in, 8-0. Breaking forward, Parkview were awarded a penalty corner of their own. With no keeper, the men were able to pass it in as John Young opened his account for the season, 8-1. But from the resulting pass back, Parkview immediately conceded after a mazey run ended with a powerful shot in at the near post for 9-1! It was a rough welcome to the cup but even with the high scoreline, goalkeeper Stewart Smith won man of the match. New season, same sponsors. Thanks as always to Fisherwick Farm and Isabella Bathrooms for the support!
