Real Sociedad battled their way to a 1-0 victory over County Armagh at a rain soaked Seahaven tonight in an engaging encounter.
The rain poured from start to finish, but the two sides showed plenty of heart, ambition and skill in front of a large crowd at the Portstewart venue. The first chances of the game largely fell to the La Liga side who were quick to counter attack, but found the Armagh defence tenacious and difficult to break down. Testament to this is the fact that the only goal of the game came from a set piece, when Ugaitz Kerejeta was fouled on the edge of the box. Imanol Ezkurdia fired his fine free-kick right into the top corner of the net to the delight of his team mates.
In the latter stages of the first half Armagh had several chances of their own, with Andrew Wilson and Kevin McAlinden both working hard to create chances and Adam Metcalfe having a penalty appeal turned down by the referee. Just before the break Sociedad were on the attack again, with Kerejeta making a strong run into the box before being halted in his tracks by Ross Wilson.
The second half was full of endeavour but few clear cut chances in the continuing rain. Armagh’s best opportunity came from a Wilson cross that left everyone guessing – a single touch could have levelled the match. Real Sociedad had several opportunities as the match drew to a close, with Benat Eizagirre showing some impressive skills and Nace Koprivnik blasting two shots just over the crossbar from close range.
An entertaining game between two fine sides. Real Sociedad will take the three points and move onto face Otago of New Zealand in Tuesday’s fixture, whilst Armagh will look to lift themselves for a showdown with Alset Colombia in Portrush.