Ballyvea FC U13 0-3 Newry City AFC U13
Sean McConville 40mins, Joseph Connolly (pen) 42mins & Tiarnan Murphy 53mins
Newry, after an excellent start to the season had to fight hard but claimed all three points against a battling Ballyvea side in Kilkeel Friday evening.
In what can only be described as a scrappy first half Newry struggled to control the game like they had in their previous two matches. Goal chances were few and far between with Newry coming out on top in the first half on count back of attempts. Half time came with the teams tied at 0-0.
Newry’s second half performance was an improvement on the first and they were rewarded on the 40th minute with a goal scored by Sean McConville. From the kickoff Newry regained possession and attacked the opposition area where a goal bound shot was handled by a Ballyvea defender. A penalty was awarded and expertly dispatched into the top corner by Joseph Connolly making the score line 2-0.
To Ballyvea’s credit they continued to battle and but for some resolute defending by an excellent back four, might have had a goal that could’ve instigated a comeback.
It wasn’t to be for Ballyvea and the result was confirmed for Newry in the 53rd minute when Tiarnan Murphy cut in from the left wing and slotted into the far corner for his fifth goal in three games.
Newry will gladly take the three points from this tough encounter and move on. In their next league game they face a strong Windmill Stars side and Newry will have to bring their “A” game if they are to continue their brilliant start to the season.