Newry City AFC U13 2-0 Killowen Celtic U13
(Joseph Connolly 26, Tiarnan Murphy 35)
On what was a soggy but playable back pitch at the Showgrounds Saturday morning, Newry won a deserved victory to stay unbeaten in the league. Newry again started slowly struggling to get to grips with the heavy surface. Their usual passing game left them as they attempted long balls from the back that were gratefully cleaned up by the Killowen keeper and defence.
Killowen, playing a passing game themselves, had the first great chance in the 12th minute to take the lead when their player dribbled into the box and was taken down by Tiarnan Russell for which a penalty was rightly awarded. Unfortunately for them the strike was wide of the target.
With 20 minutes gone, Newry started to get into the game realizing that they would create more chances keeping the ball on the ground. They were rewarded on 26 minutes when on a dribbling run; Sean McConville was fouled outside just outside the box. Tiarnan Murphy stepped up and delivered a cross right under the cross bar which the Killowen keeper got a hand to but only succeeded in palming into the path of Joseph Connolly who headed into the back of the net.
Half time came and went and Newry continued with their good style of football. It was an even enough game but Newry pulled further clear on 35 minute when Killowen played a ball down their right wing that was intercepted by Matthew McGinn. Matthew took the ball on a run, beating one player before feeding the ball to Tiarnan Murphy. Tairnan then beat two men and from a tight angle passed the ball around the Killowen keeper and into the side of the net.
Newry were now in control of the game and as Killowen pushed forward in search a goal that would get them back into the game they left holes for the home side to try and exploit. Unfortunately they didn’t and the closest they came was a shot off the post by Caolan Murray.
The game ended 2-0 to the home side. Overall, after a slow start the management were pleased with the way the team finished the last 40 minutes, moving the ball efficiently and quickly. Next up, Moneyslane away.
Thought it was a great team performance on Saturday. Credit must go to the coaching staff. There is such an improvement from last season and you can the see the team growing in skill and confidence on a weekly basis. well done to all involved! Dee.
When I saw the Killowen team they looked impressive. I new we were in for a hard game. Again I am amazed at the U13 teams ability to obsorb what ever comes at them and come out on top. I couldn’t be happier with the progress to date. The entire team played with heart and the technical ability is moving along nicely. The competition for places is growing.
The Killowen team were very sporting and had some fantastic players. The Killowen coach was very positive and gave his players great encouragement throughout. Impressed all round. Great match.