by Colm Murphy, Newry 15 Manager
Newry U15s welcomed Loughside FC of Belfast to the Showgrounds for their first home match in the U15 NIBFA Cup. Conditions were far from ideal but the pitch really withstood the harsh weather and game was given all clear to go ahead.
Newry were really up for this game and it showed right from the start when after some neat play from Sean Mc Conville and Tiernan O Reilly they made the Loughside keeper spring into action to parry away a low shot from Glen Park. This trend continued and it was not long before Niall Grant slotted in the first goal to put Newry 1-0 up, following some great play by McConville and Tiarnan Murphy. Soon after, again after some great link up play from Shea Morgan and Murphy, Glen Park raced through to fire goal number two and Newry were firmly in the driving seat. Loughside to their credit didn’t give up and after some neat play a defensive error give them a chance to pull one back from the penalty spot which they duly took.
Newry not to be deflated answered back immediately and it was Park again who coolly slotted goal number three to leave Newry 3-1 up at halftime.
The second half was all about the Newry defence and against gale force winds and heavy rain they stood strong. Lorcan Ruane in goals was keeping his defence on their toes and Newry soaked up early pressure from Loughside to take firm control of this match. The back line of Ruane, McGinn, Poucher, Ovesen and Reavey along with holding midfielder Morgan really excelled. McConville ably assisted by Murphy and O’ Reilly caused constant trouble on the Loughside defence who already had their hands full trying to deal with McGinn and Park.
Newry finally wrapped up the match when O Reilly finished off a flowing move right from the keeper to make it 4-1. The introduction of Connolly, Lappin, Toner and Murphy really shored up a fine overall team performance and Newry now progress to the third round full of confidence.
A big thank you to the parents for their help and support as always and to Loughside for a sporting match!