by Colm Murphy, Newry City U14 Manager

On Saturday last Newry Under 14’s had a home match against Ballyvea in the U14 league championship. After a heavy nights rain the pitch was surprisingly in good condition.

Newry started the game slowly but eventually got their foot on the ball and started to pass the ball around. Despite 70% of possession Newry found it hard to break down the Ballyvea defence who had come with a game plan of trying not to concede any goals. Just before half time Newry opened the scoring with a Joseph Connolly goal after some great work from fellow team mates.

The second half opened brightly for Newry after a stern team talk from the management and it wasn’t long before Shea Morgan added Newry’s second goal with a well placed shot. Newry’s passage of play seemed to falter after this goal and trying to break down the Ballyvea system was frustrating for the Newry boys. However just rewards came near the end when Tiarnan O’Reilly slotted in Newry’s third and final goal to ease the concerns of the good home support.

While it was nice to get another win Newry have a lot of work to do if they are to keep up a good start to the season. A number of areas were identified that need working on but all in all a win is a win and its down to hard work on the training pitch that improves mistakes. There were some fine performances but again teamwork is what eventually got the win for Newry.

It was nice to see former Team Manager Lee Kirrane in attendance and watching how his former players are progressing.

by Colm Murphy, Newry City U14 Manager

Newry City U14’s played their third away match to Tullyvallen on Saturday past in Newtownhamilton. Conditions were great and Newry continued their recent fine form by starting quickest and piled the pressure on the Tullyvallen defence from the first moments. With some fine football Newry scored two quick goals within 10 minutes after some great attacking football. The forward line of Matthew Trainor and Sean Mc Conville were quick to latch onto some great passing from the two wingers, Tiarnan Murphy and Tiernan O’Reilly and this was to be the theme of the whole match as Newry totally dominated play right throughout the first half. Numerous chances were created and only for some fine saves from the Tullyvallen keeper, Newry could have gone three or four more goals to the better before half time.

The midfield partnership of Shea Morgan and Joseph Connolly really stepped up their game and created many openings for the attack and were ably assisted by the defence. Matthew Maginn playing at right back looked more like a winger as he tormented the Tullyvallen defence time after time.

Newry started the second half still only 2 goals up despite all the play in the first half but after a good team talk from management they added 2 more quick goals. Tiernan O’Reilly got on the score sheet for the 4th match in a row and Matthew Trainor added his second after some great passing.

Another 2 goals later on from Sean McConville and Shea Morgan completed an excellent day for the Newry team. Overall this was one of the best all round team performances from an ever improving squad. Most of the squad got a run out which is great for team morale and competition is really stepping up for places.

One other point to note was the discipline of this young team which shone throughout this match and they should be proud of the way that they conducted themselves.

The next game is at home this Saturday to Ballyvea at the Showgrounds at 10am.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank those parents, players and friends who came down to help with the Academy bag back at Tesco on Saturday afternoon after our match. It was great to see the community give generously to the Academy fund and help build a future for soccer in the Newry region. Well done to Academy Manager Conlon Morrison who had the task of organising it all. It turned out to be a very successful day.