As we break for Christmas it’s nice to be sitting at the top of the league but we know there is a long way to go and a lot of tough games to be played. We have given ourselves a good chance of promotion but nothing is ever won at this stage and we will have to work harder than we’ve done already to achieve our goal. Our victories over Hanover and Moneyslane were hard fought but well deserved and although we only drew with St Mary’s it could prove to be a very valuable point. Their equaliser in the last few minutes was hard to take but they are as good a side as we’ve played in the league and will take points off other promotion rivals. Laurelvale also proved to be a hard side to break down with the conditions making it a tough day to play our usual passing game. Our winner in the last minute gave the lads a huge lift in our last game of 2013. The win was tarnished by Conor McCaul’s red card which was a ridiculous decision that didn’t warrant a yellow card never mind a red but it creates an opportunity for other lads to stake a claim.

Our exit from the Irish Cup was a game that we will have to learn lessons from. At 1-0 down we failed to take the chances that came our way and suffered the consequences against a more experienced and clinical Crumlin Star side. However as the only Mid-Ulster intermediate side in the fourth round it highlighted the progression that we have been making in our maiden season. This time last year there was no football being played at the Showgrounds so we are proud and delighted as a group to be representing the City once again. The committee, volunteers, coaching staff, players and fans deserve great credit for the time, effort and commitment that they have put in this year to get the club back on its feet. Great credit must also go to the youth and ladies teams for keeping the flag flying whilst we were preparing for our return.

Finally I would like to wish everyone a very Happy Christmas and hopefully a successful New Year. On behalf of the coaching staff and players I can assure you that everything will be done to try to bring success back to our club.

Yours in Sport

Darren

At the end of every month throughout the season Newry City AFC supporters vote on our website for the Senior Player of the Month. The First Team Management then pick the winner from the three players with the most votes in the poll.

Mark Lowry, Conor McCaul and Chris McMahon received the most votes in the November poll but after careful consideration Conor McCaul has been selected for the award. Conor was a rock in the centre of the Newry defence that kept four clean sheets from five games in November.

Newrycityafc.co.uk caught up with Senior Team Manager Darren Mullen, who wished to congratulate Conor on his award.

“Conor has been in terrific form for us all season whether it has been in midfield or defence and fully deserves his award. He has made the step up from Carnbane to Intermediate football with ease and will be a vital player in our push for promotion.”

Name: Graeme Edgar.

Age: 22.

Occupation: Fireplace/Stove installer.

Previous Clubs: Portadown FC, Banbridge Town FC and Markethill Swifts FC.

Position: Midfield.

Footballing Hero: Steven Gerrard.

What are your interests outside of football? Socialising, shooting, watching different types of sport, motorbikes.

If you could take 3 celebrities to dinner who would they be and why? Lee Evans for a good laugh, George Best so he could show me how to dribble, shoot etc! And Megan fox. (You should know why)

What is the best ground you have played in? Windsor park.

What would you like to achieve by the time you hang up your boots? Scoring a goal would be nice! And to play a part in getting Newry back into the Irish league, picking up a few cups on the way!

Who is the joker of the team? Paul McElroy likes to laugh at his own jokes.

Who is the best at training? Christopher McMahon.

Who is the worst at training? Joel Annett.

Who has the worst dress sense? Stefan Martin.

One song that gets you pumped up for a match? Martin Garrix – animals.

Who is the best player you have ever played with? Richard Clarke (Portadown).

What one word would best describes you as a footballer? Competitive.

And finally…a word for the fans? They’re as good as an extra man on the pitch!