By City Focus

Newry City earned a well deserved share of the spoils at the Showgrounds on Tuesday evening against a Portadown side that included nine first team regulars.

Newry took the lead at the end of the first quarter when Keith Johnston accepted a fine pass from Declan Carville and beat ‘keeper Billy Brennan with ease. City continued to match their senior opponents in every department with Carville and Latvian midfielder Paulius Smaryginas causing some concern for the visiting rearguard. The half way mark was reached with City still holding a well deserved single goal advantage.

A few minutes after the resumption former Newry striker Darren Murray hit the equaliser with a strong drive that hit the upright before entering the home net. Portadown upped the pace but rarely threatened the Newry defence – with Niall Crilly, Conor McCaul, Ian Curran and young Ben Wilson in outstanding form. Murray was booked as he showed frustration at his inability to break through. Carville then hit a fantastic shot on the turn that seemed destined for the Ports net but it flashed wide.

Newry introduced the first of their substitutions in the 60th minute when Mark Lowry and Stephen McCabe replaced Keith Johnston and Paulius Smaryginas. This was followed by the replacement in the 65th minute of the youngsters Josh Durnin and Ben Wilson by Kenny Kearns and Graeme Edgar.

The game continued to be evenly balanced and City Manager Darren Mullen made a further two substitutions in the 75th minute, bringing on Sean McMullan and promising young striker Josh Cargin for Declan Carville and Conor Sloan. Mark Lowry’s pace caused The Ports to concede a couple of corner kicks as City strove to get a late winner.

A few minutes later Newry made their final change when Neil Mullen replaced the hard working City Captain Chris McMahon. Portadown, with Gault and Garrett working hard tested Home ‘keeper Peter Murphy but the custodian like his team mates was in top form.

Final score: Newry City AFC 1 – 1 Portadown FC

Newry City AFC: Peter Murphy, Niall Crilly, Ben Wilson, Conor McCaul, Ian Curran, Chris McMahon, Josh Durnin, Conor Sloan, Declan Carville, Paulius Smaryginas, Keith Johnston
Subs: Sean McMullan, Josh Cargin, Stephen McCabe, Kenny Kearns, Neil Mullen, Mark Lowry, and Graeme Edgar

Portadown FC: Billy Brennan, Chris Casement, Keith O’Hara, Sean Mackle, Darren Murray, Mark McAllister, Ken Oman, Michael Gault, Robbie Garrett, Jake Richardson, and Christian Stewart.
Subs: John Gibson and Adam Brown.

Newry have enjoyed mixed fortunes so far in their pre-season friendly games. On Saturday 11th July, Newry were defeated 3-2 by Amateur League Division 1A outfit Crumlin United in a close fought encounter. On Thursday past, Darren Mullen’s side swept aside the challenge of Championship 2 side Banbridge Town, with a convincing 6-1 victory and on Saturday Newry lost out 3-1 away to Championship One team Armagh City.

Tonight sees Newry welcome Premiership outfit Portadown FC to the Showgrounds, in what is sure to be a stern test for Darren Mullen and his team. Kick off is at 7.45pm.

The pre-season results/fixtures are as follows:

Saturday, 11th July v Crumlin Utd, KO 2.30pm (H) L 3-2
Thursday, 16th July v Banbridge Town, KO 7.45pm (H) W 6-1
Saturday, 18th July v Armagh City, KO 3pm (A) L 3-1
Tuesday, 21st July v Portadown, KO 7.45pm (H)
Thursday, 23rd July v Tullyvallen, KO 7.30pm (H)
Saturday, 25th July v Sheriff FC Dublin, KO 2.30pm (A)
Saturday, 1st August v Immaculata, KO 2pm (A)
Saturday, 8th August v Maynooth Town, KO 3pm (H)

Below are match reports for the games against Crumlin United and Banbridge Town.

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Newry City AFC 2- 3 Crumlin United

City went in front with a headed goal from defender Neill Mullen in the early stages of the opening half but Crumlin equalised after the homesters conceded a needless penalty kick.

Newry, who were playing some excellent possession football, were unfortunate not to go in front again but the first half ended on level terms.

Sean McMullan put City ahead with a fine effort from close range soon after the resumption. Crumlin were guilty of some agricultural type challenges but once again they equalised with a well constructed goal from Tom Conlon.
Both teams had scoring opportunities but it was the visitors who grabbed the winner with a fine individual goal from McAllister.

Newry City AFC — Peter Murphy, Ben Wilson, Ian Curran, Neill Mullen, Conor McCaul, Graeme Edgar, Jimmy Walker, Stephen Wylie, Sean McMullan,, Mark Lowry, Keith Johnston
Subs– Kenny Kearns, Josh Durnin, Paulios Smyrginas, Timmy Grant, Rian Hand, and Paddy Mooney.

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Newry City AFC 6– 1 Banbridge Town

Goal scorers for Newry — Sean McMullan, Jimmy Walker(2) , Timmy Grant, Keith Johnston, & Mark Lowry.

The visitors were in control for the opening fifteen minutes but City with Paddy Mooney and Ian Curran playing superbly in central defence came storming back with Sean McMullan and Timmy Grant both out of luck in front of goal. Paulios Smyrginas was constantly probing forward and his creativity was causing concern in the Bann rearguard. Just a minute before the half time whistle Newry went in front thanks to a brilliant 25 yard free kick from Sean McMullan

The game was played in a constant rainstorm but that did’nt prevent Ryan Gourley hammering in a magnificent equaliser from 20 yards range just a couple of minutes after the resumption.

City however were spurred into retaliation and almost immediately regained the advantage when Jimmy Walker scored from close range. This was the signal for Newry to dominate with Jimmy Walker and sub Conor Sloan in fine form and further goals came from Keith Johnston, Timmy Grant, Mark Lowry and a minute from the end a Jimmy Walker penalty completed the demolition of the Championship team. This was a City display particularly in the second half that must have delighted home Manager Darren Mullen.

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Newry City AFC are delighted to announce the signing of former Banbridge Town, Moneyslane and Orchard City midfielder Thomas “Tucker” McCann. He becomes the club’s sixth signing of the summer.

Newry Manager Darren Mullen told newrycityafc.co.uk he is pleased to bring in another player before pre-season.

“Thomas is a player I’ve admired for a few years now and we have beaten off stiff competition for his signature. Our style of play will suit his game and I am sure he will be a big success at the club.”

Upon signing for the club, Thomas said:

“I believe that Newry is a club with great ambition and is well equipped for moving forward. I’m looking forward to the new season ahead – I will give 100% and do my best to contribute to the team.”