Newry U15’s played their first league game against Tandragee on Saturday last in Rathfriland. With a depleted squad due to a number of reasons Newry were to field with 10 players on this their first game in the Mid Ulster league. With the odds stacked against them Newry started strong and found themselves one goal up within 10 minutes. After some strong defensive play Newry again surprised their opponents by going 2 goals up with a fantastic long range effort. Tandragee pulled a goal back but Newry answered straight away going up field to add their third goal.

The second half started with Newry attacking from the kick off and it wasn’t long until they scored a fourth with some fine passing football. This really spurred the lads on and they added two more before the end to achieve a flattering 6-1 win in this their first venture in the Mid Ulster U-15 league.

With a mixture of new signings and established players the team really settled quick and it has showed that there will be great competition for places when those that missed Saturdays game return. Credit due to all who played their hearts out to achieve a remarkable result and showed great team spirit and effort. It must be said also that Tandragee showed great sportsmanship and we must thank them for a very sporting match and the best wishes from their Management and supporters to all the Newry lads at the end of the match.

by Colm Murphy, Newry City U14 Manager

Newry kept their winning ways going with a very entertaining game against Annalong at the Showgrounds last Saturday morning.

Newry started well in this match and were 1-0 up after just 10 minutes. Sean McConville slotted home after some great work by Tiernan O’Reilly and Joe Connolly. This sprung Annalong into life and they played some fine football and were unlucky not to draw level but the Newry ‘keeper was at his best. Newry scored their second goal after some more fine play and Sean McConville was the scorer again after a great pass from Shea Morgan. Back came Annalong and they responded with a blistering shot from their number 8 who give the Newry ‘keeper no chance to make it 2-1 going into half time.

Newry really upped their game in the second half, in particular wingers Caolon Reavey and Tiernan O Reilly were having a great game. Up front Sean Mc Conville and Tiarnan Murphy were testing the Annalong ‘keeper at every opportunity and goal number three came after great work from Aidan Ovesen, who was having his best game in a Newry jersey, set McConville in for his third goal. Shortly after McConville was involved again when he was fouled and Newry were awarded a penalty. Tiarnan Murphy scored to make it 4 -1 to Newry and finish the match off.

Again this was a great team performance and credit must go to Annalong for a very sporting match and we look forward to taking part in their annual tournament later in the year.

A special mention goes to our forwards McConville and Murphy who between them have scored 8 goals in two games. Also the back line of Mc Ginn, Poucher , Ovesen and Murphy have really connected over the past number of weeks and will be a problem for any team. The midfield of Morgan, Connolly, Reavey and O’Reilly along with Mackrel have played some great football to aid the forward line.

With main striker Matthew Treanor out injured, the team have shown great character and Treanor will be a great addition to the team when fully fit. Also, our Keeper Keenan has shown great composure and gets stronger with every match.