by Colm Murphy, Newry City U14 Manager

Newry City Under 14’s travelled to Kilkeel on Saturday morning to play local side Valley Rangers. This was Newry’s seventh league match and sixth away game due to unavailability of the back pitch at Showgrounds but the team were to put in their best display of the season in almost storm like conditions against a strong Valley Rangers line up.

Right from the start Newry were playing some close controlled football and kept the ball on the ground, making some fine passes against a strong wind. Around 15 minutes into the match Newry were in front after a great through ball from Shea Morgan released Tiarnan Murphy through on goal and he slotted the ball past the ‘keeper to put Newry one up. Soon after it was again the same two players linking up in a carbon copy move with Murphy hitting the ball low and hard to the far corner to make it 2-0. The third goal came right from the back and started with Newry keeper James Keenan passing the ball to Right back Matthew McGinn. He sent Midfielder Joe Connolly surging forward who in turn set a neat ball through to Sean Mc Conville who shot to the back of the net in true striker fashion, 3-0. Valley responded with some fine play and James Keenan was called into action a few times making some fine saves. Eventually their pressure paid off and after a neat pass to their front man they pulled a goal back to make it 3-1. This spurred Newry back to life and again after some fine passing Connolly sent Murphy running through again only this time he lobbed the ball over the advancing Valley keeper to make it 4-1 Newry and complete a first half hat-trick.

Both teams were glad of the half time break and the second half started the same as the first with Newry attacking right from the kick off. Shea Morgan was having a fantastic game in midfield and after winning the ball he sent Joe Connolly on a run, who in turn sent a neat pass to Murphy again who beat the defender to rattle the best of his goals into the top corner to make it 5-1. A few moments later Murphy was to finish off a fine individual performance by striking an excellent free kick over the Valley Rangers wall into the net to make it 6-1 and 5 goals for the little winger. Newry made a number of substitutions and one of these Nathan Crudden was unlucky on a number of occasions not to add to the Newry tally. In defence Newry were strong with Russell and Oveson controlling the centre and Mc Ginn and Murphy doing well in right and left back positions. The midfield pairing of Connolly and Morgan really showed their ability throughout. The front line of Trainor and Mc Conville worked hard to create openings assisted by Caolan Reavey and Tiarnan Murphy who ended up with one of his best performances to date in a Newry Jersey with five goals.

A big thanks must go to the parents who helped with transport and weathered the elements to support the team. It was also great to see our top goal scorer Tiernan Reilly who is out injured at the moment, shouting his team mates on. All in all a good day out and a great team performance from a vastly improving group of lads. Well done all!!

There will be a trial night on Tuesday 12th August at the Abbey for our Under 13 and Under 14 boys teams ( Born 2001 and 2002). The trial is from 6.30pm to 8pm.

If you require any more info please contact our Youth Academy Manager Conlon Morrison on 07919592943.

By Conlon Morrison, NCAFC Youth Academy Manager

Newry City Academy held our first presentation night on Thursday 26th June. Before the presentations our U12 team played a challenge match against our U13 team. All the parents attended and watched. The match was followed by photos of the players with their parents and coaches. Following this the presentation of the awards took place in the lounge which again was attended by all of the parents.

Under 12 awards
Player of the year: Rio McConnell
Players’ player of the year: Jason Rush
Annalong player of the tournament: Jack Jennings

Under 13 awards
Player of the year went to 2 players: Tiernan Murphy and Sean McConville
Players’ player of the year: Aiden Ovesen
NI Elite Panel representative trophy: Tiernan Murphy was awarded a special trophy for being selected for the NI Elite Panel
ESF player of the Ayr tournament in Scotland went to Mathew McGinn who was unbeatable at right back throughout the three day tournament.

Academy player of the year went to Tiernan Reilly who was brilliant all year and does it all with a smile on his face. The model academy player.

Thanks to John Moffett and Lee Kirrane our managing coaches who presented the trophies and made it all possible.

As Academy Manager i would like to thank Sean Gaffney our kitman, Willie Young for keeping our pitches perfect, Gary Wilson for finding willing sponsors, Michael Keenan our child protection officer and our committee who have fully supported our academy project.

I would also like to thank all of our coaches, volunteers and parents who are all part of this project that provides over 300 children with the opportunity to play soccer on a regular and ongoing basis.

Next season we have teams competing at all age groups and coaching for these teams starts after the July fortnight holidays.