Ballyvea FC U13 0-3 Newry City AFC U13

Sean McConville 40mins, Joseph Connolly (pen) 42mins & Tiarnan Murphy 53mins

Newry, after an excellent start to the season had to fight hard but claimed all three points against a battling Ballyvea side in Kilkeel Friday evening.

In what can only be described as a scrappy first half Newry struggled to control the game like they had in their previous two matches. Goal chances were few and far between with Newry coming out on top in the first half on count back of attempts. Half time came with the teams tied at 0-0.

Newry’s second half performance was an improvement on the first and they were rewarded on the 40^th minute with a goal scored by Sean McConville.  From the kickoff Newry regained possession and attacked the opposition area where a goal bound shot was handled by a Ballyvea defender. A penalty was awarded and expertly dispatched into the top corner by Joseph Connolly making the score line 2-0.

To Ballyvea’s credit they continued to battle and but for some resolute defending by an excellent back four, might have had a goal that could’ve instigated a comeback.

It wasn’t to be for Ballyvea and the result was confirmed for Newry in the 53^rd minute when Tiarnan Murphy cut in from the left wing and slotted into the far corner for his fifth goal in three games.

Newry will gladly take the three points from this tough encounter and move on. In their next league game they face a strong Windmill Stars side and Newry will have to bring their “A” game if they are to continue their brilliant start to the season.

The autumn has arrived and so has the start of the U13 Carnbane League.

City got off to a great start with a convincing win over Midway, with Jennings Park in great condition and both sets of players enjoying free flowing football ahead of their years.

The Newry boys opened the scoring through Tiarnan Murphy who notched three goals, before Conor Matthews added another from right midfield. Midway fought back a came close on a few occasions.

The second half started with a bang from Joseph Connolly who netted from the edge of the penalty area. The game looked to be over though Midway had other ideas and scored two great goals within five minutes. Newry settled themselves again and on came Nathan Crudden. What an impact he had. Two crosses and Nathan anticipated brilliantly and netted both within three minutes.

Though it wasn’t long before James Poucher came along and chipped the keeper a few minutes later with the goal of the match. At this stage the game was settled. Shea Morgan added another just before the end with a tasty right footed strike. Sean McConville played a cracking match and assisted three goals but was not content as the number 9 not to get on the scoreboard. All credit to the manager and technical coach Lee Kirrane who kept the team together through thick and thin and now the team is reaping the rewards. Here’s looking forward to a great youth development season.