Category: Under 17’s

‘Patton’s poles’ win mini-world cup tournament

Newry’s match with Seagoe may have fallen victim to the bad weather today but the club’s coaching staff didn’t let the inclement conditions deter them from organising a mini-world cup tournament down on the 3G pitches at the Showgrounds. A big turnout of senior and u17 squad members along with the coaching staff played the tournament amongst themselves. The teams were as follows:

1. Joel’s Jamaicans
2. Edgar’s Egyptians
3. Patton’s Poles
4. Crilly’s Colombians
5. McMahon’s Moroccans
6. Stefan’s Spaniards

Mark PattonThe winners were Patton’s Poles who pipped Crilly’s Columbians on goal difference. The tournament was a great success and good craic in terrible conditions. Winning Captain Mark Patton was presented with a bag of mini Twirls with u17 Player of the tournament Stephen King receiving a bag of mini Crunchies.

Newry City AFC youth coaching and trials

In preparation for next year, Newry City AFC Youth Academy are now selecting players from U8 to U12 (Born  calendar years 2002 to 2006) to participate in the small sided games, commencing in February 2014.

Conlon Morrison
Conlon Morrison

The coaching is currently on Friday evenings from 6.30pm to 7.30pm at the Showgrounds on the 3G Pitches. To become a youth member from U8 to U12 or book onto the trial nights contact Conlon Morrison on Mobile:  07919592943 or email: conlon@newrycityafc.co.uk.

Also, there will be six trial nights held at the Showgrounds for U13 to U16 players for the 2014/2015 season, for players born during calendar years 1999 to 2002. Further information will be provided for this in the near future.

Youth Development Officer offically announced

Newry City AFC is delighted to announce the appointment of Conlon Morrison as its new Youth Development Officer.

Conlon Morrison
Conlon Morrison

Conlon is a former youth international and played for Bessbrook, Dungannon Swifts and Windmill Stars during his career. He was part of the Windmill Stars panel that won the Junior Cup along with Senior Team manager Darren Mullen.

Conlon is currently involved with the U13 team and has recently set up the new skills school which runs on Friday night. As part of his role he will be responsible for the formation of new teams at each age group ensuring the proper coaching staff are in place.

“I am delighted to have someone of Conlons knowledge and capabilities on board at the club”, said Senior Team manager Darren Mullen.

“I’ve known Conlon for the past 25 years and was lucky enough to play in the same team as him. His enthusiasm and passion for the role have already shone through and he has made some very good progress in the short time he has been in the role.

“As with the Senior team things will be done in the right manner with the correct people on board and hopefully with Conlons assistance we will have a regular feed from youth level right through to the senior squad.”

Newry City U17s 3-0 Solway U17s 7th September 2013

Newry U17’s kicked off the new season with an excellent win against a strong and aggressive Belfast team, Solway Stars. But it was Solway who got off to the best start as they ran at the Newry lads and sent probing balls into the spaces behind the Newry defence. It nearly paid off for them when the Solway centre forward blocked down a defensive clearance, and Newry goalkeeper Heaney had to be at his sharpest to smother the ball and thwart any danger. Solway found the Newry lads in stubborn mood as every time they went forward they were outnumbered in tackles and City slowly started taking control of the game. A midfield line of McGrath, Murphy and McEvoy, were backed up by the impressive back four of Boyle, Courtney, Rooney and Barfield. Solway forced a couple of corners but barely threatened Jack Heaney in the Newry goals.

Newry’s first goal of the season came from a corner delivered by Murphy, to Lee Courtney who headed the ball across goal, Castelli laid the ball off, and Pinnington lashed the ball into the back of the Solway net giving the goalkeeper no chance.

As half time approached Solway pushed forward at every opportunity, but with Newry defending so well they were unable to register a meaningful effort on goal.

In the second half Newry really got the bit between their teeth and got at the Solway defence. Durnin and Pinnington switched wings and Castelli held strong up front, laying off some fine balls for the wide players.

By now, the Solway players were showing their frustration and putting in some rash tackles, resulting in several yellow cards being handed out. Newry were awarded a penalty on the 45 minute mark when substitute Jack Grant, was impeded as he jostled for position waiting on a corner being delivered.

Josh Durnin stepped up and scored, sending the Solway keeper the wrong way. At 2 nil up Newry were looking comfortable, but a bit of a slip up at the back almost let Solway in on goal. Lee Courtney recovered well and expertly slid in to put the ball out for a corner.

Durnin came close to scoring his second goal of the season when he latched on to an excellent through-ball from midfield. Unfortunately his chipped shot went agonisingly over the bar.

With five minutes remaining on the clock, Devlin, who had earlier replaced Castelli at centre forward, closed down a Solway defender, won the ball and slipped it through to Pinnington who confirmed a great win for Newry as he walked the ball into the net.

Newry’s next match is against Hillsborough on Tuesday night at the Rec, Lisburn. Kick-off is scheduled for 6.30.

Newry’s team: Jack Heaney, Kevin Boyle, Daire Rooney, Ciaran Murphy, E Barfield, Lee Courtney, Ronan McGrath, Chris McEvoy, Josh Durnin, David Castelli, Jordan Pinnington. Subs: Jack Grant, Dylan Devlin, Conor McGivern, Colm McEvoy.