As the new season beckons we approach it with a great sense of optimism. Preseason has been the toughest out of the past three years with maximum effort given by the whole squad. The past six weeks have been geared towards our first game next Tuesday night and we will be more than ready for it. We have brought in eight new players and they have settled into what was already a decent squad. That said last season wasn’t good enough and we need to make sure everyone ups their game to give us the best possible chance of promotion.

This is a tough league but with the new additions I feel we are now in a position to seriously threaten for the league title. Other teams will also have strengthened but all we can do is concentrate on ourselves to ensure we are prepared for each and every game. Our away form was far from acceptable last season and although we are not using it as an excuse we now know what to expect on our travels. We will be prepared to battle as well as play our way out of this league.

As well as new additions some players have left the club and we wish Neil Barr, Chris Fay, David O’Connor and Stefan Martin all the best with their new clubs. As per any season we will be relying on our fans to give us their full support and I’ve no doubt they will do so in their numbers. The support they provide gives an added incentive to succeed and I thank them for that in advance.

Nothing is ever guaranteed in football but I can assure you on behalf of the coaching staff that every effort will be given to take the club back to where it deserves to be.

Yours in Sport,
Darren

 

Upcoming Fixtures:

Tuesday 11th August, H v Valley Rangers, Int A, k.o. 7.45pm
Saturday 15th August, A  v AFC Craigavon, Int A, k.o. 2.30pm
Saturday 22nd August, A v Ardstraw FC, Irish Cup, k.o. 1.30pm

The home side hit the front as early as the 3rd minute when the lively Sean McMullan guided the ball past Luke Bush in the Tullyvallen goal.

Despite the early setback, the visitors continued to play some attractive football and got a well deserved equaliser from Kyle Morton in the 10th minute.

McMullan showed his value with a second score in the 18th minute and Mark Lowry with a shot from a very wide angle that rolled into a unguarded goal, ten minutes before the interval, put Newry into a comfortable advantage.

After the resumption Declan Carville with a superb lob put City further ahead. Tullyvallen fought with spirit and determination but the home side were dominating possession and it was no surprise when second half substitute Keith Johnston grabbed the fifth goal. Newry had introduced Johnston with Niall Crilly, Conor Sloan and Paulius Smaryginas as subs earlier in the half and they were making their presence felt as they pushed forward at every opportunity against a rapidly tiring visiting rearguard. An OG from a Tullyvallen defender completed the scoring.

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

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.