Newry have enjoyed mixed fortunes so far in their pre-season friendly games. On Saturday 11th July, Newry were defeated 3-2 by Amateur League Division 1A outfit Crumlin United in a close fought encounter. On Thursday past, Darren Mullen’s side swept aside the challenge of Championship 2 side Banbridge Town, with a convincing 6-1 victory and on Saturday Newry lost out 3-1 away to Championship One team Armagh City.
Tonight sees Newry welcome Premiership outfit Portadown FC to the Showgrounds, in what is sure to be a stern test for Darren Mullen and his team. Kick off is at 7.45pm.
The pre-season results/fixtures are as follows:
Saturday, 11th July v Crumlin Utd, KO 2.30pm (H) L 3-2
Thursday, 16th July v Banbridge Town, KO 7.45pm (H) W 6-1
Saturday, 18th July v Armagh City, KO 3pm (A) L 3-1
Tuesday, 21st July v Portadown, KO 7.45pm (H)
Thursday, 23rd July v Tullyvallen, KO 7.30pm (H)
Saturday, 25th July v Sheriff FC Dublin, KO 2.30pm (A)
Saturday, 1st August v Immaculata, KO 2pm (A)
Saturday, 8th August v Maynooth Town, KO 3pm (H)
Below are match reports for the games against Crumlin United and Banbridge Town.
Newry City AFC 2- 3 Crumlin United
City went in front with a headed goal from defender Neill Mullen in the early stages of the opening half but Crumlin equalised after the homesters conceded a needless penalty kick.
Newry, who were playing some excellent possession football, were unfortunate not to go in front again but the first half ended on level terms.
Sean McMullan put City ahead with a fine effort from close range soon after the resumption. Crumlin were guilty of some agricultural type challenges but once again they equalised with a well constructed goal from Tom Conlon.
Both teams had scoring opportunities but it was the visitors who grabbed the winner with a fine individual goal from McAllister.
Newry City AFC — Peter Murphy, Ben Wilson, Ian Curran, Neill Mullen, Conor McCaul, Graeme Edgar, Jimmy Walker, Stephen Wylie, Sean McMullan,, Mark Lowry, Keith Johnston
Subs– Kenny Kearns, Josh Durnin, Paulios Smyrginas, Timmy Grant, Rian Hand, and Paddy Mooney.
Newry City AFC 6– 1 Banbridge Town
Goal scorers for Newry — Sean McMullan, Jimmy Walker(2) , Timmy Grant, Keith Johnston, & Mark Lowry.
The visitors were in control for the opening fifteen minutes but City with Paddy Mooney and Ian Curran playing superbly in central defence came storming back with Sean McMullan and Timmy Grant both out of luck in front of goal. Paulios Smyrginas was constantly probing forward and his creativity was causing concern in the Bann rearguard. Just a minute before the half time whistle Newry went in front thanks to a brilliant 25 yard free kick from Sean McMullan
The game was played in a constant rainstorm but that did’nt prevent Ryan Gourley hammering in a magnificent equaliser from 20 yards range just a couple of minutes after the resumption.
City however were spurred into retaliation and almost immediately regained the advantage when Jimmy Walker scored from close range. This was the signal for Newry to dominate with Jimmy Walker and sub Conor Sloan in fine form and further goals came from Keith Johnston, Timmy Grant, Mark Lowry and a minute from the end a Jimmy Walker penalty completed the demolition of the Championship team. This was a City display particularly in the second half that must have delighted home Manager Darren Mullen.
