Ballyvea FC U13 0-3 Newry City AFC U13

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 40th 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 53rd 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.

Meet The Players: Neil Barr

In our latest player catch up, we spoke with Newry City AFC leading goalscorer Neil Barr. Neil, who has been involved in the club for several years has netted two competitive hat tricks so far this season with a third hat trick in a friendly game. Neil has scored 7 league goals so far this season and looks to add to his tally when the team get back to league action.

 

Name: Neil Barr

Age: 22

Previous clubs: Parkview, Midway United, Glenavon and Camlough rovers

Honours: Umbro International Cup, Runner-up in the Dunluce Trophy at the Milk Cup, Carnbane League: 1st division

Position: Striker

Footballing hero: Steven Gerrard or Robbie Fowler

If you could take 3 celebrities to dinner who would they be and why? Cheryl Cole, pure babe. Steven Gerrard to talk about Istanbul in 2005 and finally Lee Evans for a good old laugh.

Whats the best ground you have played in? Windsor Park

What would you like to achieve by the time you hang up your boots? Hopefully play a part in getting Newry back to the Premiership and win some trophies along the way.

Who is the joker of the team? Niall Crilly

Who is the best at training? Sean Hand or Shane Lundy

Who has the worst dress sense? Chrissy Hughes

One song that gets you pumped up for a match? Avicii – Levels

Who is the best player you have ever played? Alot of people may see this coming but its definitely my dad Jim Barr, very easy to play with and learnt so much from him.

What one word would best describe you as a footballer? Passionate

And finally…a word for the fans? keep the brilliant support going “YOU’RE SIMPLY THE BEST”

Ladies match cancelled tonight

Unfortunately, due to the Cliff Larne Ladies being unable to field a team for the second time, The Newry City Ladies match & presentation of the Division 1 title tonight at The Showgrounds has been cancelled.

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.