Newry City U19 2 – 3 Glentoran U19

By Denis Maguinness, Newry U19 Manager 

It’s a funny old game as they say and on Wesnesday night certainly that phrase was on the money.

This was our first proper pre-season game. We had 9 new faces in the starting 11 tonight – all recently signed in preparation for upcoming commencement of the Lisburn u19 league.

Newry certainly started the better team and honestly dominated from the first whistle, but somehow went 2-0 behind. The lads responded positively and kept plugging away. Eventually we got the breakthrough when outstanding centre back Cathail Byrne went up for a corner and scored his first ever goal for Newry. The half time break followed shortly after this and although trailing 2-1, I couldn’t have asked for any more from my side.

Newry deservedly levelled the match early in the second half at 2-2 when super striker Abdul-Azeez Ogunfowora was awarded a penalty for a rash challenge on him inside the box. But he had the composure to dust himself off and slot home the spot kick – his 4th goal in 3 matches.

Newry looked for the winner and totally dominated the play creating chance after chance, but in doing so we were caught on the break and alas conceded a late goal.

Congratulations to all the lads tonight for a great overall team performance.  Paul Carvill, James Smyth, Amara Manuel Ibeh, Cathail Byrne and Azeez were all superb but my man of the Man of the Match went to Gavin Markey who was simply outstanding.

Academy is the Future

With under age teams ranging from under 9 to under 19 there is a clear aspiration at NCAFC to attract and enhance the very best of local talent to The Showground’s. Having come through the ranks from under 15, under the guidance of Micky Morgan, Johnny Elliott, Robbie Irwin and Barry Treanor. Shealan Fegan is the latest prospect to emerge from the Academy structure securing the Newry U16s Top Goal Scorer award last year and rewarded with a request from manager Darren Mullen to join preseason training with the senior team making his debut as a substitute in the friendly against Annagh Utd..“Shealan Fegan is one of a number of young players at the club who have the potential to play first team football. Whilst we have made some very good signings this summer we will need a constant supply of youth players coming through the ranks. This is needed not only to make the club sustainable but it’s to give local lads the best possible opportunity to play for their home town club. Shealan has been given that opportunity in the game against Annagh and he certainly didn’t look out of place. Hopefully he can continue to improve with the help of the youth coaches at the club and his appearance can only encourage other youth players at the club to work harder.”

 

Name: Shealan Fegan

Age: 15

Position: Striker

Previous Clubs: Midway Utd and Camlough FC

Achievements: U12 Carnbane Cup, U13 Clare Cup, Newry U16s Top Goal Scorer 15/16 and that’s about it.

What Footballer do you look up to and why? I would say Theirry Henry, because he’s a striker I’ve watched for years and try to play similar to the way he did.

What is it like to be involved with the First Team Pre-Season? It has been a great experience for me to be involved with the seniors as it has been a challenge playing with and against good players which I have really enjoyed. It has also been great getting to know all the senior players and the management.

What are your hopes for the future? My hopes for the future is to play for Newry in the top flight of the Irish League, nothing is better than pulling on the blue and white jersey and representing your local club.

Match Day Help Required

With the new season fast approaching Newry City are looking for volunteers to help around the ground on match days. In particular we require someone to operate the snack facility inside the ground. If you are interested please contact Laura on 07857077176 or laurah0817@hotmail.co.uk

Experience and Quality to the Newry Squad

Newry Manager Darren Mullen is delighted with his latest signing Mark Hughes. ‘Mark is a massive signing for the club and a statement of intent in terms of how serious we are in not wanting to rest on our laurels. He is coming straight out of playing premiership football and is a classy player. His experience and skill level especially on the left hand side gives us a great boost and adds to what is now a really competitive squad. If we are to become competitive within this league, then we need players of Marks ability and I’m delighted he has decided to come back to the club.’

 

Mark Hughes… “It feels good to be back at Newry, I’m looking forward to the new season. It looks like Darren is putting together a good team and hopefully we can push for promotion.”

 

Photograph Courtesy of Brendan Monaghan Photography.