01 Feb Match Reports – 28/01/23
CYFC u11’s Colts Defeated Rathriland u11’s
A very tight match in the first minutes but Cookstown ended up having the best chances and was able to score the first goal by Rodrigo and straight after that Noah scored the 2-0 and that was the score at half time. Second half Rathfriland started having a few shoots but Cookstown goalkeeper was great on goal. Cookstown scored the 3-0 by Daniel and then Noah scored the 4-0 graving his second goal. 4-0 was the final score in a good game from both teams but Cookstown was the better team yesterday
CYFC u15’s 3-4 Tristar u15’s
Due to a school trip this fixture at Greysteel’s Vale Centre was rescheduled to last Friday evening KO 8pm. From the first whistle league leaders Tristar went for the jugular with both their tricky and rapid wingers causing Cookstown’s defence all sorts of problems in the opening salvos of the game. Their pace and movement carved open opportunities for the homesters who eventually took the lead on 18 minutes.
To their credit the young sizzlers levelled proceedings after a fine finish from midfielder James Mulgrew.
Despite Edward Irwin’s introduction at full back settling the back four a misplaced pass and quick break doubled Tristar’s tally to regain the lead. The White’s dug really deep with Isaac Kelso equalising with a fine finish just before the halftime whistle. Against the wind Cookstown seemed to pass the ball better for longer periods but again were undone by a quick break and sharp finish on 50 minutes.
On the hour mark the game was level once again after a delicate pinpoint finish by Aidan McElhatton in off the right hand post. But minutes later to players, coaches and travelling supporters shock and dismay the score was 4-3 with the Tristar winger blatantly standing 5 yards offside when he received a through ball. Despite all the protests the home referee refused to change his obvious error which had a profound impact on the final result.
A strong and gutsy performance by the lads after the long trip to Greysteel but for the second week on the bounce players, coaches and supporters were all left totally dismayed by 2/3 decisions that ultimately led to two away defeats. Referees in the North West also need to re-educate themselves on National League rules regarding substitutions and not apply the ‘wrong’ local rules!! Disappointing.
TEAM: B. Patterson, J. Ferson, H. McKenzie, J. Burton, J. Price, C. McCrory, G. Russo, J. Donnelly, B. Mulgrew, J. Mulgrew, I. Kelso, E. Irwin, A. McElhatton, C. Talbot.