Match Reports – 21/12/24

On Wednesday evening the u17s traveled to Craigavon to play Banbridge Rangers in the MUYL  knock-out Cup in a rearranged fixture.

Banbridge had beaten Cookstown on the first game of the season in a league match so Coaches Warwick and Donnelly knew that this would be a real test for the young whites.

Cookstown started very brightly trying to keep hold of the ball and play football but Banbridge were competing well . Ruairi Cassidy was a good outlet on the left and he was causing all sorts of problems for the Rangers left back with his direct running.

Cookstown made the breakthrough after 20mins a Jack Patterson corner was met by Trevonn and the gk made a great save but could only watch as Eoghan Mcgirr reacted quickest to smash the ball into the back of the net . This settled Cookstown and you could see more confidence in their play .

 A couple of quick passes from Russo and Mota found Cassidy and he beat the first defender and then beat another going into the box and hit a great shot but the gk this time made the save . Half-time 1-0

Cookstown continued to dominate the ball and play some good football.  A great free kick from Jay Wilson found the back of the net and almost kill any hopes of a comeback for Banbridge. Cookstown were enjoying themselves and the back 4 of Patterson, Russo,  Trevonn and Price were excellent on the night giving nothing to the big Rangers striker ,there was time for another goal with Jamie Ferguson getting in on the act scoring from close range after good work from Cassidy and Talbot. Mcelhatton and Small came on and Cookstown continued to keep pocession and play good football an earn a well deserved win which sees them through to the last 8 of the cup .. Well done lads

The win sees the lads go 8 games unbeaten in all competitions and sitting 2nd in the league , alot of positives from this group of players who continue to impress their Coaches every week.

A big thanks must go to our parents who get the boys to training and matches without any complaints.  Enjoy the Christmas festivities and we will see you all in the New Year.

Squad: Jorge , Patterson, Russo  ,Trevonn  , Price

Cassidy  , Mota , Talbot , Ferguson  , Wilson , Mcgirr , Mcelhatton , Small

CYFC u18’s 3-1 Knockbreda

Last Friday night Cookstown u18’s faced Knockbreda FC in a National League playoff to determine the makeup of the Premier Section and the B Section. Both teams finished 6th in their area leagues at the split and despite Cookstown’s superior points and goal difference both teams had a final game with the winner taking their place in the Premier Section after Christmas.
Cookstown started quite nervously and cheaply gave up possession to the Belfast side in the opening 10-15 minutes -a reflection of not playing any matches over the last 2-3 weeks.
As the game moved on Cookstown began to find their touch and form with right wingback Loughran causing all sorts of problems for the Knockbreda fullback. On 22 minutes he hammered home the opener slotting home from ten yards as Cookstown began to take control of the game.
Five minutes later a pinpoint corner from the left from Donnelly was thundered home from a header from defender Burton to double the White’s advantage. Before the halftime whistle Knockbreda struck the crossbar from a set piece before winger Quinn spurned a chance from a McKenzie free kick.
Into the second half the young sizzlers struck early when Quinn found Loughran at the back post from a superb cross to double his tally and put Cookstown three goals to the good.
Striker Burns went close with a couple of long range efforts with Cichero forcing a good save from the Knockbreda keeper. A half clearance and a little indecision led to Knockbreda’s opener with 15 minutes remaining.
Somehow the Knockbreda keeper pushed an effort into his crossbar from 12 yards to keep them in the game.
Ferson, Talbot and Russo came on to freshen tiring legs and manage the remainder of the game with Cookstown running out deserved winners against a good Knockbreda side. A great achievement from the Cookstown lads – and as usual punching far above their weight.
A big thanks to all our fantastic parents for supporting the team and coaches on Friday evenings, Saturday mornings and Saturday afternoons with the 17’s, 18’s and Seniors.
Have a wonderful Christmas and a well deserved break.
Hillsborough Knights in the League Cup KO in January 2025.
TEAM:-
N. Ferson, H. McKenzie, L. McMurdie, J. Burton, C. Loughran, J. Quinn, J. Donnelly, J. Colvin, C. Cichero, R. Burns, E. McGurk, J. Ferson, C. Talbot, G. Russo.