17 Feb Match Reports – 15/02/25
CYFC u13s 4-1 Banbridge
Todays game was another trip to Craigavon, Kernan playing fields was the venue and strangely we were the home team. We had a good win here a few weeks ago so we were keen to pick up where we left off. The usual early nerves where there for both teams in the first few minutes but on the 6th minute Jamie Loughran barged his way past the Banbridge defender and slotted home for us to take an early 1 nil lead.
Any signs of an easy day were quickly snubbed out when the Banbridge winger got away from our defence and knocked one over Daniel in nets, 1 each.
It was a bit scrappy in periods of the game but Banbridge weren’t causing us much hassle but we just couldn’t find our way through either, that was until some good play between Cameron Donnelly and Cillian Conway on the right seen Cillian deliver a nice cross in which was met by Zack Nellins on the half volley to make it 2 – 1 just before the break.
The Lads stepped it up a gear in the second half, they were solid at the back, Keegan, Riley, Connor and Reece and Daniel in nets where doing a great job keeping Banbridge quiet.
Young Caiden Ohagan who has been in fine form at the minute got on the end of a nice pass in from the right, head down, left foot clean through it for his first goal of the season to make it 3-1.
The Lads weren’t finished just yet, when the ball dropped to Zack just outside the box he took one touch, dropped the shoulder, bang, keeper no chance! 4-1 to the Town Lads. 3 points and up the road.
Thanks to all the parents who came and cheered us on. Let’s hope we can continue our good run, unbeaten this year.
Man of the match was Zack Nellins, not much going past him in midfield, strong in the tackle and scored 2 nice goals.
Next up is another league game against Armagh.
Squad. D. Pavel R. Hughes K. Kelly R. Donnell C. Conway Z. Nellins C. Donnelly J. Donnelly C. Ohagan J. Loughran N. Young K. Kilgore C. Sherman
CYFC u18’s NL 1-2 Larne Academy
Last Friday evening the u18’s made the long trip to Seacliff Road to face Larne Academy in the Premier section of the National League.
Manager Nigel Donnelly knew this was going to be a tough task, made more difficult with recent injuries over the last fortnight affecting four players in his squad.
In the absence of keeper Ferson, u17’s keeper Teixeria stepped up with Elechi replacing the injured Cichero in midfield. Colvin joined him in central midfield with the absence of Donnelly with Talbot taking the attacking midfield berth. Up front Edwards-Schwieso replaced the injured McGurk.
In the opening 10 minutes Cookstown struggled against the movement and rotation of Larne’s front three and it wasn’t long before Larne struck the opener.
Cookstown grew into the game despite this setback with Edwards-Schwieso’s long throw ins causing problems in the Larne box and from good work from Quinn and Ferson on the wings. On 20 minutes the Whites levelled after Talbot latched unto a loose ball in the box thundering home from 15 yards.
All that good work was undone 5 minutes later when Larne struck their second of the game. A great block from defender McMurdie prevented a third before Elechi struck a wonderful drive just over the Larne crossbar from 25 yards. HT 2-1.
The second half became more of a physical battle with the two defences dominating proceedings. There were shouts for penalties from both ends waived away by the referee with Larne happy to break up play by any means to keep their lead. Burns and Talbot both had half chances but Larne saw out the game to win four out of four to top the Premier Section.
A battling performance from the young Whites who pushed Larne all the way to the final whistle despite a raft of injuries and a much younger eleven.
Squad: J. Texeira, C. Loughran, H. McKenzie, L. McMurdie, J. Ferson, J. Quinn, J. Colvin, T. Elechi, C. Talbot, R. Burns, W. Edwards-Schwieso, D. Moura Mota, J. Donnelly.