03 Mar Match Reports – 22/02/25
CYFC u13’s 3-0 Armagh
Todays game we headed to Dungannon to face Armagh, its the 3rd time this game has been scheduled as it fell victim to the weather the last 2 times. Armagh had been in decent form and so had our Town Lads. Without a doubt it was Armagh who started the brighter team playing some nice football, passing out well from the back and dominating in midfield but it was us who took the lead, some nice footwork by Noah Young who went passed 2 Armagh players and played a nice pass through to Cillian who rounded the goalkeeper and slotted home from a tight angle, 1 nil at the break.
Our boys were better in the second half once they had settled and started to pick a few nice passes together. Daniel in nets was playing well, he pulled of a nice save and released the ball early. A huge kick went deep into the Armagh half, the defender misjudged the bounce and Kyle Kilgore was there to capitalise, he went passed the keeper and doubled our lead, 2 nil.
The boys were definitely getting the better now and a good save by their keeper forced a corner which was delivered by Cillian, the defender mis-hit the ball into his own net, 3 nil.
Not the most convincing of performances but to win 3 nil and not be at our best shows good character from the Lads.
Man of the match today was Cillian Conway, been solid the last few weeks, starting to find his rhythm and chipping in with a few goals now, Well done young Mbappe.
Next week is a game against Riverdale were there is only a few points difference.
Thanks to the parents who came and cheered us on.
Squad : D. Pavel C. Devlin R. Donnell K. Kelly L. Montgomery C. Ohagan Z. Nellins C. Donnelly N. Young C Conway D. Kelly K. Kilgore J. Donnelly
CYFC u18’s 0-1 Don Boscos
Last Friday evening the u18’s faced old rivals Don Boscos in their second fixture of the Premier Section of the NL after the split at MUSA Cookstown.
Manager Nigel Donnelly was happy to welcome back injured players McGurk, Cichero and Donnelly and keeper Ferson after the defeat to Larne the previous week.
In a tense first half Cookstown blunted the Don’s strong attack with the back five of Loughran, Quinn, Jamie Ferson, McMurdie and McKenzie comfortable in front of keeper Ferson.
In midfield Donnelly, Cichero and Colvin worked extremely hard to create chances for Quinn and strikers Burns and McGurk, and to protect the back line while out of possession. HT 0-0.
Into the second half Cookstown continued to match Don Boscos with Ferson probing down the right side and delivering a few dangerous crosses. Unfortunately Cichero had a reoccurrence of his hamstring injury and was replaced by Talbot on 50 minutes. McGurk then made way for Edwards-Schwieso up front to try and create chances with his direct play and powerful throw-ins.
The match remained on a knife edge until a penalty was awarded to the travelling side with 7 minutes remaining to take the lead. McGurk came back on as manager Donnelly desperately threw three attackers on to try and retrieve the match. A succession of corners right at the end saw keeper Ferson go into the opposition box but Don Bosco held on for the away win.
A fine overall performance by the young Whites who closely matched last season’s Foyle Cup winners right until the end of the game.
TEAM: N. Ferson, C. Loughran, L. McMurdie, H. McKenzie (C), J. Ferson, J. Quinn, J. Donnelly, C. Cichero, J. Colvin, R. Burns, E. McGurk, C. Talbot, W. Edwards-Schwieso, T. Elechi.