Cookstown Youth

COOKSTOWN took to the field to play neighbours Draperstown at Fairhill in the semi final of the league cup. The season would close out with a disappointing 2-0 defeat. To quote the late great Brian Clough, it was a game of two halves.

Cookstown dominated the first half creating many chances and hitting the post on a couple of occasions but lack of finishing would cost them dearly and the half finished 0 – 0.

An injury to captain Megarry early in the second half put Draperstown on top and they scored 2 goals in 15 minutes and try as they might, Cookstown just couldn’t get back in the game and Draperstown ran out 2 -0 winners.

The gloom was lifted however when in the absence of any Mid Ulster League official, Father Kevin Crilly duly presented captain Megarry and the team with the Mid Ulster Premiership League trophy.

It was a trophy richly deserved as the team had remained unbeaten all season conceding just 5 goals in the process and this achievement should not be underestimated. The management team of Mickey, Iain, Tommy, Rory and Kevin were full of praise for the whole team panel.

A long hard season had finally come to an end for some but not for all.

It goes without saying that congratulations are extended by all at Cookstown Youth under 15s to M Megarry and W Donaghy on being selected for the County Tyrone Junior Squad taking part in this year’s Milk Cup We will all be cheering you on down at the north coast come July.

Good luck also must go to Paul Stewart who is taking part in the Foyle Cup. Finally a big thank you must go to all the parents and supporters who cheered the team on through hail, rain and snow all season.

Mid Ulster Premiership League winners full team panel:

C Reynolds, L Johnston, M Corrigan, D Teague, P Stewart, A Bell, W McCullagh, M Megarry, W Donaghy, J Glasgow, J Holmes, C McGovern, C McIvor, D O’Neill, E Santos, W Tavares, C Quinn, D Coyle, S Taylor, G McElhone.

OVER the May bank holiday weekend CYFC U11S participated in their first ever overseas tournament at Prestatyn in North Wales in the SCI Mitre Ultimatch Cup. The 7 aside competition was made up of a league of ten teams from Wales, England, Scotland and of course N. Ireland with the overall winner amassing the most points after playing nine games, five on the Saturday and four on the Sunday.

The results were as follows: 1. St Mirren (Scotland) 2-0 (Jamie Marlin 2) 2. Hebburn Town JFC (Durham) 2-0 (Joseph Donnelly, Iairlaith Donaghy.) 3. Glen Juniors A (West Riding) 1-4 (Harry Wilson.) 4. Glen Juniors B 0-0. 5. Sygenta Juveniles (Scotland) 1-0 (Joseph Donnelly.) 6. Glen Juniors C 1-0 (OG). 7. Llandudno Junction (Wales) 0-0. 8. Kinmel Bay (Wales) 1-1 (Joseph Donnelly) 9. Glan Conway (Wales) 1-0 (Jamie Marlin.)

Overall the management team of Gerry Quinn, James Kenning, Rodney Campbell and Andy Warwick were very pleased with the performances of all their players especially in the final game against overall winners Glan Conway. The Sizzlers finished a fantastic third only on goal difference to Glen Juniors A and were the only team to beat the outright winners over the weekend with only one defeat over the two day competition. Jamie Marlin and Joseph Donnelly shared the top goal scorer team award.

Eight of the fourteen U11s players also helped Nigel Talbot’s U12s to runners up in their eleven aside competition over the two days with some sparkling performances for their older club mates.

The management team would like to thank Nigel Talbot for all the hard work he put into organising the trip which was a success from start to finish for all teams involved.

TEAM: Stephen Black, Jamie Campbell, Rian Mullan, Bobbie Patterson, Robert McLean, William Kenning, David Wensley, Harry Wilson, Jamie Marlin, Iairlaith Donaghy, Dean and Craig Bigger, Joseph Donnelly, Tiernan Mackle.

Llandudo Junction 3 CYFC 12s 0 - Cookstown conceded early on and were always second best to their Welsh opponents. Dean Bigger impressed in midfield but the Welsh ran out 3-0 winners.

Prestatyn Ath Rangers 0 CYFC 12s 2 - Tom Black grabbed the local lads opening goal of the season. CYFC defended resolutely and Tom Black grabbed a second with only ten minutes remaining.

Prestatyn Ath 0 CYFC 12s 0- This was a real tight tussle between two well matched teams. Stephen Black made some superb saves. Jordan Scott had the best chance for the Tyrone boys.

Llandudno Junction 2 CYFC 1 - CYFC gave their strong opponents a much better game second time around. Sam Hardy was at the heart of all of the Cookstown play. Unfortunately they conceded two goals just after the break but Mark Espie soon grabbed one back. Cookstown pushed for that elusive second but there was no joy.

Prestatyn Ath Rangers 0 CYFC 12s 4- Mark Espie gave the Tyrone lads the lead with a superb volley. Tiarnan Mackle then hit the bar and moments later set up Tom Black for the second goal. Mark Espie grabbed a third and James Naylor chipped home to seal a 4-0 win.

Prestatyn Ath 0 CYFC 12s 4- Cookstown gave away a penalty early on but Jamie Campbell made a stunning save to his left. Matthew Scott soon gave CYFC the lead when he fired home with a long range effort. Tom Black then grabbed a quick fire double and Ryan Murphy completed a great win when he grabbed a fourth

Manager Nigel Talbot was delighted with his squads performance and thanked everyone for all of their efforts. He would also like to thank the U11s for stepping up an age group. Thanks to Andy Warwick for lending a hand.

CYFC U12: Stephen Black, Jamie Campbell, Dean Bigger, David Wensley, Bobby Patterson, Rian Mullan, Harry Wilson, Tiernan Mackle, Tyler Anderson, Ryan Murphy, Jack Turkington, Jordan Scott, Sam Hardy, Matthew Scott, James Naylor, Tom Black, Mark Espie

CYFC 13s travelled to Wales on the Bank Holiday Weekend at the start of May for their third year in succession. A tough group lay in store for the Cookstown lads, playing teams from England and Southern Ireland along with neighbours Dungannon Utd Yth. Apart from the Dungannon team the others were a good six months older than the Tyrone lads and this told its tale on Saturday with three games played and three defeats , 2-1 , 2-0 and 2-1.

On Sunday the boys recorded a 3-0 win and a 0 0 draw against the eventual Tournament winners from Dublin in a clinker of a game were the Cookstown “support” were told to quieten down by the Referee.

This was a fantastic Weekend and was enjoyed by all who were there, players, coahes and parents alike.

Squad: Ben Young , Conor Donnolly ,Ryan Dobson, Cameron Thom, Kieren Monaghan, Luke McCrea, Adam Keane, Stefan O’Hare, Kyle Devlin, Matthew Kelly, Jack Dingley, Stevie Arrell, Ronan Hughes, Caleb Buchannon.

Coaches : Andy Kelly , Mark Wilson and Drew Kelly. Waterboy : Jason Kelly. Sandwich Maker : Kyra Kelly.

Many thanks to all who supported the boys and also to Kyra , Anne and Noreen for the refreshments during the games. Also a big thank you to Nigel for organising the trip and keeping everything clockwork.

Cookstown Youth FCs Development Centre continues this Saturday 26th May 2012, at the Mid Ulster Sports Arena, for its last week of the current season.

CYFC would like to call on any footballing enthusiasts, either still playing or retired, who would have an interest in coaching on a Saturday morning. Our Development Centre has kids from 5yrs old and above , of all abilities , so why not give the number below a call and become involved in our vibrant and ambitious Club !

For any queries or concerns please contact the CYFC Dev. Centre mobile on 07771195353 or for all the latest update’s you can check the Cookstown Youth FC Facebook page.

CYFCs Annual End Of Season Dinner takes place on Saturday 2nd June 2012, in the Glenavon Hotel. Players and Coaches are reminded to return their reply slips ASAP. This is always a great nights craic and is an opportunity for players, coaches, parents, Supporters and Sponsors to get together and celebrate a long and successful Season.