Lurgan Celtic players line out across youth programme on special weekend

Lurgan Celtic established a fresh chapter in club history on Saturday by lining out across youth level for the first time in over three decades of football.
Lurgan Celtic under 15s before a Mid-Ulster league game.INLM37-195Lurgan Celtic under 15s before a Mid-Ulster league game.INLM37-195
Lurgan Celtic under 15s before a Mid-Ulster league game.INLM37-195

Two sides took part in play for the under eights at Banbridge’s Cheeney Park, with the under 10s on show in Lurgan Town Arena.

The under 15s’ Mid-Ulster programme featured a meeting with Valley Rangers.

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Rangers had to concede the result due to arriving late but both sets of players then opted to take part in a friendly.

The club’s under 13s proved impressive for a first team appearance together - with Dylan McEnoy’s overhead goal the highlight.

Training for the under 13s (born in 2003 and 2004) will run each Monday at St Peter’s from 7-8 o’clock.

Lisburn League sides have been registered for the under 15s and under 16s, with a grassroots team booked for the under sevens.

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Anyone interested in any of the youth teams should contact the club.

LURGAN TOWN

Lurgan Town’s under 16s kicked off the National League season with two games inside one week against Irish League-connected Ballymena United and Ballinamallard United.

Mark Lucas, Darragh Gray and Chris Mallet each tested the Ballymena goalkeeper, with goals by Ryan Finlay and Adam Loughran moving Lurgan Town into a 2-1 lead before Nathan Hamilton wrapped up the win. Ross McMorris was also impressive.

Captain Gray headed home a late goal to seal success against Ballinamallard United despite the hosts breaking the deadlock.

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John Lee McAfee proved strong, with good work by Gray and Mallet leading to Lucas putting the sides level.

Tyler Boyce produced some smart stops but Ballinamallard regained control before Lucas added the finishing touch to passing between Lucas, Mallet, Sammy Davidson and Loughran.

Loughran’s cross was then headed home by Gray.

LURGAN TOWN: Tyler Boyce, Sam Tuxsworth, Ben Davison, Jamie Lamont, Ross McMorris, Zach Annett, Andrew McIvor, Ryan Finlay, Joshua Millar, Sammy Davidson, Darragh Gray, Chris Mallet, John Lee McAfee, Nathan Hamilton, Adam Loughran, Mark Lucas.

Lurgan Town under 16s enjoyed a 4-1 success against Valley Rangers across Mid-Ulster play.

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Nathan Stewart, Jack Evans and Lewis McKinley looked sharp early on and the latter broke the deadlock from a penalty kick.

The loss of Ryan Upton to injury left Lurgan Town on the backfoot and Valley Rangers managed an equaliser.

The Lurgan Town response featured sights of goal for both Aaron Winters and McKinley then the latter’s effort bounced off the bar and the former found the net from a few yards.

Jonny Russell and Daniel McCallen helped to control play for Lurgan Town, with the former’s pass converted by Stewart.

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Tim Millen’s superb solo run left him with a memorable way to grab a first official goal for Lurgan Town.

James Willis, Jack O’Neill and Adam Craig also featured in the 4-1 win.

Lurgan Town under 15s met Armagh City in the opening Mid-Ulster meeting and entered half-time down by 4-0. A number of decisions by the referee left Lurgan Town frustrated.

Rivaldo Teggart, Martin Loughran and Niall McBride each came close - the latter hitting both the crossbar and post during a determined display.

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Lurgan Town under 13s’ Mid-Ulster squad enjoyed success by 9-4 against Armagh City.

Ben Elliott grabbed a treble alongside Lewis Kennedy’s brace, a Ross McIlwaine finish, Sean McNally effort and David McNally goal. An own goal also added to the final advantage.

LURGAN TOWN: Rhys Lawlor, Declan McDade, Josh McLaughlin, Josh Milne, Ethan Sands, David McNally, Sean McNally, Caleb Russell, Ross McIlwaine, Ben Elliot, Dylan McKerr, Konrad Subzcak, Lewis McCavigan, Lewis Kennedy.

OXFORD SUNNYSIDE

Coaching for 5-10 year olds will take place each Monday and Wednesday evening from 5.45-7 o’clock on the St Peter’s 3G pitch.

For further information on training contact the club.

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