Lynch is ’Stute’s hat-trick hero

The Waterside teenagers played out an entertaining 3-3 before having a 3-1 success in the penalty shoot-out.

Meanwhile the Under 13’s lost 8-0 to Crusaders and St Oliver Plunkett Under 14’s secured a 4-2 win over Institute’s Under 14’s, but the most goals scored at the weekend came from Colin Colhoun’s Under 19 side.

Jordan Armstrong netted four, Jack Higgins helped himself to a brace and Conal Crawford completed the 7-1 victory over Ballymoney United.

This weekend the U10’s face Limavady (KO 9.45pm), U11’s take on Bertie Peacock Youth U10’s (KO 10am) in the NWCDYL Cup and those games take place at Ballysally.

The Under 15’s host St Oliver Plunkett and the Under 19’s entertain Sports & Leisure Swifts Youth (KO 12noon).

St Oliver Plunkett U14...5

Institute U14...2

’Stute’s U14’s travelled to Mallusk on Saturday to play an in form St Oliver Plunkett’s team in a National League game which they lost 5-2 but a result which didn’t reflect the overall balance of play.

The early exchanges of the game were dominated by Stute, having created some nice attacking combinations through Waterstone, Love and Deighan. The forward three of O’Brien, Kinkaid and Adams were looking very sharp and it was ’Stute who took the lead when a through ball was latched onto by Jamie Adams who slotted home in style.

’Stute continued to have the better of the play until around 20 minutes gone when Plunkett’s equalised from a shot hit low from the edge of the 18 yard box which somehow ended up in the net.

Plunkett’s grew in confidence and got a second soon after when a well drilled cross hit their centre forward in the backside and went into the net.

The young ’Stute lads finished the half 2-1 down but should really have been at least on level terms.

Early in the second half, after the best move of the game from the ’Stute boys a great chance fell to the normally reliable Kinkaid but he shot over the bar.

Moments later the Drumahoe side conceded the killer third goal from a poorly defended corner kick.

Further goals from Plunkett’s followed before ’Stute scored through the excellent Tyler Deighan and indeed could have scored again with a looping shot which dropped just over.

The skillful play from Aaron Gamble nearly paid off when he finished off a fine dribble with a long range shot which clipped the crossbar.

The late exchanges of the game were open and even and full credit to the ’Stute boys for continuing to play good football until the end while 5-2 down.

Institute U15...3

Foyle Harps U15...3

(Institute U15 won 3-1 on penalties)

Institute U15’s took on a well organised Foyle Harps side, on Monday night in round two of the National League Cup at the Riverside Stadium.

From the off this was a hard game with both teams battling hard to create what they could, then midway through the half Foyle Harps opened the scoring when a long floating ball to the back post was headed home.

’Stute with sickness and injuries in the squad had to dig deep to stay in the game until the break.

After a team reshuffle at the break the home side tried hard with determination to play on such a big pitch. Yet again McDermott’s defending was superb yet he was also starting ’Stute’s attacks.

The home side equalised after 40 minutes when Reece Adair headed against the crossbar but Matthew Lynch reacted first to head home the loose ball.

Greer and Hancock worked hard in midfield to link well at times with Cory Hill to create good width. Foyle Harps had another chance but Gartside saved against the bar to keep the game level.

’Stute took the lead when a through ball was flicked on by Deighan to Lynch and he made no mistake firing into the top corner. McGonigle, Henry and McCloskey for ’Stute were all playing good football.

Harps levelled things on the 65th minute when Ian Harper’s side failed to clear a cross. Reece Adair had a great chance to win it for ’Stute in the last minute only for Harps keeper to make a terrific save.

With extra time being played, it was full of good football and excitement for the supporters. Spratt and McDermott were solid in defence while Hancock and Harper were working hard against a more athletic Harps team.

The visitors regained the lead again when the striker made no mistake slotting low into the corner after he got away from the ’Stute defence.

All credit to the Drumahoe boys who never gave up and Matthew Lynch scored his and Institute’s third goal to round off an excellent night for the striker and take the game to penalties.

Penalties were scored by McDermott, Adair and McCloskey for ’Stute and once again Gartside, the penalty hero, saved three spot-kicks and allowed ’Stute to move into the quarter-finals where they will face Crusaders.

Ian Harper, Andy Stevenson and Harps manager Harry McCourt would like to thank all the players involved for the great effort that was on display.