Magherafelt Sky Blues News

Captain, Liam Martin, put the Blues ahead only for Oxford to equalise. It took a very late Thomas Beattie strike to secure all three points. Six points in two games for a fully charged Blues bodes well for next season and manager Seamus Quinn will be delighted with what his players have produced in recent weeks.

The Reserve team played in very difficult conditions at Spires Park against Mallusk in the league. Despite playing some good football on a difficult pitch the Blues had numerous chances to take the lead but failed to beat the visiting keeper through good saves or poor finishing. Mallusk rode out the storm and eventually won the game 3-0.

The Reserves shouldn’t be too down because if they continue playing this way they will soon get the win they deserve. The Under 16 side secured a very valuable point away to Armagh in a table topping clash.

With the Blues sitting top of the league it was about Armagh, in second, to secure the win and put pressure on their opponents. The final 2-2 score was the result the Blues would have wanted from the start as it means they are only two wins from winning the league. Jake Taylor and Aidan Doyle scored the goals.

The Under 14 team failed to do the double over Ballymoney Youth at Spires Park. In a very tight game the Blues just couldn’t get the all-important goal. The visitors took all three points when a defensive slip allowed the ball fall to the Ballymoney player to tap home and secure the 1-0 win.

The Under 13 team travelled to the other end of Northern Ireland as they played Tullymore away in the NIBFA Cup. The Blues had loads of chances to win the game and even failed to convert a penalty which cost them dearly as they slipped out of the cup following a 1-0 defeat.

The Under 12 team’s match was called off at the very last minute against Maiden City. They would have wanted to have played the game as they travel next Saturday to Linfield in the league cup.They will only be the second team in the club’s history to have played a mighty Blues team from Belfast. The Under 11 team eventually got the chance to play in the NIBFA Cup as they travelled to play in the 3G pitch on the Boucher Road against Aquinas.

The Blues had chances to take the lead but then went to sleep and conceded three goals in succession. This was a major blow to the young team but they stormed back and scored two of their own. Despite chances to equalise they failed to convert and slipped out of the cup in a 3-2 defeat.

Finally the Under 10 team secured a next round place in the George Best Cup as they defeated St. Patrick’s away 4-0. This was an all-round team performance of great quality. Goals from Jamie Gribben, Sean O’Neill, Aidan McCluskey and Rory Clarke was the difference in the two teams. This young team are now in the quarter-finals were they can get the chance to test their talents one more time.

The superbly successful Magherafelt Sky Blues IFA Approved Mini Soccer Centre, sponsored by Ronan Valley, returns on Saturday 3rd March.

The Mini Soccer Centre, which takes place at Spires Park, is suitable for players in Primary School and takes place every Saturday at 10-11am.

The centre is now in its sixth season and attracts over 100 players each week. Registration forms are available at Sportique and in Meadowbank Sports Arena.

Alternatively these can be downloaded from the club’s website at www.skybluesfc.net and going to the Club Info and Documents page. Registration forms must be completed and brought with the players on their first day.

It costs £2 each week. We have a one off membership fee of £5 which can be paid at any time over the first 4 weeks. All players that pay the membership fee get a Free 2011 Magherafelt Sky Blues gift.

The Mini Soccer centre is now at the core of Magherafelt Sky Blues youth football setup. As a result of the clubs commitment to developing young local players they have managed to establish a number of teams at different age levels including U10, U11, U12, U13, U14 and U16. Three of the sides currently play in NIBFA National League, the highest standard of youth football in Northern Ireland.

A number of players that have come through the Mini-Soccer centre and youth teams have also been selected to attend the IFA County Excellence Centres which shows the level of opportunities that now exist for young players.

First Team – League - Sat 11th February 2pm –Magherafelt Sky Blues v Dungiven Celtic

Reserves – League – Sat 11th February 2pm –Magherafelt Sky Blues Reserves

Under 16 – League – Saturday 11th February 11am –Magherafelt Sky Blues

Under 14 -League – Saturday 11th February 11am – Magherafelt Sky Blues v Tri-Star

Under 13 – League Cup- Saturday 11th February 11am – Armagh City v Magherafelt Sky Blues

Under 12 –League Cup - Saturday 11th February 11 am – Linfield v Magherafelt Sky Blues

Under 11 – League - Saturday 11th February 11am –Magherafelt Sky Blues v ColeraineTraining News

All players are requested to check the Blues website for the latest training details.

To keep up to date with all team information please visit www.skybluesfc.net

Under 16 - Training this week is from 7 - 8 on Tuesday night at Meadowbank.

Under 13 - Training continues on Tuesday night at St Marys from 6.30-8pm Cost £2

The latest Magherafelt Sky Blues Ground Development Lotto has been drawn

No one matched the correct numbers. The £25 lucky dip winner for week 25 was Rachael Balfour. Tickets are on sale for next Saturday’s draw from all committee members. The jackpot is now £750