Maiden City Blues

IFA National League Under 15 leaders Linfield travelled back across the Glenshane having been defeated by local side Maiden City Academy Under 15, in what was a very entertaining game.

MCA, who moved to second in the table after this victory, continued their recent good form, with a well deserved victory over Linfield. Right from the opening whistle, MCA competed for every ball across the pitch and totally overwhelmed their Belfast counterparts.

With McClay, Glackin and Gibson dominating the midfield sector, MCA dominated from the outset. Indeed a defence splitting pass from McClay saw Patrick Bradley bring the best out of the Linfield keeper with a well struck shot from the edge of the box.

Again MCA pressed and were unlucky once more as Jack Cooke fed Corey Hegarty and only a well timed tacked from the Linfield centre half stopped him from bearing down on goal.

Linfield, to their credit, battled back and only some sterling defending from Callaghan and Harkin kept the much vaunted Liam Conlon from bringing the Blues back into the game.

The second half began in much the same fashion with both teams looking for the breakthrough. MCA introduced Joel Bradley, back after six games out, and he immediately made an impact as he beat the full back and crossed to the back post where Hegarty was unlucky with a diving header.

MCA finally made the breakthrough when McClay and Glackin worked a short corner to free McClay who drove the ball past a bewildered Linfield keeper to put his side into a well deserved lead.

Things were now hotting up as Linfield started to lose their discipline which saw three of their players get booked in quick succession.

Linfield tried hard to get back into the game and only two outstanding saves by the MCA goalie allowed his side to retain the lead.

MCA had further chances to extend their lead but could not find their way through a well marshalled Linfield defence.

Finally the whistle blew to give MCA victory in what was a pulsating game enjoyed by the large attendance. The local teenagers fully deserved this victory as they outplayed their opponents from a footballing perspective and also surpassing them physically.