MCA youths have goal feast

The Under 14 had an impressive 9-2 success over Carnmoney FDC U14, while the Under 13 netted six at Warrenpoint, unfortunately the Under 15 suffered a surprise 3-1 defeat at Dungannon Youths.

Dungannon Youths U15...3

MCA U15...1

Maiden City Academy U15 slumped to a disappointed defeat at the hands of Dungannon Youths in the U15 National League.

This eagerly awaited top off the table clash started with a bang when Dungannon found themselves 1-0 with only a few minutes on the clock.

To their credit Maiden City responded well to this early set back and when they started to get the ball on the ground and play football they caused Dungannon all sorts of problems, and went close to scoring on several occasions.

The breakthrough for Maiden finally came on 17 minutes when a quickly taken free kick found its way to Shane Brennan, only back after a long injury lay off, who crossed an inch perfect ball from the right hand side for Kyle Walker to meet with a strong header to make the score 1-1.

Maiden continued in the ascendancy and were creating more chances, but they were dealt a hammer blow just on the stroke of half time, when Dungannon went 2-1 up, when the ball broke loose in the box giving their striker the easiest of finishes.

Maiden continued to press for long periods in the second half, and were very unfortunate not to get another goal on several occasions, but as they pressed hard for that all important equaliser, Dungannon killed the match off in the later stages with a third goal.

MCA U15: Rory Donaghy, Michael Gilmore, Cal Ryan, Dylan King, Bret McGinty, Callum Moorehead, Dylan McCorkell, Declan Sharkey, Jake Francis, Shane Brennan, Adam Dougherty, Kyle Walker, Callum Whiteside, Oran Higgans, Jerome Marshall, Gareth Muldoon.

Carmoney FDC U14...2

MCA U14...9

MCA U14’s put in a resounding performance against Carmoney in the first round tie of the NIBFA U14 Cup.

The visitors started well and could have been one up in the first minute but David Parkhouse’s shot went just wide. They did take the lead after 10 minutes when Jordan Devenney found space in the box to fire home.

A few minutes later it was two when good work down the right from Carolan found Doherty in the box and he found the bottom corner. MCA were keeping the ball well and were creating some good chances but it wasn’t until the 20th min when dominance paid off when they got their third. Third goal came courtesy of Brown who cut in from the right and hit a great shot from 30 yards to find the top corner. Matty Barr then picked up the ball on the left inside his own half and drove forward beating four players before being brought down by the goalkeeper for a penalty. Barr took the kick and scored.

With the half-time whistle nearing Carolan pounced on the ball on the left and fired home for MCA’s fifth.

MCA started well again in the second half and a great slipped pass from Crawford found Duffy who rifled his shot in off the bar. David Parkhouse got on the score sheet with a cool finish in the 55th minute before Duffy got his second with another tidy finish.

MCA took the foot off the pedal and Carmoney got two quick goals, which they deserved, through their tireless effort. David Parkhouse wrapped up the scoring in the 70 minute to cap a very good performance for MCA. Best on the day for MCA were Duffy, Parkhouse, Green and O’Hara.

MCA U14: T McConnell, J Green, M O’Hara, J McKinney, M Barr, S McDermott, M Doherty, A Carolan, M Brown, J Devenney, D Parkhouse. Subs: C McLaughlin, M Duffy, G Crawford, C Higgins

Warrenpoint U13...0

MCA U13...6

MCA U13 pulled off a resounding result away to Warrenpoint in the U13 League Cup, following up from their impressive win last week in the Irish Cup.

City took full advantage of a weakened Warrenpoint side and went into an early lead. City’s centre half Ian Maxwell intercepted the ball at the edge of his own penalty box and powered his way forward before striking a shot from 35 yards past Warrenpoint’s keeper.

The early goal gave City the confidence to go on and play some excellent attacking football. Cian Catney, playing on the left wing, put in an impressive display in the first half working hard to create openings for Jack Doherty and Ethan Coll up front.

City’s second goal saw Jack Doherty combine well with Ethan Coll before the City captain outpaced the Warrenpoint defence and finished well. City continued to dominate with all players working hard to win possession and create openings but were unable to increase their lead.

The second half saw City make a number of changes.

Odhran McCrossan, who had showed excellent tenacity and defensive qualities in the first half, was replaced in central midfield by Cian Catney. Michael Kelly who again impressed in defence was replaced by Ewan McGrath Adam Doherty, Justin McGee and Jack McCloskey were also introduced.

Warrenpoint opened the second half in a much more determined manner and created a good, goalscoring opportunity but were thwarted by an excellent save by Shane Wallace. City’s defence stood firm after this with Adam Gillespie putting a solid performance. City continued to dominate and increased their lead with a wonderful solo effort from Jack Doherty.

The City forward picked up the ball at the edge of the box and skilfully evaded two challenges before curling the ball with his left foot into the bottom corner of the goal.

There was to be no let up by City who continued to attack at every opportunity. Adam Doherty showed some brilliant touches and skill and Eoghan Crilly again put some excellent crosses into the opposition box.

City’s fourth goal was a result of a harsh penalty awarded for handball. Josh Green stepped forward and smashed the ball confidently into roof of the net. The midfielder was soon to be rewarded for his hard work when he latched onto a cross before rounding the keeper for his second goal. With ten minutes to play City again made a number of changes and saw full back Ryan Higgins, Josh Green and Justin McGee all move up front.

In the final minutes City scored their sixth goal when Josh Green completed his hat trick, beating the offside trap and again showing great composure in finishing.

This was an excellent performance by City and all players deserve credit for the hard they work put in. City will be pleased with their goal tally but will also be delighted at not conceding.

MCA U13: Shane Wallace, Ryan Higgins, Ian Maxwell, Michael Kelly, Adam Doherty, Eoghan Crilly, Josh Green, Odhran McCrossan, Cian Catney, Jack Doherty, Ethan Coll. Subs: Adam Doherty, Justin McGee, Jack McCloskey, Ewan McGrath.