Parkhouse treble sinks Cookstown Youths

The Under 13’s had a narrow 1-0 friendly win over Culmore, but the U11’s lost 2-1 at home to Magherafelt Sky Blues.

MCA U14...6

Cookstown Youth U14...1

David Parkhouse scored a hat-trick as Maiden City comfortably beat Cookstown Youth and set up a mouth-watering tie in the second round of the National League Cup against Bertie Peacock Youth.

City deservedly opened the scoring after five minutes when Parkhouse coolly slotted past the onrushing Cookstown keeper after being released by Sam McDermott.

Cookstown looked to gain possession but for long periods they were chasing shadows and the game was over as a contest shortly thereafter when Parkhouse netted his second, nodding the ball home from a Jordan Devenney cross.

Alex Carolan added a third after neat work from Michael O’Hara and Micael Browne found Michael Doherty whose pull back from the touchline found Carolan unmarked on the edge of the area who fired into the bottom corner.

The fourth and fifth came in quick succession before half-time, the fourth a fine sidefooted volley from Doherty after another Devenney cross and City’s fifth goal in the first half came from a fine cross from Matty Barr, Micael Browne ghosted in at the back post and rifled a left-footed volley back across the keeper into the bottom corner.

Doherty’s finish came on the back of a neat flowing, sweeping passing move that began with O’Hara preventing the ball from running out of play just outside his own penalty area. A quick 1-2 with McConnell and 36 passes later Doherty’s goal was the icing on the cake for a move that has become the trademark of this City team this season – patient passing possession.

The second half began with Cookstown pressing much harder to win the ball back and getting their reward with a succession of corners. However it was City who added a 6th when Parkhouse sealed his hat-trick with a fine finish from just inside the area.

Cookstown picked up a late consolation after a free kick however it was a fine attacking performance from City who were not at their best, but nor did they need to be, a low-key match wrapped up in comfortable fashion.

MCA U13...1

Culmore U13...0

Maiden City played Culmore in a friendly game at Lisneal on Friday night and although it was a friendly, this game was played in a very competitive spirit with only one goal separating the sides at the final whistle.

In the first half, Culmore had the better chances to go into the lead. Shane Wallace in goal for City was alert and had to be off his line quickly on a number of occasions in the early exchanges to prevent Culmore’s quick forwards from scoring.

Ryan Higgins, Ian Maxwell, Adam Gillespie and Michael Kelly were worked hard in defence. City failed to create any goal scoring opportunities despite the hard work and running of front men Cian Catney and Justin McGee.

The second half saw a much more determined display from City. Oran McGill had a couple of early opportunities to score only to be let down by a poor touch. Jack Doherty and Eoghan Crilly were introduced with both players contributing well to City’s attack.

In midfield Josh Green and Odhran McCrossan started to dominate with the latter anxious to get on the score sheet to celebrate his birthday. In one of the better moves of the second half, Ethan Coll combined well with Eoghan Crilly before he crossed a superb ball into the box which Jack Doherty was unlucky not to get on the end of. City finally broke the deadlock with a well taken goal. Cian Catney swung a fantastic cross from the left into the box which was met by Oran McGill who cracked the ball in off the bar into the net.

Culmore to their credit tried to get a goal back in the closing minutes and went close following a defensive lapse by Ian Maxwell and the captain had keeper Shane Wallace to thank for making a good save to keep City’s lead.

The home side continued to work hard all over the pitch with Adam Gillespie impressing at right back and Oisin McKeever making his debut for City doing well on the opposite flank.

Both sides are to be congratulated on the spirited manner in which the game was played and also credit to referee Gavin Hegarty who also had a good game.

Maiden City Academy U13: Shane Wallace, Michael Kelly, Ryan Higgins, Ian Maxwell, Adam Doherty, Adam Gillespie, Ethan Coll, Josh Green, Odhran McCrossan, Justin Magee, Cian Catney. Subs all used: Eoghan Crilly, Jack Doherty, Oisin McKeever, Ewan McGrath, Oran McGill.