So far so good for Newtowne

Speaking to the Sentinel Michael said: “I am absolutely delighted at the teams performance. It has been an unbelievable season to date. We performed well against Ballynure and even managed to score with only nine men on the pitch.

“We are on top of the league but we have a few difficult fixtures ahead of us the next one being Rasharkin. If we keep up our performances then we will win trophies.”

Newtowne follow up on a terrific 2-0 Intermediate Cup win over Donegal Celtic Reserves from the previous week.

Three goals in each half by Newtowne simply blew away the challenge of Ballynure. With a new manager at the helm and several new signings Ballynure visted the Limavady showgrounds a rejuvenated team. The pace and quality that Newtowne possess was enough to overcome the Nure and push Roe Side team four points clear at the top of the Ballymena Intermediate Premier League. The feat achieved with Newtowne playing most of the second half with nine men due to the dismissals of Conor O’Hara and Matt Ferris.

Midway through the first half O’Hara opened the scoring with a header from close range after a corner kick. Newtowne quickly added the next two. The prolific Gary Moore got himself his first of two taking his amazing tally for the season to 27. Moore latched on to a brilliant pass from Quinn and finished well. The third put the battle out of Ballynure and the game as a contest was over.

Excellent play down the right wing from Ryan Logue led to him beating several defenders before cutting inside and unleashing a powerful drive that found the top corner.

The second half was dominated by Newtowne. A fantastic piece of individual skill from ‘Gazza’ Moore ended witht he fourth goal of the game. Collecting the ball in the midfield he ran at pace towrds his opponents goal evading the tackles and clipping his shot beyond the reach of the Ballynure keeper.

Newtowne were reduced to ten men when Conor O’Hara took exception to a challenge and was dismissed for violent conduct. The ten man Newtowne would not be deterred from attacking.

A mixed day for young Matt Ferris as he added the fifth. Another sublime pass from defence to midfield culminated in Ferris running at Nure’s defence and scoring with ease. He would later be sent off for a second caution after exchanging vies with the referee.

Andrew Ferris completed the rout in the dying minutes. Another well placed pass from young Duffy put Ferris in on goal and he duly rounded the keeper and slid the ball into an empty net.

Newtowne sit at the top of the Intermediate Premier League. A remarkable achievement as this is their first season in intermediate football. Having stepped up from junior football last season Newtowne with its mix of youth and quality have stormed to the top losing only once to this weekend opponents Rasharkin.

Newtowne boss Michael Burns commented on their league position and ambitions: “Coming in for the first season we would have been happy to settle for third or fourth spot in the league. We were also looking for a decent cup run. We have hunger and desire and are happy to date. Deep down though we want to win a trophy.”

Michael highlighted the competitiveness of the league he said: “There is a lot of very strong teams in this league. Brantwood, Raceview, Dunloy and Rasharkin are very tough and very good teams. We have had some very good results and we now have real title ambitions. We hope to lift some silverware at the end of the season. If we keep playing the way we have then we have a great chance.”