Tandragee 0 – 5 Newry City U18s

After the midweek disappointment in which goals from Edgar and Cunningham could only secure a point, Newry were determined to make amends and started brightly against Tandragee on Saturday morning. Within five minutes Gourley put Newry ahead when he collected the ball 25 yards from goal, ran at the heart of the Tandragee defence and then struck a great shot past the advancing keeper. Shortly after this Newry made it two when Tandragee buckled under heavy pressure inside the box from Lenaghan and King and unfortunate kick saw the defender score past his own goalkeeper.

Tandragee were well up for the game but couldn’t find a way past the terrific back four of Redpath, Hodgett, J. Annett and S. Annett who have the joint best defensive record in the league and with Edgar and the very impressive Hastewell in midfield dominating, it give Newry the platform to go on and add to their lead when Lenaghan chased a 50/50 ball with the goalkeeper. The big striker just wanted it more than his opponent which left him the simple task of rolling the ball into an empty net. Cunningham then made it four before the break when quick thinking from Edgar at a free kick saw the chance to release Cunningham early and he finished with style.

The second half was an untidy game with Newry dropping the tempo knowing the points were secure, but the introduction of McMahon and Magill added some life to the game and indeed it was Magill’s cross which set up the fifth. Redpath played the ball back out of the defence to McMahon. He fed Magill who showed terrific wing play and delivered a great cross where Redpath, who had continued his run into the box was there to place a great header into the net.

It turned out to be a very comfortable win and was a great send off from the lads for coach Ryan McConville who is leaving for America on Monday (02/04/12). Best wishes go out to Ryan for all his hard work along with Gary Redpath and Kevin D’Arcy. They have produced a terrific team and still harbour hopes of that promotion spot. The lads have played some fantastic football this season and a big part goes down to Ryan. Good luck to him.

And good luck and best wishes to two of the Newry U16 team, Jamie Greenaway and Cian Feehan both of whom sustained arm injuries. We all wish them a speedy return to action.

Newry City Team: Rowney, Redpath, Hodgett, J. Annett, S. Annett, Gourley, King, Edgar, Hastewell, Cunningham, Lenaghan, Doak, McMahon, Magill, Quinn, Dillon.

Newry Times Man of the Match:  Joel Annett

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Posted by Newry Times News on Apr 2 2012. Filed under Sport. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry