Carniny Amateur and Youth round-up

Carniny U10 3-2 Springfield Star

SBYL – Sat 7th

The boys got off to the perfect start when Oscar spotted the goalkeeper off his line and fired home a superb long-range effort to make it 1-0. Carniny continued to create chances and played some excellent football, but a combination of missed opportunities and some outstanding saves from the Springfield goalkeeper kept the scoreline close.

Springfield eventually found an equaliser, but the boys responded brilliantly. Dominating possession and working hard for one another, they regained the lead through Harry, who marked the occasion with his first goal for the club to put Carniny back in front.

The second half remained competitive, with both teams looking to attack. Some excellent passing and movement created the next opening, and Nico made no mistake from just inside the box to extend the lead to 3-1. With five minutes remaining, Springfield were awarded a free kick and a well-struck effort found the bottom corner, reducing the deficit to 3-2 and setting up a nervy finish. However, the boys stood strong, with Daniel and Alfie producing some outstanding defensive moments to deny Springfield a late equaliser and secure the win.

A fantastic all-round team performance, full of great teamwork, determination and quality football.

MOTM : Daniel

Carniny Youth U13 1 – 3 Dungannon Youth

Subway NIYFC – Sat7 th

An eagerly awaited clash between two teams who have made unbeaten starts to their respective league campaigns certainly didn’t disappoint as both teams served up a thrilling cup tie on a fantastic surface at the Joe McAree Junior Stadium.

Dungannon started brightly and took a deserved lead after five minutes with a shot from the edge of the penalty area. Carniny responded superbly to falling behind for the first time this season and were unfortunate to have a goal chalked off when Seth turned home Alex’s cut-back only for the referee to call offside.

Two well-matched teams ensured clear chances were at a premium although Dungannon hit the crossbar just before half-time. Carniny kept up the pressure and equalised five minutes into the second period when Alex raced onto to a through ball and slotted past the keeper. Dungannon began to gain the upper hand and keeper Jake R made a couple of smart saves before the home side went back in front with a long-range strike with 10 minutes left. Once again, Carniny refused to give up and Alex ran onto a Luca pass only for the Dungannon keeper to spread himself to make a vital save with his outstretched leg. The keeper produced an even better stop in the dying minutes with a stunning reflex save low to his left when an equaliser would almost certainly have taken the tie to penalties. Instead, Dungannon added a third goal from a corner with literally the last action of the match to put an unfair complexion on the scoreline.

It was a very competitive cup tie, played in a great spirit and Carniny wish Dungannon all the best for the remainder of the cup competition.

MOTM: Mark

Carniny Amateurs U13 4-0 Ligoniel Rec U13

SBYL – Friday 6 th

The opening half was a tight and cagey affair, with both teams taking time to settle into the game. Ligoniel created the first opportunities and kept Isaac, Ollie and Pacey alert with quick breaks whenever the chance arose. Zayn was sharp in goal, sweeping up danger when required. Alfie and Kelean battled tirelessly in midfield, looking to create openings for the attacking players. Jackson, playing on the shoulder of the defence, and Oliver on the opposite flank found it difficult to break through an impressive Ligoniel offside trap.

Despite the introduction of fresh legs, neither side could find a breakthrough before the interval.

The message at the break was simple: stay patient and remain calm. The lads responded brilliantly. The breakthrough arrived when Zak pressed the defence into a mistake, allowing Isaac to get a shot away. The effort rebounded kindly to Jackson, who reacted quickest to fire home and break the deadlock. The introductions of Jamie and Mason G helped Carniny gain control of the contest, limiting any pressure Ligoniel looked to build. The second goal followed from a dangerous Pacey corner. James H got a crucial touch in the box to direct the ball into the path of Mason M, who finished confidently. James H came close to adding his own name to the scoresheet on several occasions, while the defence remained solid throughout. Jamie was outstanding, combining strength and composure to shut down attacks and earn a deserved Man of the Match award.

Ligoniel still posed the occasional threat, but Zayn remained alert to deal with a couple of well-struck efforts. Oliver and Zak continued to work hard in attack, creating further opportunities as Carniny pushed forward.

Two late goals from Jackson capped an excellent second-half display and completed his hat-trick. One of the strikes came from a superb through ball by Kelean, rewarding another strong team performance. Man of the Match: Jamie

Carniny Girls U16 4-1 Rosario 

SBYL - Sunday 8th

Despite a difficult playing surface, credit goes to both teams for producing some good football. The girls went into the break 2-0 ahead through goals from Erinn and Joni.

Although Rosario had their chances, Kacie made some important saves when called upon at vital points in the game, while the defence also put in a strong performance to keep Rosario at bay.

The girls increased the energy in their game and work rate throughout, continued to battle and were rewarded in the second half with Lois and Lexie adding to the scoreline to secure a 4-1 victory! A brilliant team effort from everyone.

Goals: Erinn, Joni, Lois, Lexie 

POTM: Carrie