Encouraging signs despite defeat for Carniny Amateurs

However, there were some encouraging signs for Anthony McCartney’s side as they pushed last season’s champions Newtowne close in a 3-1 defeat.

INTERMEDIATE LEAGUE

Carniny Amateurs 1, Newtowne 3: Carniny, who have returned to the 3g pitch at Ballymena Showgrounds for their home games, put up a good show against Newtowne ,who themselves have introduced a number of new young players this season.

Newtowne got into action quickly on the slick surface, taking the lead after Jamie McElwee scored on the third minute.

Newtowne than doubled their lead on the ninth minute after Declan Logue nipped in to scored from close range.

Newtowne were still two goals in front at half-time, but Carniny never gave up and got a deserved goal when Jonny Cummings scored on the 65th minute.

After this, Carniny went for the equaliser, but found Newtowne hard to break down, then on the 82nd minute Mark McClean, the third teenager to score for Newtowne, sealed the win.

Other results: Brantwood 2, Desertmartin 2; Rathcoole FC 3, Ballynure Old Boys 6.

JUNIOR DIVISION ONE

Results: Castle Star 2, COokstown Olympic 1; Woodlands 4, Killymoon Rangers Reserves 2; Desertmartin Swifts 1, Ballyclare Comrades Reserves 4.

JUNIOR DIVISION TWO

Results: FC Ballynure Reserves 2, AFc Carrick 2; Ballyclare North End 0, Fc Whiteabbey 6; Cookstown RBL 2, Ballysillan Swifts 1; FC Larne 0, Remo FC 1.

JUNIOR DIVISION THREE

CLough Rangers Athletic 2, Newington YC II 0: Clough started well by taking the game to their opponents from kick-off.

This paid off when Kris Nicholl scored to put Clough in front, then as half-time loomed, Paul Gilchrist scored, putting Clough two goals in front.

Newington came back well in the second half and had a great chance to reduce the deficit from the penalty spot but missed the chance to do so. With this let off, Clough massed their defence and held on for the win and three welcome points.

Other result: Red Star 3, 1st Carrickfergus OB 0.

JUNIOR DIVISION FOUR

Results: Glengormley United 0, AFC Carrick Reserves 1; Ballysillan Swifts Reserves 7, Carnlough Swifts 0.

CANADA TROPHY

Round two result: Krag Albion 3, Sport & Leisure Swifts Reserves 1.

FIXTURES

Matches involving locally-based sides this Saturday, March 1, are:

Intermediate League: Carniny Amateurs v Magherafelt Sky Blues.

Crawford Cup, round three: Chimney Corner Reserves v FC Ballynure.

Junior Division Three: Carrick Swifts v Clough Rangers Athletic.

Canada Trophy, round four: Forthriver FC v Antrim Rovers.