Gr-eight performance from Carniny under-13s

The Under 16s were also on song when a Tyrone Balmer hat trick helped them on their way to a 5-1 victory over neighbours Ballymoney Utd YA in the National League.

The Under 12s were not so lucky, putting in an under par performance, losing by the same scoreline to their league leaders in the top tier of the National League, Loughgall Youth.

The Under 11s played a friendly against Ballymena Utd YA on the 3G at the Showgrounds whilst the Under 14s and 15s matches fell victim to waterlogged pitches.

UNDER-12

Carniny Youth 1, Loughgall Youth 5: Carniny needed to win this one to keep in touch with league leaders Loughgall.

The first half looked promising with Carniny matching a big Loughgall side in every department. There were chances at both ends.

Aidan Graffin was excellent up front and linked well with Mearns. Anderson and Robinson in midfield did well to contain their opposition. Loughgall always looked dangerous which made Carniny unusually nervous at the back. Daniel McNicholl in goals pulled off some great saves.

Carniny then looked the more likely to score but it was Loughgall who struck first. A long ball sent their striker on a run and despite the efforts of Farquhar he got his shot on goal to make it 1-0 to Loughgall.

Carniny responded well and it wasn’t long before Carniny earned a penalty when Anderson was fouled in the box. Lee Lynn finished the spot kick low and hard into the corner to end the half 1-1.

With all to play for Carniny were expected to raise their game to get the win. Quite the opposite happened with Loughgall getting an early lead after a weak clearance from a corner the ball was lashed into the net.

Loughgall were then gifted a penalty after a reckless challenge in the box that gave the referee any easy decision. McNicholl was unable to continue the game due to sickness which left Carniny an uphill challenge when Loughgall converted the penalty to make it 3-1.

Nicholas Moore and Carter Hamilton came on, showing great determination in their play, but Loughgall finished the game off with two badly defended goals to make it 5-1.

The wee reds will have to put in a better performance in next week when they take on Glendowan in the NIBFA cup.

Carniny: McNicholl, Simpson, Robinson, Young, Lamont, Farquhar, White, Lynn, Hunter, Mearns, Graffin, Anderson, Hamilton, Moore.

UNDER-13

Carniny Youth 8, Eglinton Eagles 0: This was Carniny’s first game for nearly a month and rustiness was there to see.

After a sluggish start Carniny began to find a rhythm with full backs Ervine and Winter pushing well up with powering runs.

The deadlock was broke with a neat finish by Adam Gordon.

Carniny were now controlling the game and soon added another with Sammy Clyde stroking the ball home.

Carniny upped the gears with Conor Stewart adding a brace in quick succession.

As half time approached Joshua Courtney tucked another away and Conor Stewart completed his hat-trick in style with a powerful strike.

The second half began as the first ended with Carniny controlling the play and hungry for more goals.

A number of chances went begging before Conor Stewart picked up his fourth of the game and the rout was complete when Joshua Courtney grabbed his brace with a good strike.

Carniny: Parker, Ervine, Clyde, Kirk, Close, O’Boyle, Fleming, Logan, Stewart, Archer, Gordon, Courtney, Campbell, Winter.

UNDER-16

Carniny Youth 5, Ballymoney United Youth Academy 1: After the Christmas break Carniny U16s got back into league action with a game against Ballymoney at the Joey Dunlop centre in Ballymoney.

Carniny got off to the worst possible start when within five minutes slack play in midfield and defence allowed a Ballymoney forward to run in and score.

Ballymoney had a further chance to increase their lead but a shot went narrowly over the bar.

Carniny went close to equalising when a good cross from the left was met by Matthew Shevlin, but his shot hit the bar and was cleared by the Ballymoney defence.

Not long after Carniny made it 1-1 when Matthew Shevlin brought the ball down inside the penalty area and shot past the Ballymoney keeper.

The Carniny defence of Price, Jaworski, Rowe and Platt were now limiting the Ballymoney forwards to long range shots.

After several chances went close Carniny took the lead when another good cross from the left was turned into the net by Stefan Flynn.

Carniny were now in control of the game and it was no surprise when Tyrone Balmer hit a shot low into the corner of the Ballymoney net.

As the saying goes in football the best time to score a goal is just before half time or just after and Carniny scored within seconds of the restart when Tyrone Balmer capitalised on a mistake by the Ballymoney defence to slot home his second goal.

The Carniny midfield of Flynn, McCartney, Killough, Mairs and Balmer who were now controlling the game and playing some good football had several half chances to increase the lead.

With fifteen minutes left Carniny did score another when Tyrone Balmer completed his hat trick. Carniny made three substitutions with Joseph McCann replacing Krystian Jaworski, Joshua Graham replacing Owen McCartney and Travis McWilliams replacing Owen Marquess.

This was a good result against a Ballymoney team who have recorded some very good results in recent weeks.

Carniny: Marquess, Price, Jaworski, Rowe, Platt, McCartney, Killough, Flynn, Mairs, Balmer, Shevlin, Graham, McWilliams, McCann.

BEN’S BACK

Last Saturday saw Carniny Youth’s Under 11 side welcome back popular former player Ben Ogilvie for a special friendly organised in his honour.

Ben left the club in December 2012 to pursue an exciting new life with his family in Singapore.

He played for Carniny Youth for a few years, right up to Under 10’s, before moving abroad.

Ben, who now plays for his local team the Pandas in Singapore, recently won a tournament with his side, and they have just got a striking new football kit.

He plays with many nationalities, has also learned Chinese, and is now more accustomed to chop sticks than a knife and fork!

Carniny U11’s have also gained a new supporter thanks to Ben.

Coach Ali of the Pandas regularly asks about Ben’s old team. Perhaps the start of an International partnership!?

His match took place at the Ballymena Showgrounds 3G, where the opposition was neighbours Ballymena Town, the team Ben first played against for the present 2003 coaching team.

He played alongside some old friends who were all delighted to be seeing him during his short trip back.

The coaching staff fondly remember him for his good manners, great attitude, and being able to control the midfield.

TRANSFER WINDOW OPENS

With January now upon us the ‘Transfer Window’ has opened not only for the club’s National Youth League teams but also the club’s Senior Intermediate Level and Junior teams.

Anyone interested in joining the club should make contact using the numbers listed below. Like wise coach enquiries are also welcome throughout the various age groups.

2006 and above (Football Development Centre) Davy 07803974402; 2005- Niall Greer 07920095385; 2004 - Davy Hanna 07791297755; 2003 - Jonny Wilson 07704550454; 2002 - Jason Hunter 07885899290; 2001 - Davy Parker 07835020446; 2000 - Davy Leetch 0773280858; 1999 – Darren McGall 07812604932; 1998 and coaching opportunities - Billy O’Flaherty 07850669666; Seniors Anthony 07708822793.

Further information on the club can be found on the club’s website - www.carninyyouthfc.co.uk or the club’s Facebook page or by following on Twitter @Carninyyouthfc

UNDER-19 VACANCIES

Carniny Amateur & Youth FC are also currently seeking expressions of interest for management, coaching and playing staff at U19 level within the club for the 2014/15 season.

Manager must have or have attended and started the first part of the UEFA B coaching diploma and be working towards completion in a reasonable time frame.

Assistant Coaching staff enquiries are also welcome. Interested players are also welcome to make contact. Ideally 1996 and 1997 players.

Coaching enquiries at any level in the club are also welcome. For further information please contact;

Billy O’Flaherty 07850669666 - [email protected]