Stranocum in seventh heaven

STRANOCUM Youths made their debut in the North West & Coleraine District Youth League on Saturday away to Maiden City Academy.

Being their first venture into league football Stranocum were unsure what to expect and for the first 10 minutes Maiden City controlled the game with Stranocum unable to get beyond the half way line.

It was during this period of pressure that Maiden City took the lead when their striker beat Andrew McGregor in Stranocum goals with a shot to the bottom corner of the net.

This goal seemed to bring Stranocum to life and they began to get into the game with a number of attacks which eventually paid off when Joel McCormick, who replaced the injured Paul Reid, equalised with a shot from 15 yards.

Stranocum continued their attacks and they took the lead through Mark McConaghie after twenty minutes. With the defence of Ryan McLaughlin, Adam Jamison, Craig Cunningham and Owen McLaughlin now looking capable of dealing with the Maiden City forwards, Stranocum were able to push forward and Thomas McNeill scored from the edge of the box to make it 3-1 to the visitors at half time.

At the start of the second half Maiden City put Stranocum under some pressure and Andrew McGregor made a couple of good saves. Stranocum settled again with the midfield of Thomas McNeill, Luke Elston, Danny Laverty and Owen Farrell working tirelessly making tackles and providing passes for the forwards.

It was from two through balls from the midfield that Mark McConaghie scored Stranocums' fourth and fifth with shots from the corner of the box.

Jack Neill made it 6-1 following a pass from Adam Stewart. With the result beyond doubt Craig Cunningham pushed forward and was brought down in the box resulting in a penalty which he converted to leave the final score 7-1.

This was a good start to the league for Stranocum and was earned because of the attitude, determination and effort from the players.

Team: Andrew McGregor, Ryan McLaughlin, Craig Cunningham, Adam Jamison, Owen McLaughlin, Danny Laverty, Thomas McNeill, Owen Farrell, Luke Elston, Mark McConaghie, Paul Reid, Joel McCormick, Adam Stewart, Jack Neill