United Youth Academy duo given Man U boost

BALLYMENA United Youth Academy duo Paddy Quigg and Lee O'Brien have performed strongly for their respective under 12 and under 11 sides this season in the Lisburn League and their performances have been recognised with both boys having been asked to attend the Manchester United Soccer Academy held on a weekly basis in Belfast.
By The Newsroom
Published 4th Oct 2010, 11:00 BST
Updated 4th Oct 2010, 11:13 BST

Concerned with player development this elite school is comprised of boys from a number of clubs throughout the province who United have selected to attend for intensive coaching and have recognised as being exceptionally talented in their respective age groups.

The coaches are both from the province and cross channel, with ex Old Trafford legend and current Youth supremo Brian McClair attending recently.

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Well done to both boys, the first and hopefully not the last this season to attend from the Showgrounds Academy.

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United 3, Sirocco 2: United's juniors returned to action at the Showgrounds on Saturday in the George Best Castlereagh League and were involved in a great tussle with Scirocco.

There were good performances all round but Josh Simpson grabbed the headlines with two super strikes, the other goal coming from Scott Marcus who was also excellent throughout.

Jack Heron had a great game in defence as the Wee Skies development continues. They face Northend at the Showgrounds next week in the first 10s' 'derby' of the year, much anticipated by the boys and parents alike! MOM Scott Marcus.

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United 5, Greenisland 0: The under-11s returned to winning form with this competent display.

Lee O'Brien fired them into an early lead after cutting in from the left and added a second soon after.

Just on half time Joshua Galloway sneaked in at the back post to send the Skies three up.

Greenisland could not handle O'Brien and he added two more to his and United's tally early in the second half.

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Harvey McClerkin cleared off the line brilliantly late on as Greenisand pushed for a consolation but United were comfortable. MOM Lewis Allison.

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United 3, Loughgall 0: The action was in the Loughgall half from the start and this paid off when Peter Rankin laid off Jack Walshe in the box who shot into the top corner to make it 1-0.

Sam Armstrong and Matthew Logan were dominant in midfield and when a through ball rebounded off the keeper, Walshe was quick to steal in and grab his second.

Andrew Heaney, promoted from the under 11's scored a superb goal late on chipping the keeper from 30 yards. MOM - Declan Smith.

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United 3, Glentoran 5: Ballymena got off to the worst possible start when Glentoran converted from a corner after 3 minutes, then a defensive lapse put them 2-0 down.

The Wee Sky Blues started to dominate after that through Benji Agnew and it was debut boy Jack Preston who pulled one back for Ballymena but another defensive mistake allowed the Glens to go 3-1 up at half time.

After the break an excellent run and cross by Benji Agnew was met by Michael Hagan whose shot was saved by the 'keeper but Matthew Armstrong made sure with the follow up.

Ballymena pushed forward looking for more goals and were caught on the break twice by Glentoran before Benji Agnew capped another fine performance with a 25 yard free kick to make the final score 5-3. MOM - Benji Agnew.

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