Aughlisnafin U12's good run of form in the East Down Summer League continues after a superb battling win at home to parish neighbours Castlewellan last Monday evening. With four players missing from the win away to St Paul's the previous week the 'Fin were pleased to welcome back Aaran Flanagan and Conor Donnelly who both missed the game. Aaran in fact was out of action for 6 weeks with a broken finger and he played like he was never away.
The game was played over four quarters of 12.5 minutes as opposed to two 25 minute halves. In the first two quarters there was no quarter given with both sides 0-6 apiece. Morgan Croskery (0-2), Conall King (0-2), Dara Burns and Conor Matthews all getting the points for the 'Fin. In the third quarter Dara Burns palmed a cross from Rhys Clarke to the net but Castlewellan replied with two points leaving the 'Fin leading by the minimum going in to the final period of play. It was Conor Matthews who seized the initiative driving forward to find the net after a great solo run. King and Croskery adding to their tallies and Niamh King getting the insurance point. Castlewellan added three more points in the last quarter but time ran out as they battled to break through the 'Fin rearguard for the goals that did not come. Final score Aughlisnafin 2-9 Castlewellan 0-11.
The 'Fin defence well marshalled by cousins Michael Flanagan and Aaran Flanagan, Morgan Croskery and Conor Matthews. The goalkeeper Dylan McKibben kept a clean sheet for the second game in succession and his kick outs were well directed. The midfield duo of Conall King and Conor Donnelly worked like trojans throughout tracking back when asked. The half forwards Rhys Clarke and Owen O'Neill played very well against a strong defence and supported the attacks intelligently. Up front Dara Burns grabbed his 6th goal in 4 games playing the full forward role cleverly. And last but not least the only girl on the field Niamh King was full of energy off the ball and even won & converted a free kick near the end. The four subs Niall Sexton, Donncha Murphy, Jack Keenan and Kevin McComiskey also made up the squad. Aughlisnafin : D McKibbin, A Flanagan, M Flanagan, M Croskery (0-3), C Matthews (1-1), C Donnelly, C King (0-3, 0-2 frees), R Clarke, O O'Neill, N King (0-1,0-1 free), D Burns (1-1) Subs: N Sexton, D Murphy, J Keenan, K McComiskey.
The win sees the 'Fin move up into second place in the league table with games to come at home to third place Bryansford on Tuesday night and away to league leaders Loughinisland this Sunday at 12 noon. The last two remaining games are St Paul's at home 7th September and Castlewellan away on Sunday 21st September. The U12's are at the Gerry Burns Memorial Tournament this Saturday also.
The U10.5's were at Go Games hosted by St Johns where they played the St Paul's, Liatroim and Saul. There were great performances from everyone and the hard work in training is bearing fruit. Training for U8s and U10s continues on Thursday at 6.30 pm.
The U14's played Kilcoo on Monday evening past in their last group game of the U14B Championship.
The U8's are in Ardglass for a 9 aside tournament this Saturday at 10.30 am.
The seniors are away to Dromara this Friday for their penultimate league game of the season. Throw in 7 pm. Training continues as usual in preparation for the championship game against Bright the following weekend.
Our recreational footballers are attending the An Riocht Tournament this Saturday. The club will be hosting our own 3rd Annual Recreational 7's Tournament in Annsborough on Saturday 13th September at 2.30 pm. With St John's, An Riocht and Carrickcruppen already confimed attending we would hope that four more teams can attend. Please contact Gerard Lenaghan 0785 426 2858 if you would like to enter a team. Its £5 per player and maximum of 10 players per team. The only stipulation is that you do not play regular senior or reserves football.
Congratulations to our senior player Rory Murphy and Shauna, Micheal and Ronan on their new arrival. Best wishes on behalf of the club.
Lotto numbers 2,13,19, 27. Helena McDonald won £20. Jackpot £8,000.
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