Magherafelt High School Under-16s in Final Again
Semi final League Cup
Magherafelt HS v Maghera HS
A huge thanks goes to Glen Robinson of Magherafelt Sky Blues FC for granting the use of their pitch, Spires Park, and the MHS team wish them the all the very best in their pursuit of the league title.
On a dry but breezy afternoon Magherafelt lost the toss and were forced to play into the wind first half.
Both teams should signs of nerves early on with rushed clearances and poor communication between team mates (especially the home sides defence) however it was the Magherafelt side that settled first with some excellent passing moves controlled by our talented midfielders.
After 15 minutes, a period of sustained pressure by the Magherafelt offensive unit saw the opening score of the game with a well finished shot from their big centre forward, Jordan Yorke.
The home team was playing nice football going forward however they were panicked by the surging runs of Maghera’s own big centre forward who linked up several times with through balls from the visiting side’s captain playing in the centre of midfield.
With only 10 minutes to go until half time Maghera benefitted from some sleepy defending after a poor kick out from goalie, Trevor ‘the monk’ Jordan, was controlled by the Maghera midfield and duly rocketed into the goal by the big striker.
This seemed to give the home side the ‘kick up the bum’ they needed and Magherafelt replied near immediately as a surging, solo run by skipper and man of the match Liam Stewart, culminated with a powerful strike just beyond the flailing hands of the otherwise impressive Maghera keeper.
At half time the Magherafelt coach did not say anything his team did not already know about their own performance so with a few words of encouragement the home team prepared for another tough 30 minutes.
The second half started as the first half had ended as Magherafelt continued to apply the pressure but two goals seemed to be their limit due to a combination of good goal keeping, offside calls and shots off target. On the defensive side the Magherafelt centre defender pairing of David Montgomery and Rodney McKnight were now dealing much more effectively with Maghera’s attacks and were linking up nicely with the midfield to keep the tempo high.
The continued pressure eventually took its toll after good work down the right a low cross was met by Jordan and finished neatly under the advancing goalie to make it three one.
One of Magherafelt’s midfield maestros, Nicky Leslie, picked up a knock and was substituted with Scot Coles who then switched to the left side to let the impressive Stuart Lennox into the centre of the park. A few minutes later big Jordan was replaced by Matthew Kane who had forged his way into the squad with his consistently high effort levels at training.
The Maghera team tried hard but it was obvious they were tiring more rapidly than the home side and at the final whistle both teams showed their appreciation for each others’ performance with Magherafelt deservedly, proceeding to the Under 16 Final with a victory of 3 goals to 1.
In all an enjoyable match resulted from two skilful teams who gave of their best. Magherafelt High School looks forward to welcoming some of the Maghera squad to our school in September and has no doubt to the tremendous contribution they will bring to the football teams next season.
Reasons to be cheerful
- Some excellent football played
- Three very well taken goals
- Talented footballers formerly of Maghera High School reinforcing the quality teams in Magherafelt next season
Reasons to be fearful
- Defenders and goal keeper must be alert and communicating right from the first whistle
- Must finish all chances, or at very least make the goal keeper work
- Couple of injuries after quite a physical game, hopefully nothing long term
Reasons to be earful
- If you do not hear the whistle, do not stop!
- Get the positive talking going right from the off
Reasons to be tearful
- Only one game of football left for the Year 12s at MHS
With only one game left, the final, let’s make it a very memorable one!!!
K Irvine
[26th February 2009]
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