Loughgall Youth’s five game unbeaten run in the Lisburn League came to a shuddering end against Hillsborough Boys as Hillsborough outplayed Loughgall in every department and ran out worthy winners.

Loughgall started really brightly and pegged Hillsborough back with Dale Mulligan being adjudged to be offside when in on goal. Jonathan Ewart was prominent in midfield as Loughgall bossed the opening period but too often the pass was delayed and the chance was gone.

Hillsborough gradually started to come more into the game and forced an excellent save from Daniel Acheson. Another break down the Loughgall left saw Hillsborough open the scoring with a deft chip over the advancing Daniel Acheson.

Hillsborough were now quicker to the loose ball and doubled their lead after a Loughgall defensive error. Adam Alexander then threatened for Loughgall up the left but the final ball was just lacking.

The second half saw Hillsborough take the game by the scruff of the neck as Loughgall struggled to compete with their opponents. Hillsborough soon found themselves three up after a slick move and number four then arrived soon afterwards as the Loughgall heads dropped alarmingly.

Jonathan Ewart was the one bright spark for Loughgall and his work rate outshone his team mates. Luke Cartwright injected some life into the Loughgall side but Hillsborough soon added number five with a looping effort as Loughgall were caught again by a quick Hillsborough move.

Loughgall finally threatened the Hillsborough goal as Jonathan Ewart slide Kyle Gilmore through and his low drive was excellently smothered by the Hillsborough keeper. The scoring was then completed when a low shot nestled in the bottom corner of Loughgall’s net.

Today was one of those days for Loughgall when pretty much nothing went right as they came up against a Hillsborough team on the top of their form who are competing at the very top of the league.

Todays Squad: Daniel Acheson, Jordan Finlay, Jack Hamilton, William Graham (Capt), James Orr, Kyle Gilmore, Daniel Neill, Adam Alexander, James McCormack, Dale Mulligan, Jonathan Ewart, Luke Cartwright & Scott McCann.

Loughgall Youths Scorers:  None

Loughgall Youth Man of the Match: Jonathan Ewart (below)

Loughgall U9 Youth

It’s been coming and it finally arrived on Saturday past for Loughgall Youth under 9′s.  The previous weeks the boys had played some great football but didn’t get the rub of the green.  Saturday past Loughgall Youth played Dromore in a game the boys controlled from he start.  The first half was all one traffic with the midfield of Chris Lindsay, Josh Irwin and James Black pinning Dromore into their own half.  It was no surprise when Loughgall scored through Alexander Black and the second soon followed with his twin brother James getting in on the act.  There was still time for Alexander to get his second of the day finishing off a fine move just before half time.  The second half was the same as the first with Loughgall looking dangerous every time they had the ball and it wasn’t to long before Alexander Black completed his hat-trick.  There was still time for a Chris Lindsay double as the boys ran out comfortable winners.

Banbridge were next up to face the inform Youth team.  This was a more physical match but with confidence flowing the boys continued from were they had left off against Dromore.  Josh Irwin set up Jordan Bentley to smash home the opener from 12 yards out for which was a great finish.  If that was good James Black matched it  at the start of the second half .He ran at the Banbridge defence before unleashing an unstoppable shot into the top corner to extend the villagers lead.  Special mention must also go to Nathan Stoops, Ryan Scott, Matty Monaghan and Sam Kerr who didn’t put a foot wrong all day and who were outstanding, with Sam making one breath taking save against Banbridge.

Squad: Sam Kerr, Nathan Stoops, Ryan Scott(C), Josh Irwin, James Black, Alexander Black, Matthew Monaghan, Chris Lindsay, Jordan Bentley

Player of the day: Jordan Bentley

Loughgall U10s were up against a strong well organised Ballymena United team on Saturday morning but were left scratching their heads wondering how they finished the game with no points.  Loughgall were on the attack from the start with Matthew Willis going close with two good chances in a short period of time after been put in the clear by the impressive Chris Hutchinson. Ballymena did have a few counter attacks but these were easily clearly by the inform Loughgall centre backs Jason Dodds & Joshua King.

Near the end of the first half an attack down the left from Ballymena and a resulting cross into the box caused panic in the Loughgall goal mouth area and with Loughgall slow to clear the danger the Ballymena no 9 poked the ball home to give his side the lead it has to be said against the run of play.

After the break Loughgall pushed for an equalizer but were dealt a sucker blow due to an unfortunate slack back pass that give the Ballymena front man an easy chance to nip in front of Keeper Jamie Haire in the Loughgall goals putting his side two nil up.

Loughgall to their credit didn’t drop their heads and did pull a goal back as a result of a great turn of speed from David Cochrane putting himself in the clear and he calmly shot passed the out coming Ballymena keeper.  Loughgall battled on for the equalizer but unfortunately time ran out on them.

Overall Loughgall gave their all but failing to take their earlier chances proved costly but alot of positives to take from the game.

Squad- Jamie Haire, Matthew Telford, Jason Dodds, Joshua King, Mark Palmer, Jac McElveen, Sam Monaghan, Sam McKew, Chris Hutchinson, Matthew WIllis, Harry Gilpin, David Cochrane.

Scorer – David Cochrane

Players of the day – Jason Dodds & Mark Palmer

Loughgall produced a battling performance against the unbeaten George Best U10 league leaders Lisburn Youth on Saturday morning. Loughgall got of to a slow start going a goal down in the first 5 minutes due to a clinical finish from Lisburn’s number 9. Soon after Lisburn doubled their lead after their right winger fired a shot in on goal that unfortunately slipped through the hands of the Loughgall’s keeper Jamie Haire and rolled into the net. Loughgall to their credit didn’t drop their heads and started to push forward with Mckew & Hutchinson battling hard in the midfield. Close to half time Loughgall did get the ball in the Lisburn net after a nice free kick from Chris Hutchinson that was pushed out by the Lisburn keeper & coolly slotted home by Mark Palmer only to have the goal harshly disallowed for offside.

Soon after the break Loughgall finally got the breakthrough by a great finish from the impressive Adam Wright after good work from Sam McKew & Matthew Willis. Loughgall continued to press for the equalizer but found the Lisburn defence in fine form but they did go close to getting a goal after good work by David Cochrane who passed to Jac McElveen who’s shot was just wide of the post. Lisburn had their opportunities as well and forced a great save from Loughgall’s keeper Jamie Haire who brilliantly saved a goal bound shot with his legs. Near the end of the match Lisburn got their third goal and final goal as a result of Loughgall pushing forward leaving gaps at the back Lisburn took advantage with their speedy left wing player breaking free from the Loughgall rear guard and finishing low into the net giving Loughgall’s keeper little chance.

Overall good effort from the Loughgall lads with many lessons learned aswell as plenty of positives to take from the game.

Squad- Jamie Haire, Matthew Telford, Jason Dodds, Joshua King, Mark Palmer, Adam Wright, Sam Mckew, Chris Hutchinson, Jac McElveen, Matthew Willis, David Cochrane, Sam Monaghan.

Loughgall scorer – Adam Wright

Players of the match – Joshua King & Sam McKew.

Loughgall U10s continued in fine form on saturday morning collecting another three points due to a convincing 4-0 win over Dungoyne U10s.  Loughgall were putting pressure on Dungoyne from the start with Adam Wright and Matthew Willis looking dangerous in attack causing the Dongoyne defence a lot of trouble. Loughgall’s first goal came from Matthew Willis who’s persistence in the box paid off with the Dongoyne defenders slow to react in a goal mouth scramble leaving a simple tap in for Willis to open the scoring. Soon after Willis added his second after a great through ball from the impressive Chris Hutchinson a good turn of pace put Willis in the clear and he coolly finished high into the net from just inside the box giving the keeper no chance.

After the break Dungoyne came into the game much better but any attacks on the Loughgall goal were cancelled out by the impressive Jason Dodd’s and fellow centre back Matthew Telford.  Loughgall started to threaten the Dungoyne goal again and the inform Jac McElveen fired in a great right foot shot after good work by Mark Palmer and Sam McKew down the right hand side.  McElveen added his second soon after again with a terrific right foot shot into the corner of the goal to finish off a player of the match performance by Loughgalls left winger.

Overall a good mornings work by the Loughgall lads which sets them up nicely for the visit of the league leaders Lisburn Youth next saturday morning at Loughgall Country park

Squad – Jamie Haire, Matthew Telford, Jason Dodd’s, Joshua King, Mark Palmer, Adam Wright, Chris Hutchinson, Sam McKew, Jac McElveen, Matthew Willis, Harry Gilpin & Ryan Moffat.

Scorers - Matthew Willis 2, Jac McElveen 2

Players of the day – Jac McElveen and Adam Wright.

Loughgall U10s continued in fine form in the George Best U10 League on Saturday morning with a convincing win over Northend United Youth from Ballymena.  Northend started the brighter of the two sides scoring first after their left winger cut in from the left and fired in a low shot into the corner of the net.  Loughgall to their credit didn’t drop their heads and started to gain a foothold in the game resulting in a fine equalizer from striker Matthew Willis who after a good clearance from Joshua King he collected the ball and fired the ball into the net from just inside the box.

With the game level at halftime, Loughgall changed their formation to their usual 4 4 2 and the team were asked to up their game and they certainly responded as inside one minute of the start of 2nd half Willis added his 2nd with another neat finish giving the Northend keeper little chance.  Loughgall were now dominating the play and with midfielders McKew & Hutchinson looking impressive as well as wingers Harry Gilpin & Jac McElveen who were causing all sorts of problems for the opposing defence with their pace and dribbling ability.

Loughgall added another 4 goals coming from the inform Jac McElveen with a brace and goals a piece for Adam Wright & player of the day Chris Hutchinson.  The Loughgall defenders were in top form cancelling out any danger with a no nonsense style approach resulting in their keeper Jamie Haire being a virtual spectator for most of the 2nd half.  This win puts Loughgall 3rd in the league and if this good form continues they can look forward with confidence for the rest of the season ahead.

Squad- Jamie Haire, Matthew Telford, Jason Dodds, Joshua King, Mark Palmer, Adam Wright, Chris Hutchinson, Sam McKew, Jac McElveen, Matthew Willis, Mattie McBurney & Harry Gilpin.

Scorers- Matthew Willis 2, Jac McElveen 2, Adam Wright, Chris Hutchinson

Players of the day – Jac McElveen & Chris Hutchinson.

Loughgall u10s were asked to up the game this week after a disappointing result last week and they responded in an impressive manner earning a 5-0 win against an in form Hillsborough boys team who came into this game on the back of a good win against Shankill Boys last week.

Loughgall were putting pressure on Hillsborough from the start with midfielders McKew & Hutchinson dominating the midfield and threading balls through to strikers Matthew Willis & new signing Joshua Rodgers.  After coming close a number of times the ball finally found it’s way into the net from a good shot by Jac McElveen which the keeper spilled leaving Rodgers an easy tap in.  Unfortunately the goal was harshly disallowed due to an offside call. Loughgall didn’t have it all their own way as Hillsborough did have their fair share of chances with a few counter attacks and Loughgall keeper Jamie Haire had to be alert to make two good goal bound saves. Another Hillsborough shot was cleared off the line by Loughgall’s speedy centre-half Jason Dodds who somehow cleared the goal bound shot that looked certain to be heading over the line.

After the break Matthew Willis broke the deadlock with a fine run  and finish giving the keeper no chance. The pace of Loughgall front men were causing all sorts of problems  for the Hillsborough defence and soon after Willis added his 2nd  goal chipping the keeper from just inside the box Loughgall were gaining in confidence and further goals flooded in  from Adam Wright with a great finish after cutting in from the  right. Jac McElveen added the 4th rounding the keeper and coolly slotting the ball home.  The 5th and final goal came from a long range effort by Adam Robb who having been only on the pitch for 10 minutes caught the keeper by surprise hitting an unstoppable shot into the bottom corner of the
net from 25yrds. Overall a very good team effort from Loughgall u10s.

Squad- Jamie Haire, Matthew Telford, Jason Dodds, Joshua King, Mark  Palmer, Adam Wright, Sam McKew, Chris Hutchinson, Jac McElveen,  Matthew Willis, Joshua Rodgers, Sam Monaghan & Adam Robb.

Scorers- Matthew Willis 2, Adam Wright, Jac McElveen, Adam Robb

Players of the day – Matthew Willis & Jamie Haire & Chris Hutchinson

Loughgall u10s found themselves up against a strong well organised Glentoran side on Saturday morning & were on the back foot for most of the first half. After weathering the storm Loughgall started to get a foot hold in the game and finished the stronger of the two sides towards the end of the first half with Chris Hutchinson going close with a great shot on goal after good work by his midfield partner Sam McKew.

After the break Glentoran pushed forward again & finally got their first goal with a long range shot from their left winger who was causing alot of trouble with his pace down the left flank.  Glentoran too many times were first to the loose ball & were causing the Loughgall midfielders alot of trouble with their high work rate & penetrating runs.

Loughgall to their credit kept pushing for the equalizer but with their front men Willis & McElveen feeding on scraps chances created we’re few & far between mainly due to the very solid Glentoran back four who made little or no mistakes throughout the whole match.  In the last minute of the game Glentoran got their third and final goal after a soft shot on goal the ball slipped through the hands of the Loughgall keeper and rolled into the net.

Loughgall were unfortunate to lose by the 3 goals today but they know now if the work rate and fitness is not 100% against the stronger teams in the league they will be punished.

Loughgall youth u10 squad – Daniel Mullane, Matthew Telford, Joshua king, Jason Dodds, Mark Palmer, Jamie Haire, Sam Mckew, Chris Hutchinson, Adam Wright, Matthew Willis, Jac McElveen, Luke Wharton

Players of the day – Matthew Telford & Daniel Mullane

Loughgall found themselves up against a strong well organised Larne team on Saturday morning and were soon a goal down due to a long range shot on goal by Larne that gave Loughgall keeper Daniel Mullane little chance.  Loughgall started to play some good football putting a lot of pressure on the Larne goal but couldn’t get the break through. After a long kick out from the Larne keeper their left winger played the ball into the danger area and with the Loughgall defenders panicking & slow to clear the danger the Larne striker poked the ball home putting them 2 up against the run of play.  Loughgall kept pushing forward in search of a goal & their efforts were rewarded by a goal from Matthew Willis with a simple tap in after good work by left winger Jamie haire who showed great pace beating his marker and shooting for goal leaving an easy finish for his team mate.

After the break Loughgall worked hard for the equalizer but just couldn’t find the net with good efforts from Jamie Haire, Chris Hutchinson, Adam wright & Matthew Willis all just missing the target.  The Larne defence was standing firm and their goalkeeper was in inspired form keeping their team in the lead.  Larne got their 3rd goal after more good work by their impressive left midfielder who’s shot again caused panic in the Loughgall goal area and with Loughgall failing to get the ball cleared Larne got their goal as a result of a good header.

Loughgall to their credit didn’t give up but after a few more chances that failed to go in time run out resulting in them failing to their 1st defeat of the season.

Squad- Daniel Mullane, Matthew Telford, Jason Dodds, Joshua king, Jac McElveen, Mark Palmer, Sam McKew, Chris Hutchinson, Jamie Haire, Matthew Willis, Adam Wright, Bailey Dowzell.

Loughgall scorer: Matthew Willis

Players of the day Jason Dodds & Joshua King & Jamie Haire.

Loughgall u10s got off to a slow start against Dromore on Saturday morning with Dromore pressing forward and finding themselves close to getting a shot on the Loughgall goal. After the initial pressure was cleared Loughgall started to boss the game with midfielders Sam McKew & Chris Hutchinson getting some firm tackles in and started to spread the ball about bringing more players into the game. The first Loughgall goal came from Adam Wright who playing on the right found himself in a good shooting position and he made no mistake from just inside the box. Soon after striker Matthew Willis got on the score sheet with a good finish after a great pass from the impressive left winger Jamie Haire.  Loughgall continued to dominate the play resulting in their goal keeper Sam Monaghan being a virtual spectator for most off the first half.  Adam Wright added his 2nd goal just before the break to make it 3-0 to Loughgall.

In the 2nd half Loughgall piled on the pressure again forcing the impressive Dromore keeper into action a number of times.  Loughgall 5th goal came from Loughgall number 9 Matthew Willis scoring a penalty kick awarded after Sam McKew was fouled inside the area.  Soon after Willis hammered in his 4th goal of the day to put his side 6-0 to the good.  Dromore to their credit tried to get themselves back into the game and pushed a lot of players forward resulting in Loughgall counter attacking and with some slick passing the ball found its way to Jac McElveen whose left foot finish put the icing on the cake for a great display attacking football from the boys in blue which puts them joint top of the George Best League.

Loughgall Youth Squad- Sam Monaghan, Matthew Telford, Jason Dodd’s, Joshua King, Mark Palmer, Adam Wright, Sam McKew, Chris Hutchinson, Jamie Haire, Matthew Willis, Jac McElveen, Harry Gilpin.

Scorers Matthew Willis 4, Adam Wright 2, Jac McElveen 1

Players of the day- Matthew Willis & Jamie Haire.