Loughgall Youth got of to the perfect start in the opening minute against Greenisland, in their latest Lisburn league encounter, when Dale Mulligan beat the offside trap to latch on to a Kyle Gilmore pass and slip it past the advancing keeper to open the scoring.

Loughgall were then grateful to Daniel Acheson who made an outstanding save to keep his side in front when a Greenisland break saw their striker left unmarked at the back post.

Loughgall pegged Greenisland back in their own half and forced a number of corners. The ball broke to Jack Hamilton on the edge of the Greenisland box and his first time shot was directed into the far corner of the Greenisland net by William Graham.

This gave Loughgall some breathing space and they started to get the ball down and try to play football, but Greenisland were competing well and making life very difficult. A slick move up the Loughgall left saw Adam Alexander, James McCormack and Daniel Neill combine with Dale Mulligan who raced to the bye line to square for Kyle Gilmore to grab Loughgall’s third from close range.

Jonathan Ewart was heavily involved in the game and he linked nicely with Kyle Gilmore to tee up Dale Mulligan for his second, and Loughgall’s fourth, with another clinical finish.

Scott McCann had to rely on his pace on a number of occasions to ensure that Greenisland were kept at bay. With half time approaching an excellent first time pass from William Graham released James McCormack and he made no mistake with a thumping drive from 12 yards.

On the stroke of half time the influential Daniel Neill sustained a blow to the head which saw him unable to come out at the start of the second half.

Loughgall were now playing up the hill in the second half and a long clearance from the impressive Daniel Acheson saw Jonathan Ewart race clear to finish in style.

To Greenisland’s credit they continued to try and play football and competed well, but Loughgall always looked the more threatening. Another super Jonathan Ewart run saw him square the ball to James McCormack at the back post and he was very unfortunate to see his thunderous shot come back of the underside of the Greenisland bar.

Jordan Finlay then linked well up the right with Kyle Gilmore to release Dale Mulligan who broke into the Greenisland box and drilled a low shot between the Greenisland keeper and the near post to complete his hat trick and grab Loughgall’s seventh goal of the game.

Daniel Acheson, Jordan Finlay, James Orr, Adam Alexander and Scott McCann had to be alert late on as Greenisland pushed hard to try and get something from the game. But it was Loughgall who created another great chance when the hard working Dale Mulligan squared for James McCormack at the back post who took a touch before firing over the Greenisland bar when well placed.

Loughgall Youths Scorers:  Dale Mulligan (3), William Graham, James McCormack, Jonathan Ewart & Kyle Gilmore.

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

Loughgall Youth Man of the Match: Dale Mulligan

Loughgall’s unbeaten run of 7 games ended with defeat to a strong well organised Glentoran team on Saturday morning.

Loughgall started brightly with Adam Wright and Matthew Willis busy in attack with Chris Hutchinson looking dangerous on the right wing.  Glentoran forced a corner kick which their impressive no 7 playing into the box leaving a simple header from close range.  Soon after the Glens found themselves another goal to the good after a goal mouth scramble which Loughgall failed to clear.

After the break Loughgall now playing into the wind were on the back foot as Glentoran now with a two goal lead were playing with confidence and seemed to be first to every lose ball. Loughgall dropped their heads and in the process and conceded three more goals to end in a 5-0 defeat their worst of the season.

On the day Loughgall were beaten by the better team but can take some positives from the match and learn from the mistakes that was made.  With a midweek friendly on Wednesday night v Ridgeway it is a good opportunity to improve their performance levels before another tough league match next Saturday against Ballymena.

Squad – Sam Monaghan, Mark Palmer, Jason Dodds, Joshua King, Jamie Haire, Chris Hutchinson, Sam McKew, James Hall, Jac McElveen, Matthew Willis, Adam Robb, Matthew Telford

Player of the day – Mark Palmer

Loughgall were back to league business in the George Best League on Saturday morning against Larne Youth at Grove playing fields Belfast.

Loughgall were on the attack from the start putting Larne on the back foot and nearly took the lead in the first five minutes from an Adam Wight shot after good work from Jac McElveen down the left. Loughgall started to boss the midfield with Sam McKew and James Hall impressing.

Midway through the first half Loughgall finally took the lead after a Larne attack the ball was cleared and picked up by Matthew Willis on the halfway line he ran down the left going past three or four defenders and playing it Into the danger area were Adam Wright had took up a good position and he made no mistake from six yards. Both sides had their chances towards the end of the first half with Matthew Willis and Sam McKew going close for Loughgall.

After the break Larne looked more determined to get themselves back into the game but found the Loughgall defence very solid with Dodds, Telford, Palmer and Haire all impressing with their strong tackling and distribution.

Loughgall were first to the loose ball with all the team putting in a good work rate and they soon found themselves another goal to the good with inform striker Adam Wright getting his second of the match after nice play by Chris Hutchinson.

Larne had a good attack near the end of the game forcing the Loughgall keeper Joshua King into a fine save to keep his side two goals to the good.

Overall great performance from Loughgall with their high work rate and quality finishing a big plus on the day giving them the edge.

Squad- Joshua King, Mark Palmer, Jason Dodds, Adam Robb, Jamie Haire, Jac McElveen, Sam McKew, Chris Hutchinson, James Hall, Matthew Willis, Adam Robb, Matthew Telford.

Scorer – Adam Robb 2

Players of the day – Adam Robb and Matthew Willis

Loughgall Youth

Loughgall Youth under 9′s had a mixed bag of results on Saturday.  They played the top 2 sides in the league, namely Lurgan Predators and Sunnyside, and gained a creditable 0 – 0 draw with Lurgan and got beat 5 – 0 by Sunnyside. Against Lurgan there was only one team in it with the Youth attacking and putting Lurgan under pressure right from the kick off.  Sam Kerr had virtually nothing to do the whole match apart from 2 crucial saves, 1 in each half.  Nathan Stoops was a rock at the back and missed nothing all day.  He was ably supported at the back by Ryan Scott.  In midfield Josh Irwin and Chris Lindsay worked their socks off and broke up any attacks the Lurgan midfield tried to start.  The Black twins, James and Alexander, both put over dangerous crosses but no one was able to connect to get the vital touch.  Alexander had the Youths best chance after good link up play in the midfield between Chris and Josh which released James down the right wing and his cross was met first time by Alexander, but the Lurgan keeper made a good save. Jordan as usual worked hard up front and constantly hastled and harried the Lurgan defence.  Overall the boys deserved to win this match but encouragement can be taken from the fact that in their previous encounters with the same Lurgan team they lost 3-1, 5-0 and 3-0, so progress is certainly being made.

In the second match the Youth were punished for every mistake they made against a very strong, well organised Sunnyside team.  The Youth failed to pick up men at corners, failed to close down the Sunnyside midfield when they were taking shots and failed to clear their lines when they had the chance and as a result conceded 5 goals.  The Youth seemed to have used up all their energy in the first match against Lurgan.  Despite the result the boys plugged away as best they could and kept going to the final whistle, forcing a few corners at the end.  Nathan Stoops was again the stand out player against Sunnyside.  He missed nothing all day in both matches.  He tackled like a tiger and his distribution ws excellent.

Overall another very encouraging and pleasing day for the Youth.  Well done boys.

Squad: Sam Kerr, Nathan Stoops, Ryan Scott, Josh Irwin, James Black, Chris Lindsay, Alexander Black, Jordan Bentley.

Player of the day: Nathan Stoops

Loughgall Colts

Loughgall u9 Colts took on Banbridge and Portadown Boys last Saturday and despite two of their regular players being unavailable came away with a well earned victory and a narrow defeat.

In their match against Banbridge Loughgall attacked right from the kick off with Jamie Cupples forcing a great save from the Banbridge keeper in the opening seconds.  It was one way traffic as the Colts pushed forward and it was fully deserved when John Forde stole in at the front post to give Loughgall the lead.  With Matthew Monaghan and James Ballantine dominant in midfield Loughgall were comfortable and it came as a real surprise when Banbridge equalised after a defensive error.  However the Colts were not to be denied and after good wing play from Calvin Holland, laying on an inch perfect pass, Jamie Cupples scored to restore Loughgalls lead.  It was shortly after this, that the unfortunate Jamie Berry in the Loughgall goals had to retire injured with John Forde moving from striker to emergency goalkeeper.  He stepped up to the mark, confidently dealing with any Banbridge threats and it was fully deserved when from a Jamie Cupples corner, Matthew Monaghan scored to bring the final result to a 3-1 victory for the Colts.

Against Portadown Boys the Colts knew that they would be up against it as the last time these teams met Portadown were easy winners, and in the 1st half Portadown piled on the pressure.  Peter Spence and Bobby McKinley worked tirelessly in defence, tackling every red shirt that moved and when Portadown did get though they came up against John Forde in goals who was in superb form.  As the match continued Loughgall found their feet with Calvin and Jamie on each wing and Daniel Brown striking causing no end of problems for the Portadown defence.  Just when it looked like the Colts would hold out for a commendable draw, a missed tackle let Portadown in to finally beat John Fordes stubborn resistance.  It was a credit to the Colts that despite this setback they raised themselves and could even have equalised with efforts from Matthew and James going narrowly wide.  The final whistle must have come as a relief to the Portadown players and coach.

Overall two excellent performances as the Colts continued their recent run of good form.  Player of the day had to go to John Forde who not only scored but put in a wonderful performance as emergency goalkeeper when Jamie Berry was injured.

Squad-Jamie Berry, Bobby McKinley, Daniel Brown, Matthew Monaghan, James Ballantine, Jamie Cupples, Calvin Holland, John Forde Peter Spence

Loughgall Youth

Loughgall Youth under 9′s followed up last weeks excellent results and performances with two similar results and performances this week. They defeated Dromore Amateurs 6-0 and Banbridge 2-0 to make it 4 wins in a row.  Similar to last week the boys were up for it right from the first whistle and again they attacked as a team and defended as a team. They all worked extremely hard for each other and they were rewarded with two fine results.  The movement and passing was also excellent and they are now starting to gel well as a team and fight hard for each other.  The first goal was scored by Jordan Bentley and the second was scored by Alexander Black.  The third was one of the best team goals of the season.  Jordan Bentley held the ball up, laid it off to Chris Lindsay who played it first time out to the left to Alexander Black who spotted his brother James at the back post and he met it on the half volley to make it 3-0.  Alexander capped off an impressive first half display with his second and the teams fourth.  In the second half Jordan scored his second of the match with a fine strike and then for the third week in a row James Black whipped over a vicious, swerving corner which was put into his own net by one of the Dromore defenders. Sam Kerr had little to do between the posts due to the performance of the boys in front of him. Nathan Stoops and Ryan Scott were also virtual spectators at the back.  Josh Irwin was pulling the strings in midfield along with Chris Lindsay who worked very hard and the Black twins, James and Alexander, were absolutely immense and are currently playing their best football of the season.  Jordan, as usual worked his socks off up front and was rewarded with two goals.  What was pleasing today about Jordan was the way he held the ball up front and brought other people into play.

The second match against Banbridge, which the boys won 2 – 0 was another excellent display.  They were 2 – 0 up at half time courtesy of another own goal.  A cross from James Black was turned into his own net by one of the Banbridge defenders and the second was scored by Chris Lindsay and for the third week in a row it was a long range effort that he scored.  They had chances to add to the score but good goalkeeping kept the scoreline down.  Sam Kerr made a great save at a crucial time and Nathan and Josh won every tackle at the back.  Josh, Chris, Alexander and James worked tirelessly in midfield and Jordan worked hard up front.

Overall another very encouraging and pleasing day for the Youth.  Well done boys.

Squad: Sam Kerr, Nathan Stoops, Ryan Scott, Josh Irwin, James Black, Chris Lindsay, Alexander Black, Jordan Bentley.

Player of the day was Alexander Black

Loughgall Colts

Loughgall Colts started the day with a hard fought draw against a physical St Marys side.  The Colts had numerous chances to win the match and but for some wayward finishing and inspired goalkeeping would have won easily.  Loughgall learned that if they don’t take their chances they will always be open to break away attacks and it was only a wonderful reflex save from Jamie Berry when he turned a fiercely driven shot onto the crossbar that ensured the Colts a share of the match.

The 2nd game against Sunnyside Colts was again an example of what happens when chances are not taken.  The 3-0 scoreline did not reflect the true nature of the match, Loughgall had many chances that they somehow managed to not take and as they pushed forward, Loughgall were hit on the break.  The first was a super long range effort that gave Jamie in goals no chance the last two goals coming late on in the match gave the scoreline a flattering appearance for Sunnyside.

Player of the day went to Peter Spence-playing in defence he made many timely interceptions and tackled fiercely all day.

Squad-Jamie Berry Peter Spence Andrew Bond Sam Cochrane James Ballantine Matthew Monaghan Jamie Cupples John Forde 

With Loughgall’s games being cancelled last weekend due to the weather, a midweek friendly was arranged with Oxford Sunnyside.

Loughgall took control from the first whistle with Kyle Gilmore lively in attack and James McCormack and Jordan Finlay providing pace and width. William Graham, Dale Mulligan and Tim Wharton were winning the midfield battle and it was not long before Kyle Gilmore opened the scoring with a low angled drive after good play from Tim Wharton.

The Loughgall lead was soon doubled when James McCormack outpaced the Sunnyside defence to slip the ball past the advancing keeper. Tim Wharton then added number 3 after good approach play from Jordan Finlay and Jack Hamilton.

Sunnyside’s attacks were few and far between as Scott McCann, Josh Woods, Adam Alexander, Jack Hamilton and Daniel Acheson were rarely tested. A quick fire double from Kyle Gilmore, to complete his hat trick, and a close range finish from William Graham after another flowing Loughgall move saw Loughgall go in at half time 6 goals to the good.

The second half followed the same pattern as the first and it was not long before William Graham got his second of the night after good Dale Mulligan, James McCormack and Tim Wharton approach play.

Another slick Loughgall move involving Jack Hamilton and Jordan Finlay saw Kyle Gilmore again apply the finishing touch. Moments later William Graham burst from midfield and lashed a thumping left footed shot into the far corner of the Sunnyside net for the goal of the night.

Sunnyside never stopped trying, but had come up against a rampant Loughgall who added another two goals after good play from Adam Alexander and James McCormack found William Graham who teed up Kyle Gilmore to finish from close range before Jordan Finlay completed the scoring with a well struck shot.

Squad: Daniel Acheson , William Graham (Capt), Josh Woods, Scott McCann, James McCormack , Jordan Finlay, Tim Wharton, Adam Alexander , Dale Mulligan, Kyle Gilmore  & Jack Hamilton.

Scorers:  Kyle Gilmore (5), William Graham (3), Tim Wharton, Jordan Finlay and James McCormack.

Man of the Match: William Graham

Loughgall Youth Under 11 Players of the Month for January 2012:

Lisburn League Squad: Daniel Acheson

Mid Ulster League Squad: James Orr

Congratulations boys and keep up the good work!

Loughgall who are coming of the back of two wins went into this game with their confidence high. Right from the first whistle they dominated with Rhys McMaster, Ryan Faulkner, Zane Brown and Jake Shields impressing.

Lurgan defended well to keep the Loughgall attack at bay and both sides went in level at half time.

Loughgall continued to dominate in the second half and broke the deadlock through Rhys McMaster with a clinical finish. James Orr had to be at his best to keep his side in front with some excellent tackles and Connor Brown had to be alert with one excellent save. Ryan Faulkner was pulling the strings in midfield and with 10 minutes remaining Zane Brown made sure of the victory with a well taken goal.

Squad: Connor Brown, Joel Paynter, James Orr, Sam Gibbons, Jack Hamilton, Ryan Faulkner, Jake Shields, Rhys McMaster, Kyle West, Jamie Barbour, Zane Brown & Ryan Stewart.

Loughgall Youths Scorers: Rhys McMaster & Zane Brown.

Loughgall Youth Man of the Match: Ryan Faulkner

Loughgall came up against a strong Hillsborough side who are challenging for the league title. The opening exchanges were very even with both sides contesting well for possession.

Adam Alexander and Daniel Neill were getting through a lot of work in central midfield and Kyle Gilmore was a constant threat in attack, almost getting on the end of a neat James McCormack pass.

Hillsborough always looked the more composed on the ball, particularly in wide areas. A lapse of concentration in the Loughgall midfield allowed the Hillsborough left winger to outpace the Loughgall defence and drill a low cross into the Loughgall area which was hammered home at the back post to open the scoring.

Loughgall continued to compete well with Jordan Finlay and Dale Mulligan linking well down the right and Luke Cartwright, James McCormack and Kyle Gilmore linking well down the left, but too often the final pass was lacking.

Hillsborough always looked dangerous, and it took an excellent interception from Scott McCann to keep them at bay. Kyle Gilmore’s pace was evident on more than one occasion, but Loughgall just could not find the right pass.

Another Hillsborough break saw them cut through the right side of the Loughgall defence with some neat passing and apply another clinical finish from close range to double their lead.

The start of the second half saw Loughgall enjoy their best period of the game as a Kyle Gilmore snap shot flew narrowly over the bar after good work from Adam Alexander.

Loughgall were now starting to commit men forward in an effort to get back into this cup tie and a neat exchange between Daniel Neill and Kyle Gilmore saw Dale Mulligan just get to the ball before the Hillsborough keeper, but he dragged his first time shot narrowly wide of the far post.

Hillsborough were winning the midfield battle as Loughgall looked to commit men forward. Hillsborough were defending well and soaking up the Loughgall pressure and then they applied the sucker punch by hitting Loughgall on the break with another clinical finish, as their striker rounded Daniel Acheson to put the game beyond any doubt.

With only minutes remaining Jack Hamilton released Jordan Finlay but he failed to connect properly when well placed. A quick Jordan Finlay break down the right almost brought Loughgall a consolation goal but his low cross eluded everyone.

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

Man of the Match: Kyle Gilmore