Loughgall Youth

Loughgall Youth under 9′ were invited to participate in the Newry and Mourne Development Centre on Saturday.  They played two matches and came away with a 2 – 1 defeat and a 2 – 1 victory.  The Loughgall coaches could not fault the effort the boys put in over the two matches.  

In the first match the Youth lost 2 – 1 to Ashgrove.  The Youth played them off the park in the first half.  Ashgrove had one chance and scored one goal.  Sam Kerr in goals virtually had nothing to do apart from pick the ball out of the twice.  Nathan Stoops and Ryan Scott were rocks at the back.  James and Alexander Black ran the show on the wings and Josh Irwin bossed the midfield.  Much as the Youth tried they could not find the equalising goal.  Chris Lindsay crashed a header off the bar, James Black flashed a shot wide and Alexander Black put a header wide after a great cross from his twin brother James.  Josh Irwin had a volley cleared off the line.  It looked as if the Youth were not going to score but up popped Jamie Cupples to smash an unstoppable shot into the net to level the match.  The Youths tails were up at this stage and shortly after equalizing, Jamie had another excellent chance to score but was unfortunate to put it passed the post.  As they pushed for a winner Chris Lindsay was hauled down about 25 yards from goal with about 2 minutes to go.  Up stepped Nathan Stoops to take the free kick and somehow the keeper managed to save the kick.  Ashgrove were then awarded a dubious freekick in the last minute and they scored the winner against the run of play.  The boys certainly did not deserve to lose this one but despite the result the performance from all the boys was excellent.

In the second match the Youth recorded a deserved 2 – 1 victory over Windmill.  Chris Lindsay opened the scoring with a terrific left foot strike.  He had missed 3 earlier easier chances before scoring but credit to him for not letting his head go down and he was rewarded with his goal.  The Black twins were terrorising the Windmill defence with their tremendous wing play and both were unfortunate not to score in the first half as well.  Josh Irwin won everything in midfield and was at the heart of every attack.  He won the tackles in midfield and laid the ball out wide to the Black twins who created numerous chances.  Again Nathan and Ryan won everything at the back.  It could so easily have been 6 – 0 at half time if the Youth had taken their chances.In the second half Windmill equalized and indeed could have taken the lead had it not been for a great save from Sam Kerr and a clearance off the line by Ryan Scott.  The Youth plugged away and in the last 2 minutes were rewarded when Jamie Cupples linked up with Alexander Black who played his brother James in and James lashed an unstoppable shot into the back of the net to give the Youth a deserved victory.

Overall a pleasing and encouraging day for the Youth.  The boys can take heart from their performances.  Well done to you all. 

Squad: Sam Kerr, Nathan Stoops, Ryan Scott, Josh Irwin, James Black, Chris Lindsay, Alexander Black, Jamie Cupples

Player of the day was Josh Irwin

Loughgall Colts

After last weeks outstanding performances and results it was down to earth for the Colts this week as they took on Sunnyside Colts and Portadown Boys and lost both matches.

In the unfamiliar surroundings of Brownstown Park in Portadown, Loughgall started well against Sunnyside, creating chances for Peter Spence and Jamie Cupples.  However a hopeful punt upfield took a cruel bounce and caught out the unfortunate John Forde in the Loughgall goals to give Sunnyside an undeserved lead.  As the Blues pushed to equalise they were hit with two break away goals to leave them with mountain to climb second half.  Despite this prospect, the lads came out firing and with Matthew Monaghan and James Ballantine in the midfield, dominated the second half.  However the break though would not come but well done to the lads for rallying and for a great attempt.

Against Portadown, Loughgall initially promised much with Jack Somerville on his debut always dangerous on the wing.  Unfortunately, the Colts were again caught on the break when the always dependable Andrew Bond was left facing a number of Ports attackers by himself and was unable to prevent them scoring to give Portadown the lead.  Loughgalls heads did not go down and they fought back. James Ballantine and Josh Irwin were outstanding snuffing out Portadown attacks in an even second half but the Colts couldnt take their chances and slipped to a narrow and undeserved defeat.

Credit to the lads for not giving up, lets hope for better luck next week and a return to winning ways!

Squad-John Forde, Andrew Bond, Josh Irwin, James Ballantine, Matthew Monaghan, Jamie Cupples, Jack Somerville, Peter Spence

Player of the day-James Ballantine resolute and creative in midfield.

Loughgall Lakers

Loughgall Lakers played Oxford Sunnyside. Against a skillfull side went down 3-0. Second game they played Portadown Colts put up a good performance with a well taken goal by Sam Boyd, although the final score was 3-1. Some excellent performances for Lakers from Morgan White, Jake McKitterick, Ryan Moffett, Daniel Brown.

Squad: James Shaw, Jack Richie, Daniel Brown, Sam Boyd, Ryan Moffett, Jake Mckitterick, Morgan White, Bobby McKinney.

Player of the day: Bobby McKinney and James Shaw

Loughgall Youth

Loughgall Youth under 9′s won 3 – 1 against Banbridge and were beaten by Lurgan Predators 1-0.  The performances in both matches were excellent and the Youth coaches could not fault the commitment of each boy for their efforts this week compared to the disappointing performances of the previous week. Right from the kick off the boys attitude was correct with Chris Lindsay setting up Jordan Bentley for the first goal.  James Black scored number two at the start of the second half with a stunning strike from about 20 yards which gave the keeper no chance.  Banbridge pulled a goal back straight away but Jordan Bentley scored his second and the Youths third to make the game safe.  Sam Cochrane did well in goals with Ryan Scott and Nathan Stoops performing well at the back.  Josh Irwin was the engine in midfield ably supported by Chris Lindsay.  The Black twins, James and Alexander,  played well on either wing and Jordan ran tirelessly up front and was rewarded with 2 well taken goals.

In the second match Loughgall were very fortunate to be beaten by Lurgan Predators 1-0.  The Youth reshuffled for this one with Jordan Bentley going into goals, Sam Cochrane going into midfield and Chris Lindsay moving up front.  Again it was another encouraging, battling display from the boys.  In the first half it was all one way traffic with Chris Lindsay being hauled down by the Lurgan keeper and Nathan Stoops went close from the resulatant free kick.  Other chances fell to Chris Lindsay and James Black who were both unfortunate not to score with 2 good efforts.  At the other end Jordan Bentley made two stunning saves in quick sucession to keep the score at 0 – 0 at half time.  The boys battled hard in the second half but were unfortunate to concede a goal which could not have been prevented.  A great tackle from Nathan Stoops fell kindly for the Lurgan forward and he scored the only goal of the game.  This was harsh on the Youth.  For the effort and commitment they put in they did not deserve to lose.

Overall a pleasing and encouraging day for the Youth.

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

Player of the day was Josh Irwin.

Loughgall Colts

On Saturday Loughgall U9 Colts played Banbridge Juniors and Lurgan Vapours winning both matches with two excellent performances.

In the first match against Banbridge the lads raced into the lead with a great strike from Jamie Cupples, within a couple of minutes the Colts doubled their advantage with Jamie again scoring with a clinical finish after beating two defenders.  James Ballantine then struck a thunderbolt of a free kick to give Loughgall a 3-0 lead and a big win looked likely.  However Banbridge didn’t give up and grabbed a break away goal after a lapse of concentration form Loughgall.  Any hopes Banbridge had of a come back, ended when Morgan White on his Colts debut scored Loughgalls  fourth on the stroke of half time.  The 2nd half was a closer contest as Banbridge pushed forward. The defensive duo of Andrew Bond and Bobby McKinney, with John Forde in goals battled well against the attacks, but were unfortunate to concede Banbridges’ 2nd.  There was still time for Morgan to have a goal disallowed, but the Colts were worthy 4-2 winners.

The second match was against Lurgan Vapours, a team that Loughgall  have not beaten all season.  The lads again started brightly, with Matthew Monaghan and James Ballantine working hard in midfield.  However Lurgan took the lead with a penalty that gave John in goals no chance.  To their credit the Colts did not give up and with a couple of position changes came out firing into the 2nd half.  The secure defence of Calvin Holland and Andrew Bond provided Loughgall the opportunity to attack.  Jamie Cupples and Peter Spence were dangerous on the wings and it was fully deserved when Jamie played a superb pass for Morgan to score the equaliser.   Then in the final minutes Jamie beat a defender and lashed an unstoppable shot into the corner to give the Colts the lead and their 2nd victory of the day.

A great day for the Colts, good performances from the whole team, well done to all the lads.

Squad-John Forde Andrew Bond, Bobby McKinney, Peter Spence, Matthew Monaghan, James Ballantine, Jamie Cupples, Calvin Holland, Morgan White

Player of the day-Morgan White, two goals on his first Colts appearance.

Loughgall Lakers

Loughgall lakers went down 4 1 to Tandragee Rovers the goal scored by Morgan White players to stand out were Jake Mckitterick, Daniel Brown, Jack Richie, Bobby Mckinney, Morgan Whyte & Johnny Mckinney

Loughgall Lakers went down 1 0 by Lurgan Cobras a late strike sealed the win for Lurgan. Shea Dougan Toal, Daniel Brown, Jack Richie, Jake Mckitterick, Bobby Mckinney, & Stephen Troughton in goals all played well.

Squad: Jamie Berry, Jack Richie, Bobby McKinney, Daniel Brown, Stephen Troughton, Sam Boyd, Jake Mckitterick, Johnny McKinney, Shea Dougan Toal, Morgan Whyte  

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 

Loughgall Youth

Loughgall Youth under 9′s produced their best display of the season, so far,  on Saturday as they won both matches in style beating Portadown Youth 3-1 and St Marys 3-0.  Right from the first whistle the boys 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 first goal came courtesy of an own goal. It was virtually identical to last week with James Black whipping over a vicious, swerving corner which was put into his own net by one of the Portadown defenders.  Jordan Bentley quickly doubled the lead with a real poachers goal and Chris Lindsay added a third with a fine shot from the edge of the box right on the stroke of half time. Portadown pulled one back in the second half but the Youth held firm and could have added to their tally.  It was great to see Sam Kerr back between the posts after recovering from a broken hand. He didn`t have much to do against Portadown due to the performance of the boys in front of him. Nathan Stoops and Josh Irwin were rocks at the back, Chris Lindsay worked hard in midfield and what was pleasing was the defensive display today of the Black twins, James and Alexander, who tracked back all day and made some crucial tackles at important times. Jordan, as usual worked his socks off up front and was rewarded with a goal.

The second match against St Marys saw Alexander Black score an early goal after good play from his brother James. After that it was backs to the wall for the Youth for the rest of the first half with Sam Kerr pulling off a great save at a crucial time and Nathan and Josh winning every tackle at the back. Chris, Alexander and James worked tirelessly in midfield and Jordan worked hard up front. The second half was all one way traffic with the Youth attacking from the start and further strikes from James Black and Jordan Bentley made the score more respectable and reflect the Youths superiority.  Chris, Jordan and James all had further chances to increase the scoreline but it remained at 3-0.

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

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

Player of the day was Nathan Stoops

Loughgall Colts

Last Saturday Loughgall U9 Colts took on the two Banbridge teams and after excellent performances recorded two well deserved victories.

The fist match was against Banbridge Town.  It was a close affair but largely dominated by the Colts.  John Forde was unfortunate on a number of occasions, and the corners form Jamie Cupples and Sam Cochrane were always dangerous.  Whenever Banbridge did attack their threat was comfortably dealt with by Andrew Bond and Matthew Monaghan in defence, with Jamie Berry sure handed in goals.  The deadlock was finally broken by Calvin Holland when he got on the end of a Sam Cochrane cross, at the back post. It was the only goal of the game as the Colts enjoyed a hard earned victory.

Loughgall then took on Banbridge Juniors.  Full of confidence they laid siege to the Banbridge goal from the onset.  John Forde, James Ballantine, and Calvin Holland all saw chances either well saved or going narrowly wide.  Not for the first time Sam Cochrane was fouled and Loughgall were award with a free kick.  Jamie Cupples stepped up to rifle an unstoppable shot into the top corner that the goalie barely saw.  Buoyed by this breakthrough the Colts poured forward and goals soon followed for the hard working John Forde and  Sam Cochrane.  3-0 at halftime was the least the lads deserved.  The 2nd half went much the same way as the first, with Loughgall keeping up the pressure.  James Ballantine scored a great goal from distance before Jamie and Sam both got their 2nd goals of the match, Sam with a long range effort and Jamie with a mazy run and finish.  Sam could have had a hattrick but was unfortunate to see his effort direct from a corner ruled out, but with Matthew Monaghan following up to score from close range, justice was done.  In the dying seconds, Jamie nearly scored his third but his effort went just wide.

The coach was very pleased not just by the results but by the efforts ALL the lads put in.  For example we were 6-0 up and Banbridge got a rare attack.  Just as they threatened our goals both Jamie Cupples and Sam Cochrane were back from their attacking positions to help to clear the ball.  The lads played as a team todat showing what they can achieve when they do.

Well done lads on two super performances, finally getting the results previous weeks efforts deserved.

Squad-Jamie Berry, Andrew Bond, Matthew Monaghan, James Ballantine Sam Cochrane, Jamie Cupples, Calvin Holland, John Forde

Player of the day- Jamie Cupples.  Dangerous on the wing, despite physical tackles and two well taken goals

Loughgall Lakers

Loughgall U9 Lakers made their 1st appearance of the season and were unfortunate to come up against two experienced accomplished sides in Portadown and Tullyvallen.

The Lakers may have lost both matches but could not be faulted for their effort and commitment.  Millar Grey did well in goals as did Daniel Brown and Bobby McKinney in defence.

Scores don’t matter at this stage its all about being out and getting experience.  Well done lads.

Squad-Millar Grey, Daniel Brown, Bobby McKinney, Morgan Whyte, James Shaw, Peter Spence, Steven Troughton, Sam Boyd, Jaye Hall

Player of the day Daniel Brown

Loughgall Youth

Loughgall Youth under 9′s recommenced their season on Saturday after the Christmas break. They drew 2 – 2 with Portadown and went down 4-0 against Sunnyside.  The match against Portadown was an entertaining affair with Portadown taking the lead against the run of play in the first half.  The Youth equalised at the start of the second half with a fine shot from the edge of the box from Chris Lindsay. Portadown quickly restored their lead before James Black whipped over a vicious, swerving corner which was put into his own net by one of the Portadown defenders.  The Youth held out for a creditable draw, which on the reflection of play was a fair result.  Nathan Stoops missed very little at the back, Chris Lindsay and Ryan Scott worked hard in midfield, with James and Alexander Black putting in some fine crosses from the wings.  Jordan Bentley worked hard up front.

The second match against Sunnyside was one to forget especially the first half when none of the guys got going at all.  Misplaced passes, failure to close the opposition down and in general being second to every ball lead to the Youths downfall.  However encouragement can be taken from all the boys for the way they played in the second half.  If they would have played in the first half, the way they played in the second half, then the scoreline may have been a lot different.  Based on their second half performances, Jamie Berry tried his best in goals, Nathan Stoops and Matthew Monaghan missed nothing at the back, Chris and Ryan played well in midfield, the Black twins worked hard on the wings and Jordan worked hard up front.

Squad- Jamie Berry, Nathan Stoops, Ryan Scott, Matthew Monaghan, James Black, Chris Lindsay, Alexander Black, Jordan Bentley.

Player of the day was James Black.

Loughgall Youth

Loughgall Youth under 9′s had mixed fortunes on Saturday as they went down 3-0 against Lurgan Town and then won 2-0 against Tandragee.  The boys gave Lurgan as good as they got in the first half but similar to last week preventable mistakes, coupled with the heavy pitch cost the Youth dear. Misplaced passes, failure to close down shots and giving away unnecessary free kicks lead to their own downfall.  Best for the Youth against Lurgan were Ryan Scott and Josh Irwin.

In the second match against Tandragee the boys totally redeemed themselves with a gutsy performance. The guys tried their best to play football on a heavy pitch and also had to mix it with a strong, physical Tandragee team.  The goals were both scored in the first half by the Black twins, James and Alexander.  The Youth had chances in the second half to extend their lead with Chris Lindsay blazing one over the bar and bringing a great save from the Tandragee keeper.  Sam Cochrane came out of goals in the second half and struck the woodwork with a fine effort.  Alexander Black nearly added to his tally with a first time shot that just went past the post.  Nathan Stoops was unlucky not to connect with the ball at the back post from a corner to open his account for the season.  Yet again Nathan and Ryan were outstanding at the back and Josh Irwin was the engine in midfield.  All the boys played well in this match and they can all now go and enjoy their Christmas break and re-charge their batteries ready to resume action again on 28 Jan 2012.

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

Player of the day was Ryan Scott

The guys all pass on their best wishes to regular goalkeeper Sam Kerr who broke 2 fingers. Get well soon Sam and we all hope to see you back between the sticks again in the New Year.

At the halfway point of the season the stats for the Youth are as follows:
P26 W12 D3 L11.

Loughgall Youth

Loughgall Youth under 9′s 4 match unbeaten run came to an end on Saturday as they drew 1-1 against Lurgan Vapors and lost 1-0 to Sunnyside Colts.  The boys struggled to deal with the difficult windy weather conditions at first and this coupled with preventable mistakes contributed to the winning run coming to an end. The first match against Lurgan saw a soft free kick given which the Youth failed to clear and this resulted in Lurgan taking the lead. The boys never say die attitude resulted in Jordan Bentley scoring the equaliser near the end. Nathan Stoops and Ryan Scott were again outstanding at the back. The Black twins, James and Alexander, were unfortunate with a couple of efforts, but in the end a draw was probably the right result.

In the second match Loughgall were beaten 1-0 by Sunnyside Colts. This was a game were the Youth failed to take their chances. Chris Lindsay was unfortunate with 2 efforts as was Jordan Bentley and James Black. Again Nathan Stoops and Ryan Scott performed well at the back and Josh Irwin dominated the midfield. Sam Kerr performed well in goals but there was nothing he could do to prevent Sunnyside taking the lead. The boys worked hard but could not find the equaliser which based on the balance of play they deserved.

A disappointing day for the Youth compared to the previous 2 weeks but the management duo of Keith Stoops and Stephen Lindsay are confident the boys will bounce back to winning ways next week.

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

Player of the day was Josh Irwin.

Loughgall Youth

Loughgall Youth under 9′s increased their winning run to 4 matches with 2 impressive victories against Portadown Boys and Sunnyside Colts.  The impressive passing, movement, teamwork and team spirit is improving each week. Against Portadown they won 2-0 with Jordan Bentley scoring both goals. For both goals he ran from the halfway line, leaving the defenders in his wake and finished with great composure. Nathan Stoops and Ryan Scott were outstanding at the back, with Josh Irwin and James Black also impressing

In the second match Loughgall beat Sunnyside Colts 1-0 with Chris Lindsay scoring the games only goal, his 15th strike of the season, after tremendous wing play from Alexander Black. Jamie Cupples was unfortunate with 2 great efforts in the first half and Sam Kerr made some great saves at crucial times to keep the Youth in the game. Again Nathan Stoops and Ryan Scott were solid at the back and missed nothing all day. Josh Irwin and James Black continued their impressive run of form in midfield and on the wing.

Another great day for the Youth with all the boys performing admirably.

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

Player of the day was Nathan Stoops.

Loughgall Colts

Loughall Colts went down 4-2 to Oxford Sunnyside. The goals were scored by Calvin Holland and Sam Cochrane. Sam’s goal was an absolute stunner. The boys performed well with Andrew Bond, Matthew Monaghan, Peter Spence and John Forde impressing.

Against Tullyvallen the boys lost 4-1 with Calvin Holland scoring the Colts goal. The boys played well but conceded 2 goals right on half time. They played well in the second half and pushed hard for an equaliser and were punished with 2 late Tullyvallen strikes.

Squad: Jamie Berry, Andrew Bond, James Ballantine, Matthew Monaghan, Calvin Holland, John Forde, Stephen Troughton, Sam Cochrane, Peter Spence 

Player of the day was Calvin Holland.