Sky Blues breeze past rivals Moyola

Moyola Park 1

MAGHERAFERLT Sky Blues produced a superb second half display last Saturday in the Craig Memorial Cup against local rivals Moyola Park to run out 4-1 winners.

The game which was played in beautiful September sunshine at Spires Park attracted a large local ground.

The Blues flew out of the blocks and Thomas Beattie dodged his way through a hesitant Moyola defence before his shot was saved but Stephen Hassan followed into score. A great start for the Blues.

Moyola came storming back and it took a stunning one handed save by Farniok at the foot of his post to keep the visitors out. Moyola pegged the Blues back and from a corner the visiting team were awarded a dubious penalty. This was scored to bring the teams level.

The rest of the first half was a rather scrappy affair as neither team managed to control the play for any length of time. The only notable action took place in the final minute of the half when Hassan spun to curl stunning effort of the angle of post and bar.

Seamus Quinn’s half-time team talk had an inspired effect on the home side as they came out with all guns blazing to race into a 4-1 lead and create many other chances.

Darren Walls scored to make it 2-1 with a certain goal of the season contender. Walls picked up the ball on the left flank, slipped it around one player, outpaced another before unleashing a thunderous shot from the 18 yard box angle right into the top corner.

Thomas Beattie then got in on the act by converting a penalty. Beattie had found Hassan on the wing, his delightful cross was met by team captain, Ciaran Monaghan, and his subsequent shot was blocked on the line by a Moyola hand. Beattie made no mistake as he buried the ball into the corner.

Moyola were on the ropes and it was Hassan who deservedly applied the finishing goal. The busy winger stole possession from the Moyola defender before running through and calmly slotting into the bottom corner.

Other chances for the Blues fell to Monaghan and Adam Kells who both narrowly missed the target.

Moyola had a couple of late chances which Farniok and the Blues defence cleared; however, there was only one deserved winner. Congratulations to the Sky Blues team who now progress into the next round.

Training News

All players are requested to check the Blues website for the latest training details.

To keep up to date with all team information please visit www.skybluesfc.net

Anyone interested in joining the club will be most welcome.

Under 14

Training continues this Tuesday night outdoor at Meadowbank 6.30-745PM

Cost £3
Any one who still hasnt payed their membership fee, you must bring this to training this week.
Remember the Sponsorship for the new team kit is due to me by Friday at the latest.

Under 13

25th Sept Location: Meadowbank outdoor pitch
Time: 6:30 pm

Pick up: 7:30 pm
Cost: £3:00

Membership of £10 is now due.
Sponsor cards need to be taken to Geoff at Sportique

Fixtures

First Team –League - Magherafelt Sky Blues v Dunloy FC – Saturday 29th September 2pm KO Spires Park

Reserves – League – Ballymoney United Reserves v Magherafelt Sky Blues Reserves – Saturday 29th Sept 2pm ko Joey Dunlop Centre, Ballymoney

Under 15 – League –Magherafelt Sky Blues v Warrenpoint Town – Saturday 22nd September 11am ko

Under 14 – League –Magherafelt Sky Blues v Crusaders – Saturday 22nd September 11am ko

Under 13– League –Magherafelt Sky Blues v Cookstown Youth – Saturday 22nd September 11am ko

Under 12 – League – Derry Colts v Magherafelt Sky Blues - Saturday 29th September 11am ko

Results

First Team –Craig Memorial Cup – Round 1 - Magherafelt Sky Blues 4 Moyola Park 1

Reserves – League – Magherafelt Sky Blues no game

Under 15 – League – Magherafelt Sky Blues 0 Cookstown Youth 1

Under 13– League – Crusaders 2 Magherafelt Sky Blues 2

Under 14 – League – North End United 2 Magherafelt Sky Blues 2

Under 12 – League – Foyle Harps 3 Magherafelt Sky Blues 1

Lotto

The Magherafelt Sky Blues Ground Development Lotto will continue next weekend. No one matched the correct numbers last week. The £25 lucky dip winner for last week was Liam Mallon. Tickets are on sale for next Saturday’s draw from all committee members. The jackpot is now £775.

Under 14s

draw at

North-End

Magherafelt Sky Blues U14s travelled to Ballymena showgrounds on Friday Night and came away with a share of the spoils against Northend

The young Blues side failed to find any kind of form in the first half and allowed the Ballymena side to go one up after only ten minutes.

The only highlight of the half was an excellent individual goal from Simon McErlain, the Sky Blues were very fortunate to go into the break level.

The Magherafelt side started the second half with a much better attitude but unfortunately conceded early to again find themselves chasing the game.

With 20 minutes to go it was now the Blues who found themselves controlling the game.

The equaliser came when a Jake Young corner was flicked on at the front post and found the head of Sebastian Layden who nodded the ball into the net through a crowded goal mouth.

The Blues continued to create chance after chance but just couldn’t find that all important winner.
Man of the Match this week goes to Simon McErlain for another outstanding midfield performance topped of with a great individual goal.