Undeterred U14s get a point against fancied team

They were playing their first match since their manager and coach left the club but it didn’t show in their attitude or performance. They took the game to Oxford straight away and it turned out to be an end to end exciting affair.

Oxford drew first blood when a long speculative shot flew into the top corner of the net despite a gallant effort by goalkeeper Billy Campbell.

The Juniors played a controlled passing game and were not disheartened with being a goal down as Daniel Moore, Gavin McParland and Odhran McKibbin put in a great effort but they went into the half-time break a goal down.

The Juniors started the second half brightly and got a deserved equaliser on 10 minutes with a brilliant Jamie McAtamney free kick that flew into the top left hand corner of the net from 20 yards out giving the keeper no chance.

This goal inspired the Juniors further and twice they were denied the lead through fine goalkeeping by the Oxford keeper. First a close range shot by Daniel Moore and then after a great dribbling run from midfield by Gavin McParland the keeper smothered the ball.

Not to be denied the Juniors got their reward with another free kick 18 yards out. Jamie McAtamney again fired another great shot into the net for a well deserved lead.

The Juniors continued to play some great football from the back were now in control of the match while Oxford tried to press forward. From one long range shot keeper Billy Campbell got down well to his right to push the ball out for a corner.

The back three of Ryan Devlin - who was having a superb game, Jamie McAtamney and new player Mark Weir were in control with support from a very good midfield. However, with time running out Oxford did produce an equaliser in a highly entertaining match.

What a tremendous performance from the Juniors against a highly fancied Oxford side and no doubt they can look forward to a good season.