Newry are a-Niall-ated by Seconds

Newry Seconds 0

NEWRY Seconds were seeing double on Saturday afternoon at Havelock Park as first XI star Niall Kelly, in tandem with twin brother Ciaran, scored the first of Bann’s goals in a comfortable 3-0 victory.

Further strikes either side of half time from Colin McKnight and Jamie Wright accentuated the gulf in class between the two sides, but coach John McKee will be hoping his young side can sharpen up in front of goal with the McClement’s Cup Final only two weeks away.

Bann had beaten Newry 10-3 in their last encounter but with Premier League action taking a weekend off due to the Inter provincial tournament in Dublin it was two greatly altered sides who took to the field this time around. Simon Magowan and Niall Kelly came into the squad from the First XI, joining the newly eligible Ben Cosgrove who was making his senior debut at Havelock.

Newry began the match with a high press and forced the Bann midfield into some early errors, gifting possession to the visitors in some dangerous areas of the pitch. However the visitors lacked quality in the attacking third and any potential assault on Beattie’s goal was thwarted by Burns and Doug Anderson in the heart of the Banbridge defence.

Bann’s midfield trio of McKnight, Tumilty and Ciaran Kelly began to stamp their authority on proceedings as the half wore on. Tumilty in particular was revelling in the combative nature of the midfield battle.

Niall Kelly’s undoubted quality, which has made him a permanent fixture in Mark Tumilty’s first XI squad, shone through for the opening goal of the contest. The dynamic schoolboy ghosted into the circle, and fired a stinging reverse shot past the Newry goalkeeper, into the left hand side of the goal.

Livingstone’s introduction into midfield injected a driving force into Bann’s play down the left wing, allowing Magee to brandish his inimitable array of skills on a thoroughly overworked Newry defence.

Magee’s strike partner, Jamie Wright, was unfortunate not to double the home side’s advantage after a ferocious strike high into the net was adjudged to have been struck from outside the circle. A more impressive, but nonetheless, illegitimate feat.

Bann doubled their lead following the first penalty corner of the afternoon. Doug Anderson’s flick was charged down en route to goal and after an untidy scramble around the penalty flick spot McKnight was on hand to slam the ball into the onion bag from close range.

John McKee demanded a markedly improved second half display during the half time interval with his focus turning to the cup final which was looming large on the horizon.

The second half degenerated into a messy affair with the ill discipline of the away side affecting Bann’s focus and preventing any moments of real quality from developing. The third goal of the match followed a distinctly sloppy period of play from the Banbridge defence.

Newry, contrary to their game plan, had over committed players in a bid to capitalise on Bann’s defensive errors. Junior Burns, sensing Newry’s stretched formation, sprung a ruthless counter attack which navigated 70 yards in a matter of moments. Burns’ pass found McKnight, who in turn spotted the unmarked Wright inside the Newry circle, allowing the young Portadown College marksman to slap a first time shot underneath the sprawling Newry goalkeeper.

Hutchinson and Neil Anderson came off the bench to shore up the midfield and provide a boost to the energy reserves of the team in the final stages. Although Newry eventually penetrated the Bann circle, Beattie’s clean sheet was never in jeopardy as Bell, Anderson and Burns remained solid throughout.

In the end it was a comfortable victory but not a match for the purist. A special mention must go to Ben Cosgrove who looked extremely assured in defence and took the first step in what promises to be a bright future for the Academy starlet.