U-12s’ starring role as Carniny sides enjoy Friday night football

On the same evening the Under 17s were unlucky not to get more than a draw for their match with table toppers, Dungannon Swifts, who equalised late on with a penalty to make it 2-2.

Also on Friday night the U14s fell to Larne, having a depleted squad minus their keeper Jake Parker. All at the club wish Jake a speedy recovery after breaking his wrist in a school match.

Up in the North West a Jack Kennedy hat trick wasn’t enough for the U10 Youths who fought out a nine goal thriller with Ballymoney Utd YA. Whilst the U11 Amateurs went on a goal scoring spree for a comfortable win against Ballymoney Athletic.

UNDER-10

Carniny Youth 4, Ballymoney Utd YA 5: Ballymoney started this game much better and raced into a two-goal lead and had more chances to go further in front.

Carniny then settled into the game and the slick passing between Kenzie McMullan and tireless Cameron Moody sent Jack Kennedy clear but he was brought down before he could get his shot away. Kennedy got up and hit the free kick which was deflected into the net to make it 2-1.

Ballymoney however scored again to make it 3-1. Instead of disheartening Carniny it spurred the boys on to comeback again and a long clearance from Ciaran McQuillan sent Kennedy clear again and this time he smashed a terrific shot past the helpless keeper to make it 3-2 at half time.

The second half saw Carniny grow in confidence with Moody and Kennedy causing all sorts of problems for the Ballymoney defence. Moody’s excellent performance was rewarded with a great goal after McMullan powered down the right wing and sent a good cross which was delightfully finished by Cameron Moody to make it 3-3.

Carniny continued to press and scored the goal of the game when Kennedy who was surrounded by the entire Ballymoney defence turned and sent and unstoppable shot into the top corner to see him complete his hat trick and Carniny go 4-3 up. Carniny pushed for more goals and missed a host of chances before Ballymoney hit them on the break to equalise.

The game opened up in the closing stages with both sides wanting to win but unfortunately, Ballymoney sneaked the winner at the end to win 5-4 in a game that was brilliant to watch.

Carniny: Strange, Courtney, McMullan, Scott, Murray, Moody, Kennedy, McQuillan.

UNDER-11

NWCDYL result: Carniny Amateurs 8, Ballymoney Athletic 2.

UNDER-12

Carniny Youth 1, Whitehead 0: Carniny 2003’s grabbed a deserved win in a hard fought match against Whitehead on a wet night in the South Belfast‎ league.

In a closely contested first half, ‎the young reds hit were unlucky not to take the lead but were denied twice by the post, and by some good saves from the Whitehead keeper. Whitehead had a golden chance of their own towards the end of half but their striker missed the target when in on goal.

Carniny freshened things up at half time and seemed to find more time, and space. After a succession of corners they finally took the lead when their big centre half bundled the ball home from close range. Carniny kept the pressure up but chances came and went to make the safe.

They hit the woodwork a third time late on but in truth kept Whitehead’s chances to a minimum to secure a deserved win.

UNDER-14

Carniny Youth 1, Larne Youth 5: Carniny were under pressure right from the off, but stood firm and thwarted any attacks. No clear-cut chances from both sides were made as the game wore on. Larne took the lead through an own goal.

Carniny battled back and on the stroke of half time equalised when the ball fell to Cameron Moag who drilled a shot from 30 yards gave the keeper no chance.

From the start of the second half Carniny were again under pressure and conceded this time from a set piece.

With Carniny being forced to chase the game gaps were there and Larne took advantage and added another 2 in quick succession to kill off the game.