Under 14s Secure Solid Win Against Tír na nÓg

South West U14 League Section 2

Glenavy 4-2 Tir na nOg, Randalstown 0-4

Photographs: Bert Trowlen

Glenavy had Tir na nOg, Randalstown as visitors to Chapel Hill on Friday evening in their penultimate game in the section 2 of the SW U14 league. Both teams came into the game very much still in contention for a top 4 finish and keen to confirm a strong position for the play offs at the end of the month.

Both teams were short a number of players due to holidays but particular credit must go to Randalstown who relied on a large number of the U12 squad to ensure they fulfilled the fixture.

As with the reverse fixture earlier in the league and despite depleted squads the game was very competitive throughout with the Randalstown lads battling qualities shining through.

Glenavy got off to a flying start right from the throw in with direct and purposeful running at the Tir na nOg defence, forcing a reactive save from the keeper only for Glenavy’s full forward to react quickest and finish the rebound into the net. A dominate first 10 minutes saw Glenavy tag on another goal and point and only for a mix of poor shot selection and last ditch defending the game could have be over at this point. However the Randalstown lads weren’t going to give up and driven on by their midfielders took a foot hold in the game and finished the half on the front foot scoring 0-2 but creating several more chances. This time it was Glenavy that relied on their goalkeeper and full back line to ensure the score was kept to only 2 points.

The second half started again with a quick Glenavy score and some pressure however as with the first half Randalstown capitalised on loose Glenavy passing and hit them on the break. Randalstown‘s younger players at this stage certainly didn’t look out of place and contributed fully to a competitive game. Glenavy tagged on a late goal to push the score out and a fine response with a long range point from the impressive Tir na nOg mid fielder competed the scoring with a win for Glenavy.

Both teams will hope to have full squads to choose from come the play offs and both teams will certainly fancy their chances in the knock out stages.