Newry City AFC U20s 1–2 Glenavon FC U20s

Glenavon U20s had to make the long journey to Bignian Park in Kilkeel to take on a strong and much improved Newry City U20s.

The opening minutes of the game were fast paced with both teams’ goalkeepers doing well to keep the game at 0-0.

The opening goal went Glenavon’s way when Dylan Alexander finished off a well worked move from the young Lurgan Blues.

Glenavon had a lot of the ball and created numerous chances but were unable to add any further goals before half time.

The second half was similar to the first with Glenavon having more of the ball, but again were unable to create or work any clear openings due to some good defending from the Newry back line.

Newry continued to work hard and were rewarded with their good pressing when they forced Glenavon to play the ball back towards Elliott Hunter in nets, when an unfortunate mistake ended up with the ball going into the Glenavon goal to make it 1-1.

The young Lurgan Blues didn’t give up and retook the lead on 75 minutes as Daniel Shiel headed home from a Harry Norton free kick.

A positive performance against a tough Newry team, with both Dylan Alexander and Daniel Shiel scoring their first goals for the U20s. Special mentions also to Elliott Hunter and Ashley Beckett who both made their debuts last night, stepping up from the U18s.

Lastly, we would like to wish Liam Corr, Jadon Morgan and all their team mates from the Integrated College Dungannon every success in today’s Danske Bank NI Schools’ Cup Final. Good luck also to Michael O’Connor who coaches the team alongside ex-Glenavon player Mark Patton, who is their manager.

Squad: E. Hunter, B. Harvey, J. Quinn, D. Brown, H. Lynch, D. Dillon, C. Murray, H. Norton, M. Hughes, J. McDowell, D. Alexander. Subs: S. Burns, R. McAlinden, A. Beckett, D. Shiel, M. Morris.