CHAMPIONS: MID ULSTER UNDER 15s

CHAMPIONS: MID ULSTER UNDER 15s
“It takes a lot of people to make a winning
team. Everybody's contribution is important”
Congratulations to Phil McKinley, Robin Carson and our MU15 side on winning the Mid Ulster U15 League Cup their second trophy in 2 years. Victory came in the form of a 4-1 win over rivals Craigavon City; and the goals
from Aaron Winters (2) and Lewis McKinley (2).
Town where placed into group 2 of the League Cup and the competition
has been running since January. They started slowly with a 1-1 draw
against Damolly. Aaron Winters with the goal. In their second game of
the competition they again drew (2-2) this time against Windmill Stars.
Jonny Russell and Aaron Winters picking up the goals. Knowing only a
win would allow them to progress in the last group game, the boys
turned on the style with a comfortable 4-0 win over Armagh City. Aaron
Winters picked up a hat trick for his 5th goal in the competition and
Adam Loughran scored the other. The semi final was another close
encounter but Town managed a 2-1 victory over Valley Rangers. Lewis
McKinley and Jack O’Neill taking the boys to the final against Craigavon
City. A week later Town where defeated on penalties in the Shield Final
Copyright Lurgan Town FC 2015
NEWS IN BRIEF
Under 11s
NIBFA FINALS DAY
Congratulations to our Lisburn League U11 and U12 sides on reaching
the NIBFA Finals day. Both finals will be played at the Cookstown
Sports Arena (Mid Ulster Sports Arena) on Monday 4th May.
Under 11 v Portadown Youth - NIBFA Cup Final - KO 1.30pm
Under 12 v St Oliver Plunketts - NIBFA Plate Final - KO 12.00pm
CONGRATULATIONS GARETH AND CLAUDIA
Congratulations to U13 manager Gareth
Maxwell on his recent marriage to Claudia
McMillan. The two lovebirds tied the knot on
Monday 13th April. We hear he is opening a
Banbridge camp of Lurgan Town FC ??????????
DATES SET FOR AWARDS CEREMONIES
The following dates have been set for the
annual awards days. All will be held in the new
clubhouse at the Lurgan Town Arena.
Junior Awards: Saturday 16th May
U11s & 12s
10am - game time / 11am - awards and BBQ.
U13s & U14s
11.15am - game time / 12.15pm - awards and
BBQ.
U15s, U16s & U17s
12.30pm - game time / 1.30pm - awards and BBQ.
Senior Awards: Saturday 6th June
Academy Awards: Tuesday 16th June
FOOTBALL PSYCHOLOGY
Pictured right is head coach Robert Davidson alongside Tom Bates, head of football psychology with
West Brom. Robert was in attendance at a recent
workshop led by Tom which will be delivered to all
Lurgan Town coaches in the new season.
Under 12s
DON’S DID YOU KNOW?
LURGAN TOWN FACTS
This months did you know should give you an insight to the
players and teams that make up our club. There are some
interesting facts in here…
#1 In total, 9 players have been signed by professional football
clubs in the mainland. They are in order Nicky Houston
(Peterborough Utd), Scott Gordon (Southampton), Sean Lavery
(Leeds Utd), Daryl Smylie (Newcastle Utd), Niall Henderson
(Gretna), Sean Mackle (Hearts), Scott Gibb (Falkirk), Trudi
Harbinson (Arsenal Ladies), Daniel Wright (Wolves).
#2 Phil McKinley is the oldest player to have scored a hat trick
for the senior side. It came in 2009 in a 3-1 away win over
Ballymacash Rangers. Phil was 38 at the time.
#3 There are 2 sports represented in the club badge. Football
and greyhound racing. The greyhound in question is Master
McGrath, three time winner of the Waterloo Cup and arguably
Lurgan’s most famous export.
#4 So far this season, 6 players have stepped up from the junior section to represent the seniors.
They are: Feidhlim McDonald (U16s), Matthew Hosty (U17s), Scott Wiltshire (U17s), Dylan Hoy
(U17s), Sidney Tavares (U17s), Tiarnan Judge (U17s).
#5 Of the current senior squad, 5 players have played for the club from U10 through the ranks up to
the 1st / 2nd Teams. They are: Aaron Parks, Matthew Johnston, Gareth Cousins, Ryan Cousins and
Geoff Greenaway. Loyalty at its finest.
#6 Lurgan Town have won 5 trophies this season.
(U9's Lurgan Shamrocks Tournament, U10's
Michael Heaney Memorial Tournament, U11 NIBFA
Northern Ireland Cup, U12 NIBFA Northern Ireland
Plate, U12 Castle Juniors Plate, U15 Mid Ulster
Youth League Cup).
#7 The top 13 leading goal scorers have amassed
179 goals between them this season… so far. 6
teams are represented in the top 10 (MU13, LL13,
MU14, MU15, LL16, Seniors).
#8 Town Seniors have used a total of 52 players
this season, for both the 1st Team and 2nd Team.
This is the lowest since the 2007/08 season when
49 players where used.
#9 Town’s longest serving player is Geoff
Greenaway. He has played at every age group from
U10 to Seniors and is also the current U16 coach.
SOCCABILITY OPENING NIGHT A GREAT SUCCESS
The first evening of the
new batch of soccability
sessions was a raving
success. 12 young men
joined coaches Phil
McKinley and Gareth
Maxwell for some
soccer fundamentals
and game time. The
sessions are held every
Thursday night from
8pm to 9pm on our new
3G pitch. If you would
like to attend please
contact Philip McKinley
on 07753 93507 for
more information.
THE LONG WAIT IS OVER
Back in October 2013, it was announced that
Lurgan Town and its Arena pitches would
receive a huge £461,000 financial investment
from the Department for Social
Development. This money was used to lay a
new purpose built 9-a-side 3G pitch, erect a
new clubhouse and improve existing
floodlighting and car parking facilities. 18
months on and that work has finally been
completed, much to the delight of us all here
at Lurgan Town. As you can see from the
picture, our home looks fantastic, and we are
proud to boast some of the best facilities in
the country.
Saturday 4th April - Jackpot £125 - No Jackpot Winners / Two 3 ball Winners
Saturday 11th April - Jackpot £150 - No Jackpot Winners / No 3 ball Winners
Saturday 18th April - Jackpot £175 - No Jackpot Winners / No 3 ball Winners
Saturday 25th April - Jackpot £200 - No Jackpot Winners / Two 3 ball Winners
LARNE YOUTH TOURNAMENT REVIEW
On Easter Monday our U9, U10 and U11 sides travelled to Larne to take participate in their annual
tournament. Although no trophies were won, the boys and coaches had a fantastic day. Check out the
pictures and a few words on how the guys got on.
The U10s performed very well, finishing 2nd in their group.
They beat Carniny in the 1st game 1-0. Jamie Stringer with
the goal. The 2nd game finished 0-0 with Roe Valley. The
3rd game also finished 0-0 with St Oliver Plunketts. In the
final game in the group we lost to a good Carrick Rangers
team 2-1. Bobby Harvey scored our goal we just missed
out on a quarter final spot as one of the best runner ups.
Team was Dylan Emerson, Brandon Boyce, Krisy Cassells,
Jamie Stringer, Bobby Harvey, Ben Hendron & Patryk
Under 10
The Lisburn League U11 squad endured a
difficult day at the Larne 7 aside tournament on Easter
Monday. The boys had been playing really well in the
run up to this competition however the format of 7
aside with 10 minute matches, along with smaller nets
and pitches than they are used to, just didn’t work for
them. Through no lack of effort the lads only managed
one win and 2 goals in 4 games (scored by Jake Turner
and Jack Harvey) resulting in a short day out. Team:
Bradley Brown, James Maguire, Jack Harvey, Issiac Baird,
Jake Turner, Tom Leathem, Harry Norton, Dylan Stewart.
Lurgan U9s were drew in what was the toughest group of the
day. Game 1 we played Celtic Boy's and after some great football found themselves 2 down after hitting the post and crossbar. They finally got 1 back but was not enough as Celtic ran out
2-1 winners. Game 2 Town played Larne Youth and were quick
off the mark with Dylan getting 2, Jessie also getting 2 and
Callum getting 1 Lurgan were back on track. In game 3 Lurgan
played Crumlin Utd and blew them away with an 8-0 win. Goals
from Christopher (2), Matthew (2), Dylan (2), Josh (1) and Liam
(1). Game 4 was against Carrick Rangers. They where a lot more
resilient until Aaron broke the deadlock and with some great
saves from Connan Lurgan knew they had to put the game to.
They did that with goals from Jessie (2) and Christopher. Game
5 was the final group game against Bertie Peacock in a game
that both teams needed to win. Lurgan struck first with a cracking strike from Dylan. After some great passing peacock were
level and after throwing everything up for the winner Lurgan
were caught as peacock went 2-1 up but Town were not finished. Jessie and Dylan making the Bertie Peacock keeper work
very hard but in the end the couldn't get the goal and Bertie
Peacock went through with Celtic Boy's. A big think for the
vocals from the parents as a great day was had by all.
Under 11
Under 9
U9 Town Team: Connan, Josh, Aaron, Liam, Callum,
Christopher, Matthew, Dylan, Jessie.
MARTIN’S MEMOIRS... MY ALL TIME XI… THE GOAL MACHINES
The team is shaping up well. Now is the time for the money
makers, the lads who ultimately win the games - Striker
Nominations as follows:
Neville Gorman - Nev was a bit of an enigma. I could never work
out if he actually liked me or not. He was tall and very strong for
his age (around U16-U18) and he started out at centre back in
front of me. He was more than competent there but he shined
up top. He was as mentioned, strong and great in the air. Hard to
knock off the ball and was clinical. Enjoyed the aggressive and
physical side of the game. First player I ever observed scoring 5
goals in the one game!!!
Martin Murtagh
Mark Wright - Bagwell was a bit of a lose cannon. On top of that
he has a cannon of a left foot. Back in the day he was interested in football, he was like myself a poor loser. He
liked the ball ultimately to feet, he moved it out quickly from underfoot and hit it like a bullet. As he got older
he seemed to lose interest in the game.
Colin Gilliland - Gilly, although I don't often see, is a gentleman and a
friend of mine. A well mannered and humorous lad off the pitch and
a workhorse on it. At the Town it was U18 level. He was quick, agile
and versatile. His greatest asset was the same as Greg Stewart, his
intelligence. He could read a game well and was a true asset up front.
Never quit. Loved to run with the ball and deadly in a 1 on 1 situation.
Good in the air for a lad that wasn't that tall. Was gutted when he
went to his hometown club. Really believe Lurgan Town lost a quality
player…who knows how many he’d have got at the town.
Lee Dickson
Matt Irvine - Matt had everything you could want in a footballer. Tall,
broad, strong. He was quick and agile. His movement was top drawer.
Hard to knock off the ball once on it. Held it up quite well too. What
Matt lacked was a killer instinct which would come with aggression.
He just needed to add that to his game and who knows.
Lee Dickson - Was Dicko a Keeper, a winger or a striker. I’m not sure
even he knows / knew. The sort of lad you would want around your
club. A real mischievous streak and took an enormous amount of
abuse, all good natured. Given he was naturally in my opinion a
goalkeeper, he was tall, agile and quick…at least over the first 10
yards lol. Dicko was clinical enough in his finishing and good in the air.
Could strike a set piece too. Needed like Matt, to be more aggressive.
Steven Savage - In my
opinion, the most
clinical finisher I have
played along side.
Could strike a dead ball
Steven Savage
Matt Irvine as sweet as any and
scored some very
important goals in the
promotion
season.
Savo could read a game as good as any. Vocal, always wanted
the ball. Reasonable in the air but strength lay in striking the
ball. As clean and as sweet as I’ve ever seen. Hated to lose, hated it which for me is always a good sign. Lacked
that little bit of pace that may have taken him elsewhere.
MARTIN’S MEMOIRS... MY ALL TIME XI… THE GOAL MACHINES
Philly Briggs - An Enigma. For me this guy could have been whatever he
wanted to be and I really mean that. He had it all. Pace, clinical finisher
particularly from distance. Such balance. So hard to knock off the ball. So quick
with the ball at his feet and even quicker off it. The ball didn't necessarily have
to be to feet because his first touch was exceptional. Had other things he
preferred to do in life than play ball which was a real loss.
Phil McKinley - A club stalwart. Phil would still play if his body could handle it.
LOVES his football and LOVES his football club. A prolific goalscorer. Always
wanted the ball and always wanted to go for goal. Had a single vision which all
good strikers have…..he wanted to score goals and he did. Great attitude on
Phil McKinley and off the pitch. A gentleman and an asset to Lurgan Town Football Club.
Stuart Gordon - Another club
stalwart. Born goalscorer and “member of the first family”. I
didn't really get to play in the same sides as Stuart until
senior level. He has a great scoring record at all age groups.
His strengths for me, were in holding up the ball and bringing
others into play, and…his left peg. A sweet left foot as you
could ask for. Excellent first touch, good range of long and
short passing and a clinical finisher. Could make space when
there wasn't any. AND the scorer of the greatest hat trick I’ve
ever seen at Oxford - the third lobbing the keeper from 40
yards. For me, though, the two centre forwards are: Philly
Briggs. One of the best players I have ever seen. Cant ignore
that and Steven Savage. Clinical. Simple
Stuart Gordon
MARTIN ‘RIGGS’ MURTAGH
ALL TIME LURGAN TOWN XI
GK:
DAVID ‘D-BALL’ GRAHAM
RB:
CB:
CB:
LB:
GEOFF GREENAWAY
GREIG ‘BAP’ SAVAGE
RYAN ‘CHEESER’ FEE
SCOTT GORDON
RM:
CM:
CM:
LM:
CARL ‘MINI’ FOSTER
STEPHEN ‘DIXIE’ HEASLEY
GARETH KING
CRAIG McKEOWN
FWD: PHILIP BRIGGS
FWD: STEVEN SAVAGE
SUBS: MARTIN MURTAGH, JONNY HOEY,
RODERICK McMURRAY, STUART GORDON,
RICHY GARTLAND, GREIG STEWART,
CHRIS KELLY, LEE DICKSON
GAFFER: BRIAN ‘TITCH’ CLARKE
APRIL RESULTS
29th April 2015
2nd Team 1-3 Markethill Swifts Res (John Guy)
U16 LL 0-5 Hillsborough Boys
U13 LL 1-2 Hillsborough Boys (Jake Gorman)
U13 MU 1-5 Banbridge Town Juniors (Alex Wheelan)
As of Wednesday 29th April 2015
Full list of scorers on www.lurgantownfc.com
25th April 2015
U17 LL 0-7 Knockbreda
U16 LL 1-2 Banbridge Town Juniors (Harvey Joyce)
U15 MU 1-1 (Lose 4-2 Pens) (Adam Loughran)
U14 LL 2-3 Lisburn Youth (Nathan Cowan, Declan Lavery)
U14 MU 3-1 Dungannon Youth (Ryan McGuckin)
U13 LL 8-0 North End (Ryan Byrne x4, Eoin Casey x3, Denver Elliott)
22nd April 2015
2nd Team 2-1 Derryhirk Utd Res (John Guy, Kyle Cousins)
U17 LL 0-3 Lower Maze
U15 MU H-W Damolly
21st April 2015
U15 NL 2-4 Linfield Youth (Oran McGuckin, Josiah Burgees)
20th April 2015
U16 LL 0-3 North End
18th April 2015
U16 LL 1-4 Downpatrick (Jake Kerr)
U15 MU 4-1 Craigavon City (Aaron Winters x2, Lewis McKinley)
U14 LL 4-2 Oxford Sunnyside Colts (Nathan Cowan, Alex Woods,
Declan Lavery, Jack Harkness)
U14 MU 1-5 Banbridge Town Juniors (Jack Hogg)
U13 LL 3-0 Lisburn Distillery (Eoin Casey, Jack Doyle, Dee Lavery)
Aaron Winters (above)
21 goals - Mid Ulster U15s
Croistan McAreavey
18 goals - Lisburn League U16s
Adam Loughran
17 goals - Mid Ulster U15s
U13 MU 3-3 Dromara Village (Matthew Wells, Conor Lavery, Peter Millen)
15th April 2015
2nd Team 2-1 Richhill Res (Kyle Cousins, Adam Beattie)
Jack Hogg
16 goals - Mid Ulster U14s
14th April 2015
1st Team 3-5 Linfield Youth (Darragh Gray x2, Oran McGuckin)
Stevie Turner
15 goals - Senior 2nd Team
11th April 2015
1st Team 3-2 Broomhedge (David Hamilton x2, Sidney Tavares)
2nd Team 3-2 Laurelvale Res (Scott Gordon x2, Adam Beattie)
U17 LL 1-2 Willowbank (Matthew Hagan)
U15 MU 9-1 Damolly (Aaron Winters x4, Adam Hall x2, James Willis,
Adam Loughran, Jack O'Neill)
U14 MU 2-0 Tandragee Rovers (Josh McClune, Jack Hogg)
U13 MU 1-4 Banbridge Town Panthers (Jack Meginnis)
8th April 2015
U16 LL 1-2 Lisburn Rangers (Jake Kerr)
U13 LL 0-9 Lisburn Youth
4th April 2015
1st Team 1-5 Richhill (Dylan Hoy)
2nd Team 3-0 Lurgan Institute Res (Scott McBride, Scott Gordon,
Adam Beattie)
1st April 2015
U14 LL 0-5 Oxford Sunnyside
Kyle Cousins
15 goals - Senior Teams
MEET THE COACHES
Full Name:
Scott McBride
Full Name:
Matthew Clarke
Team:
Lisburn League
U16
Team:
Mid Ulster U12
DOB: 28/05/1988
DOB:
06/01/1993
Lives: Lurgan
Lives: Lurgan
Favourite Team:
Liverpool
Favourite Team: Man Utd
Favourite Player: Past: Beckham. Current: Pogba
Favourite Player:
Pepe Reina
Preferred Football Formation: 4-2-3-1
Preferred Football Formation: 4-4-2
Previous Clubs As A Player: Lurgan Institute, Tandrage
Rovers, Lurgan Town
Previous Clubs As A Player: Lurgan Town, Lurgan BBOB,
Hill St, Dollingstown, Banbridge Town, Cliftonville, and
currently Tandragee Rovers
Previous Club As A Coach: None
Previous Club As A Coach: Lurgan BBOB
Proudest Moment In Football: Winning player of the year,
players player of the year and top goal scorer (people think
I lie with this) all last season at my previous club.
Full Name:
Peter Magliocco
Team:
Academy U7
DOB: 03/02/1992
Lives: Craigavon
Favourite Team:
Man City
Favourite Player:
Fabio Cannavaro
Proudest Moment In Football: Playing for the Mid Ulster
select squad against Scotland at U18s
Full Name: John Annett
Team: National League U15
DOB: 27/11/1968
Lives: Rathfriland
Favourite Team: Spurs
Favourite Player: My son Zach and I
argue about this one. He reckons
Ronaldo is the best in the world,
but my vote goes to Lionel Messi.
Whenever I was growing up my two favourite players where
Glenn Hoddell and Michel Plattini—two brilliant number 10s.
(However I never got to see Robert Davidson play).
Preferred Football Formation: When I played it was simply 4-4-2
or 4-3-3 which suited me. Today I like 3-5-2 or 5-3-2 where the
two wide midfielders are really attacking full backs and it’s an
effective system for switching between attack and defence.
Preferred Football Formation: 4-3-2-1
Previous Clubs As A Player: AFC Craigavon
Previous Club As A Coach: None
Proudest Moment In Football: Walking onto the pitch at
Maine Road [Man City former ground] and shaking
Malcolm Allison’s hand
Previous Clubs As A Player: Rathfriland and Dromara
Previous Club As A Coach: Banbridge Town Juniors
Proudest Moment In Football: I have a few: Watching my 3 children lift various trophies and awards. Also winning back to back
titles and finishing top scorer both seasons to take Rathfriland to
the Premier Division of the Amateur League. Most recently our
Under 15 team clinching promotion to the National League A section and watching them develop and compete against some of
the best teams in the country this season.
MEET THE COACHES
Full Name: Steven Beattie
Full Name: Chris Kemp
Team: Lisburn League U16s
and Reserves
Team: Academy U9
DOB: 17/09/1979
DOB: 04/09/1984
Lives: Aghagallon
Lives: Lurgan
Favourite Team: Spurs
Favourite Team: Rangers
Favourite Player: Pat Jennings
Favourite Player:
Ally McCoist
Preferred Football Formation: 4-3-1-2
Preferred Football Formation:
4-3-3
Previous Clubs As A Player: CP Goodyear Youth, Sunnyside,
Crewe United,
Previous Clubs As A Player: Lurgan Town, Lurgan Institute
Previous Club As A Coach: Lower Maze, Crewe United,
Glenavon
Previous Club As A Coach: Lurgan Institute
Proudest Moment In Football: Getting the shield final this
season with the U16s. The result didn't go our way on the
day but hopefully we will rectify that in seasons to come.
Proudest Moment In Football: I have many with Crewe
including runners up in 2 league cups. With Glenavon U12
we where runners up in the plate, won the National League
and Playing for the Future cup and plate in the first season.
In the second season we where only beaten once and drew
once only to lose the NIBFA B league by a point. I feel the
best is still to come though.
Full Name: Nigel Johnston
Full Name: Paul Cassidy
Team: Lisburn League U14
Team: Mid Ulster U11
DOB: 1966
DOB: 13/10/1978
Lives: Lurgan
Lives: Lurgan
Favourite Team: Leeds Utd
(Yes I am that old)
Favourite Team: Soft spot
for Aston Villa as it was my
grandad’s team.
Favourite Player: Alan Clarke
(Leeds Utd) and Dennis Bergkamp
Favourite Player: Paul McGrath - didn't have to train too
hard but still got to play.
Preferred Football Formation:
4-4-1-1
Preferred Football Formation: Still exploring options.
Previous Clubs As A Player: Glenavon, New Century,
Lurgan Institute Annagh Utd
Previous Clubs As A Player: Oxford Utd, Derryhirk Utd,
Lurgan Celtic
Previous Club As A Coach: Lurgan Town for 11 years
Previous Club As A Coach: I’ve coached in other sports but
this is my first coaching role in soccer and I’m loving every
moment.
Proudest Moment In Football: Winning Mid Ulster
Intermediate league with Annagh Utd and as a coach
winning the Mid Ulster Reserve Division 3 league title with
Lurgan Town.
Proudest Moment In Football: Winning NI secondary
schools cup. That was a few years ago.
CAPTAINS CORNER - PETER MILLEN
Peter is the captain of the Mid Ulster U13 side. He comes from
Dollingstown and has been with the club for 7 years.
Best Trainer - Alex Wheelan
Worst Trainer - Scott McCullough
Quickest Player - Travis Barr
Slowest Player - James McCoy
Most Skilful Player - Nicholas Hamilton
Best Passer - Myself
Best In The Air - Zack McAtamney
Who Thinks He's Better Than He Actually Is? - Matthew Clarke
Managers Favourite Saying - “Ah come on ref”
Who Takes the Longest To Get Ready Before A Match - Riley
Grimason
Favourite Game This Season - Portadown. 3-3 draw which we
then won on pens.
Ambitions For The Season - For the team to win their remaining
games and for me to finally get on the score sheet [WIE: Not long after writing this, Peter did manage to get on
the score sheet in the 3-3 draw against Dromara Village on Saturday 18th April].
CAPTAINS CORNER - TIARNAN JUDGE
Tiarnan is the captain of the Lisburn League U17
side. He hails from Derrymacash and has been with
the club for
Best Trainer Worst Trainer Quickest Player - Sidney Tavares
Slowest Player - Uel (when he joins in)
Most Skilful Player - Jordan Wilson
Best Passer - Scott Wiltshire
Best In The Air - Matthew Hosty
Who Thinks He's Better Than He Actually Is? - Don
Hull
Managers Favourite Saying - They’re a beatable
side.
Who Takes the Longest To Get Ready Before A
Match - Myself
Favourite Game This Season - Beating Oxford
Sunnyside in the Northern Ireland Cup
A young looking Judgee. He’ll love me for this
Ambitions For The Season - Win the league.