The U-16 team began their campaign in the NI Cup, on Wednesday 5th October against St Patrick’s, Ballymena.
The match was played on pitch 7, at the Ballymena Showgrounds. There were early exchanges between the two teams, however CHGS looked the more likely to break the deadlock. After some good work from Leon Carley and captain Jack Shaw, the ball eventually found its way to Daniel Mc Calmont on the edge of the box. He curved a clinical shot into the top corner of the net.
The game then began to open up, with a further goal from Daniel McCalmont and two more added by Jack Shaw and Matthew Lormier. All goals were created through excellent team play; however special mention has to go to Leon Carley, who was the supplier for all of the above goals. He then added one himself after an incredible darting run through the heart of the St Patrick’s defence, finished off with a delicate shot into the bottom corner of the net.
St Patrick’s continued to persevere and they were rewarded just before half-time with a penalty kick. The striker confidently stood up to take the kick, but unfortunately clipped the crossbar and the danger was eliminated.
CHGS continued to create chances and with virtually the last play before half-time, Matthew Lorimer found himself on the opposite wing, with the opportunity to cross the ball into the box. He delivered a delicate cross which Jack Heron took great pleasure in converting with an accurate header into the bottom corner.
HT CHGS 6 Vs St Patrick’s Ballymena 0
CHGS began the second half in the same manner as the first. They looked the more threatening, however St Patrick’s broke free on a counter attack which lead to a hand ball in the CHGS box. Up stepped the St Patrick’s striker, who had a chance to recover his earlier missed penalty. He placed the ball accurately towards the bottom right hand corner, however goalkeeper Ryan Fleming pulled off an outstanding save to keep his clean sheet.
CHGS made further substitutions early in the second half, bringing on Ben Hood who scored two goals, along with William Barr who contributed to the team in a positive manner, with his good work on the left hand wing.
Jack Shaw then added to the score sheet again after an excellent individual goal. He dispossessed his opponent in his own half, before running the pitch and beating 3 of the St Patrick’s defenders. He then hit a glorious shot into the corner of the net from 25 yards.
The game was rounded off well by Josh Mark. Normally he is between the posts, but due to a hand injury, was unable to play his normal role. He slotted a goal mouth scramble into the net in the final minutes of the match to finish the score line reading CHGS 10 Vs. St Patrick’s Ballymena 0.
The result reflected the strength of the CHGS team. There were excellent displays from Jordan Campbell in defence, along with Jack Shaw, Kane McIlroy and Matthew Lorimer in midfield. Up front, Daniel McCalmont worked well and gave the defence a sore head throughout the game. The man of the match display came from Leon Carley. He was provider for 4 of the goals along with adding his own individual piece of brilliance.
The team was as follows:
Ryan Fleming
Jordan Campbell Andrew Kyle Jack Heron Joshua Wharry
Josh Simpson Kane mc Ilroy Jack Shaw (C) Matthew Lorimer
Leon Carley Daniel Mc Calmont
Subs: William Barr ,Ben Hood & Josh Mark
Well done to the team as they now progress into the next round.
#CHGSforthecup
