East Antrim U12 Cup

Newtownabbey CHS v Monkstown

Mallusk, Friday 15th May 2009

The year 8 team made history by winning the Under 12 East Antrim Cup for the first time at a wet and windy Mallusk Playing Fields. The team defeated Monkstown 2-1 in a game in which they played some superb football despite the conditions. In a tense opening half both teams competed well with some strong tackling on both sides and defences looking solid. The first real chance fell to Newtownabbey captain Craig Gardiner who unleashed a thunderous shot from 25 yards which looked destined for the net until a timely intervention from Monkstown goalkeeper Jordan Smyth. From the resulting corner an excellent delivery again by Gardiner was met by centre back Mark Jeffers to put Newtownabbey in the lead. This goal seemed to settle down Newtownabbey and they looked like adding to their lead as they dominated possession but failed to add any more goals prior to half time.

Half time 1-0

The second half was only a few minutes old when Newtownabbey lost their influential striker Drew Moore and this seemed to upset the teams rhythm. With Monkstown starting to threaten more on the counter attack Craig Gardiner grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck and he started to terrorise the Monkstown defence with his surging runs. On 35 minutes it was again Craig Gardiner that doubled Newtownabbey's lead with a sublime finish from the edge of the box. Monkstown to their credit never stopped and their endeavour was rewarded when Ross Waters scored from a penalty with 10 minutes remaining. The expected onslaught never materialised as the Newtownabbey defence marshalled by Josh Doyle and Mark Jeffers held firm to take the cup home to Rathcoole.

Full time 2-1

Newtownabbey CHS: McCartney, Glendinning, Watson, Doyle, Jeffers, Sinclair, Hanna, Gardiner, Moore, Crossett, Lowry

Subs: Hope, Foster, Blair, Montgomery, Gibson, Jenkins, Ward