LATE GOALS CONDEMN NEWRY TO DEFEAT

Two late goals saw Newington claim all three points at the Showgrounds as Newry City fell to a 2-0 defeat in the BOYLE Sports Championship.

In what was a scrappy encounter with few clear-cut chances, the visitors enjoyed the better of the opening half without seriously troubling the Newry defence.

Despite having slightly more of the play, Newington managed just one effort on goal before the break, with Jay Donnelly forcing Jason Craughwell into a fine save in the 38th minute. The Newry goalkeeper reacted well to push Donnelly’s powerful header over the crossbar in what proved to be the only real chance of a largely uneventful first half.

Newry gradually worked their way back into the contest after the interval, enjoying more possession and looking to take control of proceedings. However, clear-cut opportunities remained at a premium, with neither side able to find much rhythm in a game that struggled to come to life.

With the match seemingly heading towards a goalless draw, Newington finally made the breakthrough in the 82nd minute. Mick Morgan struck from outside the penalty area to put the visitors ahead with little time remaining.

Newry pushed forward in search of a late equaliser, but our hopes of salvaging a point were dashed in the fourth minute of stoppage time.

Aaron Heaney found himself through on goal and, although Craughwell managed to keep out his initial effort, the Newington forward reacted quickest to turn home the rebound and seal the victory.

The result seen Newington return to the top of the BOYLE Sports Championship overnight, while we were left to reflect on a frustrating afternoon in which chances were few and far between.

Lineups

Newry City: Jason Craughwell, Jamie Rea, Albert Watson, Ryan Swan, Evan McEnteggart, Andrew Hoey, Pablo Andrade, Keith Dalton, Kyron McGee, Charlie McGrath, Aaron Donnelly.

Subs: Reece McKeown, Darren King, Caolan Marron, Declan Carville, Lee Newell, Sam Kierans, Dylan McKevitt.

Newington: Ethan Carry, Michael Byrne, Richard Gowdy, Ruaidhrí Donnelly, Lee McGreevy, Patrick Downey, Paul Donnelly, Nathan Watters, Aidan Kelly, Seamus Duffy, Jay Donnelly.

Subs: Darren Stuart, Joseph Tully, Aaron Heaney, Michael Morgan, Caolan McBride, Conor Hand, Cillian McCann.

Referee Finton Coyle

Newry XI v Newington

📸 Laura Hillen