Goal scorers:

Kyle –

Jacob –

Sam –

Assists:

Kyle –

Sam –

MOTM – Sam

Lisneal Under 16’s third game of the season saw them welcome Fivemiletown for the Second round of the NISFA cup. Finally, the boys were rewarded with a clear and crisp morning, perfect for a game of football, which was a stark contrast to the thunderstorms that they battled in the previous rounds of the competition.

Lisneal took advance of the calm conditions and were able to get the ball on the deck and move it efficiently amongst each other to take early control of the game. Every player looked comfortable on the ball and Lisneal dominated and dictated the play from the start of the game. As the half progressed, Lisneal settled more and more into the game, showing strength at the back, through Charlie and Leon, and creativity in the attacking areas with Travis and Sam. Once again, our top man Kyle worked relentlessly against the oppositions central defenders to hold the ball up for his team mates. Despite some decisions not going his way as he collected the ball from midfield, he showed excellent resilience to continue receiving the ball in difficult areas. Kyle managed to draw yet another foul from the Fivemiletown defender and this time, as he went down in the box, Lisneal were awarded a penalty. Up stepped Sam, who calmly waited for the goalkeeper to make his move before rolling the ball down the centre of the goal to put Lisneal 1-0 in the tie.

Lisneal continued to apply the pressure and dominated possession and territory with the majority of play taking place in their opponents half. Dealing comfortably with aerial threats at the back and with midfield working hard to pick up second balls, it was a superb team effort to keep piling the pressure on Fivemiletown. Lewis and Reece, a new partnership on the lefthand side combined for Lisneal’s second goal of the game. The cross from Reece wasn’t dealt with by the opposition defenders and Jacob was on hand to secure Lisneal’s second goal. 2-0 Lisneal on the stroke of half time.

Having been in this position in previous weeks, the Under 16’s knew that one more goal would put the game to bed and be enough to see off their second round opponents.

Lisneal once again started the half the stronger of the two sides. Every player competed and battled well to dominate possession. Lisneal continued to impress with their attractive free flowing football in front of the supporters who came out to watch the game. The constant pressure was soon rewarded again, the hard working Kyle making a fantastic front post run across goal to get on the end of a Sam cross, giving Lisneal the third goal of the game.

Although the boys were 3-0 up and looking comfortable in the game, Lisneal continued to press on for more goals. With opponents tiring, Sam continued to go through the gears and provided some entertaining, direct dribbling through the opposition defenders. His outstanding individual skill resulted in him drawing more and more fouls from the opposition in dangerous attacking areas.

Sam took full advantage of two of these positions to put the Lisneal team out of sight in the game. The first free kick was a powerful low drive into the bottom corner beyond the Fivemiletwon goalkeeper to make it 4-0. But it was the final goal of the game which was the goal of the day. Sam’s second free kick flew into the top corner to give him his Hatrick, the MOTM award, and most importantly the win for the team to put them into the next round of the cup.

Thank you again for all the support from parents, staff and pupils who came out to watch and cheer on the boys. Thanks to Fivemiletown for making the trip up for the fixture.

Congratulation to the Lisneal Under 16’s for yet another fantastic professional performance. In the hat for the next round of the last 16.

Goal scorers:

Kyle R

Rhys L

Sam McC

Reece S

Charlie S

MOTM – Reece S

Lisneal Under 16’s second game of their cup campaign saw them take on St Brigid’s College at home on yet another wet and miserable day. Despite the weather, the Lisneal team were in good spirits and excited to get back on the pitch following their dominance in the previous round. They demonstrated great focus and seemed well-prepared for the game ahead.

Lisneal made the faster and brighter start of the two teams. Every player started quick, the midfield took control in key areas of the pitch, the defence dominated challenges and headers, setting a platform to drive the team forward on the front foot. But it was Kyle who set the tone up front. Kyle’s pressing and intensity early set the standard of the game and once again he got on the score sheets and put Lisneal ahead. Kyle capitalised on a St Brigids defenders miss clearance following a strong cross field pass from fullback, Reece. 1-0 up.

After a confident Lisneal start, the scoreline was back to all square following a brief miscommunication in Lisneal’s own box. St Brigids striker took advantage and scored past a helpless Aaron in goal. 1-1.

However, Lisneal got straight back on the ball and continued to dominate the first half. After some well engineered set pieces from Sam and his field partner Travis, Lisneal forced some good saves from the opposition’s goalkeeper. Although Lisneal continued to put pressure on their opponents, the score remained 1-1 and both teams rushed out of the torrential rain to seek shelter in the changing rooms for a brief break at half time.

Once again, Lisneal started the better of the two sides and quickly found themselves 2-1 in the game. Another effective cross field ball from Reece put Rhys on the opposite flank through in on goal. Rhys showed outstanding composure to fire the ball beyond the goalkeeper with the St Brigid’s fullback also applying the pressure.

Lisneal worked tirelessly to defend the lead they created again. However, some poor decisions and a loose man in the box led to a St Brigid’s flick hitting the back of the Lisneal net. Game still in the balance at 2-2. In spite of being dragged back into the game twice and not being able to hold the lead for a second time, Lisneal continued to show great patience on the ball and played great football. Off the ball, every player competed well and won individual battles to secure the ball back for the team. This resilience and determination led to Sam winning a penalty for his team at a vital moment. Sam stepped up, sent the keeper diving and slotted home to put his side 3-2 up.

Even thought the weather did not improve from here, Lisneal’s football continued to shine! A superb team passing movement down the left-hand side of the pitch, with some great hold up play by Kyle, ended with him turning the defender on the byline to tee up the full Reece who started the move from defence. Today’s MOTM, Reece finished well and put the Under 16’s 4-2 in the game.

Of course last week’s MOTM and skipper couldn’t go home without getting a mention and a headline in tomorrow’s paper. Charlie emerged from his defensive duties in midfield, and found himself in space outside the opponents box with space to shoot. Charlie needed no second invitation to take on the strike and with the last kick of the game, he fired home to make the scoreline 5-2 and secure the game for Lisneal.

Thanks to all the support and staff that attended the game. Thanks to St Brigid’s for the game.

On to the next round #TeamLisneal