Our seniors made it two wins from two games with another great performance away to St Michael’s last Tuesday evening. The ‘Fin led by seven points at half time helped by a goal from Sean Fitzsimmons but St Michaels rallied in the second half before a late goal from Marty Willoughby made sure of the victory. Final score St Michael’s 0-12 Aughlisnafin 2-11. The match ball sponsor was Paddy Flanagan and family and thanks to them for their support. Our next league game is at home to St Paul’s.
Ballylough minors play Castlewellan on Tuesday evening with a 7.15 pm throw in.
Our U16’s travelled to St Patrick’s club Saul last Thursday evening for their third all county league qualifying game. It was a game they needed to win to keep alive their all county aspirations but Saul had their own ideas and were quick out of the traps to fashion out a 2-1 to 0-1 lead with Damian McMullan on target for the Fin. The Fin rallied and posted a further 1-3 before half time. Conor Donnelly got the goal with points from Morgan Croskery, Conor Matthews, Aaran Flanagan and a second of the game for McMullan. Saul tagged on another goal and point before the short whistle to lead by three. Half time Saul 3-2 V Aughlisnafin 1-5. While Saul edged the first half and continued in the same vein at the start of the second the Fin slowly but surely played their way back into the game. Points from Croskery (0-3) the full back Ethan Lyttle (0-1) and midfielder Flanagan (0-1) adding his second of the game which chipped away at the Saul lead. Saul to their credit kept the scoreboard ticking over and added five more points but the Fin defence managed to stop the goals this half. With minutes remaining Donnelly netted a dramatic equaliser and Croskery pointed from a pressure free to clinch the victory. A great advert for football in East Down and a nail biting finale. Final score Saul 3-7 Aughlisnafin 2-11. Aughlisnafin: R Morgan, J McCabe, E Lyttle (0-1), C Steen, D Lavery, M Quinn, R Walsh, D McMullan (0-2), A Flanagan (0-2), D McKibben, M Croskery (0-5, 2f), C Matthews (0-1), R Clarke, C Donnelly (2-0), O O’Neill; Subs: P O’Hare, O O’Connor, D Murphy, P Walsh, A Quinn, O Maguire. Our final group game is at home against Carryduff on Thursday 26 April, a formidable challenge but one the lads will relish as they try to reach their goal of playing in the All County League.
Our U14’s put in a great performance to see off a spirited Dundrum side last Monday evening. Our Down U14 ETS triallists Marc Quinn (6-08) and Ethan Murray (3-01) were prominent in attack along with Conor Walsh (2-02), Conor O’Hare (1-00) , Marty Og Flanagan (0-01) and Joseph Steen (0-01) also on target. Four U12s also stepping up to squad this evening with Marty Og and Joseph making their U14s debut. Next game is at home to Ardglass on Monday at 7 pm.
Our U12’s played valiantly against a strong Dromara offering last Wednesday evening but a goal from Conor O’Hare and points from O’Hare, Caolan Flanagan and Joseph Steen were not enough on the night. Sean Croskery saved brilliantly from a penalty and along with his younger sibling Ryan and were impressive throughout. With seven debutants competitive league football was always going to be a big ask for the boys most of whom still feature for the club’s Year 6’s but these games will bring on their development. Best wishes to Marty Og Flanagan and Dillon Steele who are injured at the minute and we look forward to their speedy return. Next game is this Sunday at home to Ardglass at 11 am followed by a game away to Bredagh C on Wednesday 25th April at 7 pm.
Our Year 6’s were in superb form at the first Go Games blitz hosted by Bryansford on Saturday morning. The boys impressed in games against teams from the host club, Castlewellan and Teconnaught with goals and points galore. The next blitz will be Saturday 28th April.
Well done to our U14 footballers Marc Quinn and Ethan Murray who were invited back for a third and final trial for the Down Emerging Talent Squad at the Red High on Saturday morning. For both lads to reach this stage was brilliant and we wish both of them good luck.
Bookings are now being taken for the 4th annual ‘Fin Fun Mud Run’ which will be a two day event 16th/17th June 2018. You can book via the link on our club’s website www.aughlisnafingac.com or via our dedicated facebook page ‘Fin Fun Mud Run’.
Lotto numbers were 10, 21, 25, 26. No winners. Jackpot now stands at £3,250.