League: Mid Ulster Football League

Match Report: Markethill Swifts U15 vs Loughgall Seconds U15

Venue: Kilcluney 3G
Kickoff: 9:30 AM
Conditions: Cold and still


In a competitive encounter at Kilcluney 3G, Loughgall Seconds U15 secured a 3-1 victory over Markethill Swifts U15. The game began evenly, with both teams testing each other early on. However, it was Loughgall who struck first after an early stroke of fortune. A cross into the box, which appeared to be off target, curled unexpectedly into the top corner, giving Loughgall a 1-0 lead.

Markethill responded quickly in a fast-paced exchange. Daniel G played a brilliant ball across the goal, which Jack R calmly tapped in to equalize, making it 1-1. From that point, Markethill looked the stronger side in the first half, dominating possession and pushing forward. Unfortunately, they conceded a soft goal just before the break, as Loughgall cut through the middle of the Markethill defense and slotted the ball past the goalkeeper. The score at halftime stood at 2-1 in favor of Loughgall.

The second half saw Markethill continue to press and create opportunities, but they were unable to find the decisive finish. The best chance came from Syd, who fired just wide of the post in what was their closest effort to an equalizer. Frustration began to build for Markethill, leading to four yellow cards and one red card as their anger showed in their discipline.

In the dying stages of the match, Loughgall sealed their win with a late goal from a counterattack, which could have been prevented by the Markethill defense. Despite Markethill’s best efforts, the match ended 3-1 in favor of Loughgall.

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Match Report: Fivemiletown United U15 vs Markethill Swifts U15

Venue: Valley Stadium
Weather: Dull and mild

Markethill Swifts U15 secured a 3-1 victory over Fivemiletown United U15 in a tightly contested match at Valley Stadium. Both teams created a couple of half-chances early on, with Jack R coming close for Markethill, his powerful shot just wide of the post. Fivemiletown was lively but struggled to break down Markethill’s defense.

Just before halftime, Markethill took the lead with a stunning strike from Luke G, who found the top corner from outside the box to give his side a 1-0 advantage. In the second half, Fivemiletown equalized with a remarkable long-range goal, making it 1-1.

Markethill responded quickly, with Jack R placing the ball perfectly into the bottom corner to regain the lead at 2-1. Luke G then sealed the win with a second goal, making it 3-1. Despite being reduced to 10 men after a red card, Markethill’s defense held firm, and their attack remained potent.

Jamie H was named Man of the Match for his tireless midfield work, key defensive contributions, and leadership throughout the match, helping Markethill secure a well-earned victory.

Final Score: Fivemiletown United U15 1-3 Markethill Swifts U15
Man of the Match: Jamie H (Markethill Swifts U15)

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Match Report: Markethill Swifts U15 vs Oxford Sunnyside U15
Venue: Kilcluney 3G
Conditions: Dry and mild

Markethill Swifts U15 faced Oxford Sunnyside U15 on a mild evening at Kilcluney 3G. The game started evenly, with both teams creating few chances and keeping it tight in the opening 10 minutes. However, Oxford found an early breakthrough as their number 9 slipped through the Markethill defence, putting them up 1-0. Just five minutes later, a lucky bounce fell kindly for Oxford, setting up an easy finish to extend their lead to 2-0.

After falling behind, Markethill tightened up at the back and began creating chances of their own. They struck the post and had a few 1v1 opportunities but couldn’t find the back of the net. Despite their efforts, they went into halftime trailing 2-0.

Oxford started the second half with energy, keeping possession in Markethill’s half. They soon scored a controversial third goal off a corner that appeared not to have crossed the line, but the referee awarded it, making it 3-0 to Oxford. Markethill fought back, pushing forward in search of a goal, but an opportunity that rolled across the six-yard box went unfinished.

Oxford capitalized on a defensive lapse from Markethill, scoring again to make it 4-0. Despite the scoreline, Markethill didn’t give up. Daniel C got them on the scoresheet with a brilliant weak-foot strike, and Jack R followed with a ruthless finish to make it 4-2.

Final score: 4-2 to Oxford Sunnyside
Man of the Match: Sydney L, who kept the Oxford defense on their toes all game. Special mention to Ewan, who was superb at left-back.

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Match Report: Armagh City U15 vs Markethill Swifts U15
Venue: Ardmore Recreation Centre
Conditions: Cold and cloudy

Markethill Swifts U15 took on Armagh City U15 on a chilly, overcast day at Ardmore Recreation Centre. Markethill started stronger, controlling the game in the opening five minutes, keeping the ball well and preventing Armagh from establishing any rhythm. Despite their early dominance, Markethill struggled to convert their chances.

Armagh began to push back, nearly taking the lead when their winger whipped a dangerous ball across the six-yard box, but no one was there to finish. The breakthrough finally came in the 25th minute, when an unfortunate pass back from the Armagh left-back slipped under the goalkeeper’s foot, gifting Markethill a deserved 1-0 lead going into halftime.

The second half saw Markethill continue their strong play, showing more strength and power than Armagh. They created multiple chances, especially down the wings, but no one was able to finish off the crosses. In the 55th minute, Markethill doubled their lead. Daniel played a perfectly timed through ball to Sydney, who buried it in the corner, leaving the Armagh defense stunned.

Markethill held on for a 2-0 victory, maintaining their clean sheet with a solid defensive performance from everyone in the backline.

Final score: 2-0 to Markethill
Man of the Match: Jack Gillow, for his standout role in the defense.

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Match Report: Markethill Swifts U15 vs Windmill Stars U15
Venue: Kilcluney 3G
Conditions: Bright and sunny

Markethill Swifts U15 faced Windmill Stars U15 on a sunny day at Kilcluney 3G. Windmill started the game strong, winning most of the 50/50 battles in the opening 10 minutes, pinning Markethill back but failing to capitalize on their dominance.

Markethill gradually grew into the game, creating chances and controlling possession near Windmill’s box. The breakthrough came in the 25th minute when Daniel G struck a superb shot into the bottom left corner, giving Markethill a 1-0 lead. Five minutes later, a long ball found Sydney, who ran through and slotted the ball into the net, doubling Markethill’s lead to 2-0 at halftime.

The second half started brightly for Markethill as Oscar made it 3-0 within two minutes, finishing off a fantastic cross from Jamie. Just when Markethill seemed in control, Windmill fought back, scoring twice in quick succession to make it 3-2 with 10 minutes left.

Windmill then dominated the final stages, creating several chances. They eventually equalized with a stunning strike from their left-back, making it 3-3. Despite a strong performance from Alex, the Markethill goalkeeper, Windmill’s late surge earned them a draw.

Final score: 3-3
Man of the Match: Alex W, for his crucial saves and commanding performance in goal.

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Match Report: Seapatrick U15 vs Markethill Swifts U15
Venue: St. Patrick’s College, Banbridge
Conditions: Cold and windy

Seapatrick U15 took on Markethill Swifts U15 in cold and windy conditions under the lights at St. Patrick’s College, Banbridge. The game started slowly, with neither team able to create clear chances in the first 10 minutes, as both sides battled for control in midfield without seriously threatening either goal.

Seapatrick thought they had taken an early lead from a well-delivered corner, but the referee ruled it out for a foul on the Markethill goalkeeper. Markethill soon started to find their rhythm and created chances of their own. Caie and Sydney both had goals disallowed for offside, frustrating the visiting side.

In the 30th minute, Markethill broke the deadlock. Oscar unleashed a powerful shot from outside the box, striking it cleanly into the bottom corner to give Markethill a 1-0 lead, going into half time.

The game resumed and remained tight, but Seapatrick found their breakthrough in the 40th minute. After sustained pressure, a well-placed cross was met with a clinical finish inside the box, leveling the score.

This saw Seapatrick come out stronger, and in the 50th minute, they took the lead. A surging run from their quick right winger opened up the Markethill defense, and he slotted the ball home with a composed finish, making it 2-1.

Markethill fought hard to find an equalizer in the remaining 20 minutes, controlling much of the possession and winning several corners. Seapatrick’s defense, however, held firm, repelling crosses and blocking shots.

In the final moments of the game, Struan came closest to bringing Markethill level when his powerful long-range shot rattled the crossbar, but it wasn’t to be. The referee’s whistle blew for full time, sealing the win for Seapatrick.

Final score: 2-1 to Seapatrick. Despite Markethill’s early lead through Oscar, Seapatrick’s second-half surge was enough to take all three points.

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Match Report: Markethill Swifts U15 vs Riverdale FC

Venue: Kilcluney 3G

Conditions: Wet and windy

Markethill Swifts U15 took on Riverdale FC in wet and windy conditions at Kilcluney 3G. Markethill started brightly, pressing high, and it didn’t take long for Jack R to fire in a superb strike to give them a 1-0 lead.

Soon after, a Riverdale own goal made it 2-0, and Luke added a third to put Markethill firmly in control. However, after going 3-0 up, Markethill’s attacking play became a little wasteful, with some profligacy in front of goal, allowing Riverdale some breathing space.

Despite this, Riverdale couldn’t capitalise, and just before halftime, Jamie won a penalty after being brought down in the box. He converted calmly, making it 4-0 to Markethill at the break.

Riverdale came out stronger in the second half, pressing high and managing to pull a goal back to make it 4-1. But Markethill soon found their rhythm again, with Jack R adding his second goal to restore their cushion at 5-1.

As the match progressed, Riverdale’s discipline began to crumble. Frustration led to multiple fouls, and they saw two players sent off with red cards, leaving them down to nine men. This further hindered their ability to mount a comeback.

Markethill took full advantage of their opponents’ lack of discipline, finishing the game strongly. Daniel C added another goal, and Jack R completed his hat trick to bring the final score to 7-2.

Final score: 7-2 to Markethill Swifts

Shining lights for Markethill were Jamie & Jack R – with Jack named Man of the Match on his debut.

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Match Report: Loughgall Seconds U15 vs Markethill Swifts U15

Venue: Kicluney 3G
Kick-off: 18:45 PM
Weather: Mild and sunny
Final Score: Loughgall Seconds U15 1-1 Markethill Swifts U15

Loughgall Seconds and Markethill Swifts U15 played out a gripping 1-1 draw under the evening sun at Kicluney 3G. The match showcased two very different halves of football, each team dominating one period.

Markethill, captained by Lewis, found themselves under immediate pressure as Loughgall started the game strongly, controlling possession and dictating play. The early dominance from Loughgall was soon rewarded with a well-taken goal, putting them 1-0 ahead. Their fluid passing and relentless pressing kept Markethill pinned in their half for much of the first 20 minutes.

Despite Loughgall’s control, Markethill managed to create a few opportunities of their own. They had a couple of one-on-one chances but couldn’t hit the back of the net, with the Loughgall goalkeeper making crucial saves. At halftime, the score remained 1-0 in Loughgall’s favor, though Markethill had started to grow into the game.

The second half saw a transformed Markethill side, playing with far more energy and aggression. Winning key 50/50 battles all over the pitch, they disrupted Loughgall’s rhythm and began to carve out opportunities. The defensive line, though under pressure, held firm, with Markethill’s backline proving difficult to break down with Alex W and Jack G becoming key performers within it.

As the game grew more heated, tempers flared, and the referee issued several yellow cards to both sides. Markethill’s breakthrough came midway through the second half when Jamie delivered a pinpoint ball over the top to Sydney, who expertly chipped the ball over the advancing keeper and into the back of the net. The score was level at 1-1.

With the equalizer, Markethill pressed for a late winner. In the dying minutes, Daniel G unleashed a powerful shot from the edge of the box, only to see it crash off the post, inches away from giving Markethill the lead.

The final few minutes were tense and fiery, with both teams battling hard. Several more yellow cards were handed out as the game descended into a scrappy contest, with heated arguments between players. However, neither side could find a decisive goal, and the match ended in a 1-1 draw.

It was a thrilling encounter, with both teams leaving everything on the pitch in a match that could have gone either way.

Man of the Match: Jack G

 

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Match Report: Markethill Swifts U15 vs Fivemiletown U15

Venue: Kicluney 3G
Weather: Overcast
Final Score: Markethill Swifts U15 2-0 Fivemiletown U15

Markethill Swifts U15 claimed a solid 2-0 victory with a hard fought win over Fivemiletown U15 on an overcast day at Kicluney 3G.

Markethill started the game strongly, applying early pressure. In the 5th minute, Oscar delivered a moment of brilliance, lobbing the keeper from the edge of the 18-yard box to put the hosts 1-0 up.

After the goal, the game slowed down, with both sides creating chances but neither able to convert. The teams headed into halftime with Markethill holding a narrow 1-0 lead.

Fivemiletown came out in the second half with renewed energy, having the better of possession and keeping Markethill pinned in their own half. Despite the pressure, Markethill defended resolutely and refused to concede, whilst making several dangerous breaks into the opposition half.

In the 65th minute, a quick counter-attack saw Jamie break through and lay off a perfect pass to Sydney, who smashed the ball into the roof of the net to make it 2-0.

Markethill held firm for the remainder of the game, securing a well-earned victory with a strong and disciplined performance, earning them all three points.

Man of the Match: Lewis

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