Season: 24/25

Match Report: Markethill Swifts U15 vs Ballyvea U15
Venue: Cheney Park
Kickoff: 11:15 AM
Conditions: Mild and cloudy

Markethill Swifts U15 secured a 2-0 win over Ballyvea U15 in a hard-fought match at Cheney Park. The game began evenly, with both teams creating early chances, but Markethill controlled more of the possession around the Ballyvea net. Ballyvea’s high pressing caused problems, though they couldn’t convert.

The breakthrough came in the 20th minute when a bouncing ball in the box was expertly finished by Daniel C, who placed it over the keeper into the top corner. Markethill maintained control for the rest of the half but couldn’t add another goal before the break.

In the second half, Markethill doubled their lead in the 55th minute. A clever ball from Struan was flicked through the keeper’s legs by Oscar for 2-0. Markethill dominated the remainder of the match, limiting Ballyvea to few chances.

Man of the Match was Markethill goalkeeper Alex Watt, whose outstanding performance between the sticks ensured a clean sheet.

Final Score: Markethill Swifts U15 2-0 Ballyvea U15

A well-earned victory for Markethill, who showed both attacking quality and defensive solidity.

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Match Report: Oxford Sunnyside U15 vs Markethill Swifts U15
Venue: Gordon Playing Fields
Kickoff: 10:30 AM
Conditions: Mild and sunny

Markethill Swifts U15 started the quarter-final clash of the Knockout Cup against league leaders Oxford Sunnyside U15 with great energy and intent. The Swifts had a number of early chances but were unable to convert, with some shots going wide and others being denied by the Oxford defense. Despite their strong start, Oxford Sunnyside took the lead with an undeserved goal, which shifted the momentum in their favor.

Oxford doubled their advantage before halftime, increasing their confidence. After the break, their midfielder surged through the Markethill defense, firing a strike into the bottom corner to make it 3-0.

Oxford sealed the win with a fourth goal, a simple tap-in across the goal. Markethill continued to push forward in the final minutes but couldn’t convert their half-chances, as Oxford’s defense held firm.

Final Score: Oxford Sunnyside U15 4-0 Markethill Swifts U15

Despite the result, Markethill can take pride in their spirited performance against a strong opponent.

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Match Report: Ballyvea U15 vs Markethill U15
Venue: Mountview Park, Kilkeel
Kickoff: 11:00 AM
Conditions: Mild and damp

Markethill U15 produced a strong performance to secure a commanding 5-2 victory over Ballyvea U15 at Mountview Park on a mild, damp morning.

The match started with an early burst from Markethill as Daniel C scored a stunning strike in the 2nd minute, rifling the ball into the top corner to give his side a dream start. However, Ballyvea responded almost immediately, with a scrappy equalizer. The ball pinballed around in the Markethill 6-yard box before being slotted home to make it 1-1.

Markethill, undeterred by the setback, found their rhythm and took control of the game. In the next 10 minutes, they scored three quick goals. Luke showed great composure to put his side ahead, before Daniel G found the net with a well-timed strike. Jamie then added a third, finishing off a brilliant move, and within the blink of an eye, Markethill were 4-1 up at halftime.

The second half saw Ballyvea come out with renewed energy, not allowing Markethill to settle on the ball. They capitalized on a Markethill mistake when a misplaced pass put the Ballyvea attacker through on goal, who coolly slotted it past the keeper to make it 4-2.

Despite this setback, Markethill responded well, and Jack Rowland sealed the win with a powerful shot into the net, making it 5-2.

A special mention must go to the three U14 lads who stepped up to the U15s for the match, as all of them delivered excellent performances and showcased their potential for the future.

Overall, it was a dominant display from Markethill, with great attacking play and solid defensive work, ensuring they walked away with the three points. The 5-2 scoreline was a fair reflection of their superiority on the day.

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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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In a tightly contested match at The Valley, Markethill U15 emerged victorious with a 2-1 win over Fivemiletown U15. The game started with Fivemiletown looking the brighter of the two teams, dominating possession in the opening five minutes. Their early pressure paid off as they took the lead with a well-executed goal. A precise ball over the top was expertly controlled and finished to perfection, giving Fivemiletown a 1-0 lead.

Markethill, however, responded quickly and began to find their rhythm. They equalized after a moment of fortune when Daniel’s shot was redirected by Luke into the net, making the score 1-1. The remainder of the first half turned into more of a battle than a display of quality football, with both teams struggling to create clear-cut chances. As a result, they went into the break level at 1-1.

Markethill came out for the second half with renewed energy and took control early. Just minutes after the restart, Jack R finished expertly into the bottom corner, giving Markethill a 2-1 lead. After that, Markethill adopted a more defensive approach, focused on holding onto their advantage and seeing the game out, rather than pushing for a third goal.

Fivemiletown had a few lucky escapes and had their chances to equalize, but the Markethill defense, led by Ewan, held firm. Despite some dangerous moments, the Fivemiletown attackers struggled to convert, and Markethill’s lead remained intact.

The match ended 2-1 in favor of Markethill, with the visitors securing the three points in tough conditions.

Man of the Match: Ewan (Markethill) – Displaying excellent defensive skills, Ewan was crucial in keeping Fivemiletown at bay, making vital interceptions and clearances to preserve Markethill’s lead.

Final Score: Fivemiletown U15 1-2 Markethill U15

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Markethill Swifts U15 9-2 Lurgan Town U15 – Kilcluney 3G – Dry and Windy Conditions

Markethill Swifts U15 delivered a dominant 9-2 victory over Lurgan Town U15, despite a slow start. In the opening 10 minutes, Markethill struggled to find their rhythm but still created several promising chances. The breakthrough came when Sydney expertly lobbed the Lurgan keeper to make it 1-0, followed by a well-taken goal from Jamie (2-0) and a composed finish from Daniel C (3-0). Sydney then added two more clinical goals, bringing the score to a commanding 5-0 at halftime.

Lurgan came out with more urgency in the second half and were awarded a penalty. Markethill keeper Alex W made a brilliant save, but Lurgan pounced on the rebound to pull one back (5-1). Ewan then scored a fortunate goal, a cross that slipped through the Lurgan defense and past the keeper (6-1). Lurgan responded with a spectacular free kick from their standout number 9, making it 6-2. However, Markethill finished strongly with goals from Lewis, Luke, and Daniel C to complete a comprehensive 9-2 win.

Final Score: Markethill Swifts U15 9-2 Lurgan Town U15

Man of the Match: Sydney L – A brilliant performance, scoring a hat-trick and leading the charge for Markethill.

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Match Report: Markethill Swifts U15 vs Coleraine FC U15
Venue: Kilcuney 3G | Conditions: Mild and Cloudy

Markethill Swifts U15 faced a challenging encounter against Coleraine FC U15 in a match that saw the visitors dominate from the outset. The first 10 minutes saw Coleraine controlling possession, though they failed to create clear-cut chances, with their best opportunity coming from a corner that was headed over the bar.

However, in the 15th minute, Coleraine took the lead with a well-executed strike. The floodgates soon opened as they added two more goals in quick succession, making it 3-0 by the 20th minute. Markethill struggled to cope with the intensity and pressing of the Coleraine attack, and their defensive woes continued. A fourth goal followed when a Coleraine winger struck the ball into the ground, with it bouncing through the legs of the defenders and past the helpless keeper.

The half ended with Coleraine firmly in control at 4-0, leaving Markethill with a steep hill to climb in the second period. After the break, Coleraine continued to apply pressure and added a fifth, with another clinical finish from their winger.

Despite a few half-chances created by Markethill in the final stages, they were unable to break down the Coleraine defence. It was a determined performance from Markethill, but they were ultimately outclassed by a well-organized and clinical Coleraine side.

Final Score: Markethill Swifts U15 0-5 Coleraine FC U15

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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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