Season: 24/25
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.
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
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)
Match Report: Markethill Swifts U15 6-0 Tummery Athletic U15
Venue: Kilcluney 3G
Conditions: Cold and damp
Competition: NIBFA Cup U15 – Second Round
Markethill Swifts U15 made light work of Tummery Athletic U15, winning 6-0 in a dominant performance at Kilcluney 3G on a cold, damp morning. The Swifts came out strong and quickly imposed themselves on the game, securing a comprehensive victory in the NIBFA Cup second round.
Markethill were the brighter side from the start, with Sydney L opening the scoring within the first few minutes. He struck a powerful shot that found the back of the net, putting Markethill in front early. The Swifts continued to press but, as the first half wore on, they began to ease off slightly, giving Tummery more space in their half.
Tummery nearly took advantage when a brilliant cross was flicked on and hit the post, but Markethill were quick to clear the danger. The scare seemed to refocus the Swifts, who soon doubled their lead with a clinical counter-attack. A well-timed series of passes found Jack R, who finished with a sensational strike into the far corner of the goal.
With the score at 2-0, Markethill continued to assert their dominance. Just before halftime, Jack R added a second, finding the back of the net with a composed finish after a well-worked team move. At 3-0, Markethill went into the break with a comfortable advantage.
The second half saw Markethill come out a little slower, giving Tummery a couple of half-chances, but the Tummery attackers were unable to break down the Swifts’ defense. In the 55th minute, Jack R completed his hat-trick with a precise finish after excellent play from his teammates in midfield.
Markethill’s control of the game continued, and Jack R struck again in the 60th minute to make it 5-0, completing a fantastic individual performance with his fourth goal, thanks to more great service from his teammates.
The final goal came in the 70th minute, when some slick link-up play in midfield released Luke, who was clean through on goal but was fouled by a Tummery defender inside the box. The referee pointed to the penalty spot, and Daniel C stepped up, placing the ball neatly into the back of the net to make it 6-0.
Markethill were never seriously challenged and cruised to a well-deserved victory. Jack R’s four-goal performance was the standout, but the team as a whole showed excellent cohesion and composure throughout.
Man of the Match: Jack R – A clinical performance with 4 goals, showcasing excellent finishing and composure.
Final Score: Markethill Swifts U15 6-0 Tummery Athletic U15
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.
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.
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.