Loreto College Coleraine 6 Ballymoney High School 1
Yesterday afternoon, Loreto's Year 8 soccer team left Coleraine Showgrounds with the Coleraine & District League title as a result of an emphatic win against Ballymoney High School.
Loreto set the tempo for this game from the outset when Odhran Devine slotted home an Ethan Devine through ball on the 5th minute. However, this effort was ruled offside to deny the Coleraine school an early lead. Not long after though, Troy Kirk found the net to make it 1-0 to Loreto. Another goal followed soon after with a Noah Gaile header from a wonderful cross by Matthew Warwick. Loreto continued to dominate the second half as Troy Kirk claimed a second goal, shooting from the edge of the box.
The second half began as the first finished. Loreto controlled the game, particularly in the middle, with Luka Kearney, Kayden Marshall, Odhran Devine, Oran Ferguson, Luca Martin and team captain, Ciaran Kirgan, all keeping possession and pressing with intensity. However, Ballymoney pulled one back with an unstoppable free kick which Loreto goalkeeper, Peter White, could do absolutely nothing about. Shortly after, Loreto’s Ethan Guiney scored the goal of the game when he unleashed a 30-yard effort which smashed off the Ballymoney crossbar and into the net. Loreto pressed on and found the net twice more before the end of the game. Loreto’s 5th goal was scored by Ethan McMullan after quickly reacting to a stray pass and duly fired the ball into Ballymoney’s net. A final goal came from Alfie Glenn's long-range effort to seal a comprehensive win for Loreto.
Thanks, and commiserations to Ballymoney High School for a sporting game played in the best spirit. No doubt these two teams will meet again. Thanks also to Coleraine FC for allowing the game to be played at the fantastic Showgrounds venue. Finally, thanks to referee, Roy Willighan who was excellent throughout the game.
Congratulations and well done to the Loreto Year 8 soccer team and their coach, Mr Eddie McCloskey.
