Firsts involved in 10 goal thriller
The firsts and seconds were both in action on Saturday in pre-season friendly games against Belfast side Ardoyne WMC. Conditions were near perfect at the Bann Road and with some 30 boys this proved to be a great workout for both sides as the new season draws ever closer. The firsts were involved in a high scoring and entertaining game as they drew 5-5 with Ardoyne WMC. Goals on the day came from Lee Ward (2), Donagh Steele, Karol Jarosinski and Steven Trainor who grabbed an equaliser with the last kick of the game. The boys were 4-2 up at one point and will need to improve defensively for the season ahead but all in all it was a good showing with a number of regulars missing. Ardoyne are a side who fancy their chances of promotion from 2A this year and this was a good benchmark for the team. It was also encouraging to see a number of new faces make their debut on Saturday with Joe Cunningham in goal and Jason Croskery impressing when he came on. Donagh Steele and Thomas Rice both played well in centre midfield.
Miceal the master for the seconds
The seconds came out victorious over Ardoyne thanks to a solitary goal from Miceal Corrigan, who scored with a perfectly placed free-kick. Much like the firsts, the seconds had a number of new and returning faces which all bodes well for the new season ahead. It was good to see Michael Watson back between the sticks while Gareth Keown and Ryan Owens both made their return to 2nds team football after lengthy spells away. Aidan Dornan, Conor Magorrian and Miceal Corrigan all impressed in a solid performance that will have certainly provided the management team of Boyle, Hanna and McArdle with plenty of optimism for the coming campaign.
Pre-season training continues every Tuesday and Thursday at the 3G at 7pm.
Youth training now underway
Youth training is now underway with the under 11s training Monday night 6-7, under 13s Tuesday night 6-7, under 15s Wednesday night 6-7 and under 17s Thursday night 6-7 (although this is on hold until September). All youth training takes place at the 3G pitch in Castlewellan. Managers will be in touch about friendlies as the new season draws nearer. New players are welcome across all age groups. Don’t forget that we have under 9 football every Sunday morning from 10am at the 3G pitch.
Who will be the last man (or woman) standing?
We are currently running a last man standing competition which will begin on Saturday 26th September. Cost to enter is £10 with £200 prize money for the winner. These fundraising competitions go a long way to supporting the club financially with 3 adult teams and 4 youth teams fielding every week. If you would like to enter the last man standing please contact a player, manager or member of the committee to get an entry form.
Pitchside sponsors needed
The club is looking for any local companies interested in sponsoring the team this year and placing advertising around the side of the new Bann Road playing field. If you would be interested in advertising your business and supporting your local soccer club, please email castlewellanfc@gmail.com or contact Nial Toner on 07734934199.
Tote numbers
The latest tote numbers are 36, 8 and 37. There was one 2 number winner – Ann Burns. Next weeks jackpot is £200 for 2 numbers and £500 for 3 numbers.
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