Seconds begin season with a win
The new season kicked off on Saturday and the 2nds got their campaign of to a great start with a win away to newly formed Dundrum Utd. The town defence came under some early pressure but they stood firm with Ryan Owens very impressive on his return to the Town colours and Mickey Watson was more than a match for any efforts Dundrum had on goal. Castlewellan grew into the game with the marauding Dara Ward and Sean Fitzsimmons linking brilliantly down the right wing. The best chance of the first half fell to Aidan Dornan who could not keep his effort down after a great one touch move involving O’Neill and Croskery.
In the second half McMullan and Corrigan got on top in midfield and you could sense a goal was coming however when Fitzsimmons blazed over from 5 yards out and Dornan had a goal disallowed it looked like it was going to be ‘one of those days’. However Fitzsimmons made amends after he was brought town in the box and coolly drilled the resulting spot kick past the helpless Dundrum keeper. Brian McVeigh and Jason Croskery had chances to seal the win late on but both efforts were just off target. Managers Hanna and Boyle were delighted to get off to a winning start and after the match Hanna added “A great team performance and all 13 players involved played their part. I’m particularly delighted that we kept a clean sheet”. Next up for the 2nds is Drumaness at home this Saturday.
Firsts lose last pre-season game
The firsts were also in action on Saturday with a much depleted team going down 4-2 to Belfast side St Marys. Goals on the day came from Smed Murray and Joe Hughes and attention for the first team management now turns to this Saturday and their introduction into amateur league football. First up for the boys is Suffolk Swifts at home this Saturday. This game will see the first league game on the new field and hopefully the boys can turn the Bann Road into a fortress this year. The boys then make their shortest trip of the season on Saturday 12th September when they travel to Killyleagh to face local rivals Ballynagross in what should be a good introduction for both teams to 2C.
Thirds begin season with trip to Ballynagross
The thirds also begin their league campaign this Saturday with a trip to Ballynagross. Training continues every Tuesday and Thursday at the 3G at 7pm and new players are welcome. Membership is now due and costs £25 for the year.
New youth season begins on Saturday
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. The new campaign for youth teams begins this weekend and your managers will be in touch about the opening set of fixtures.
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.
Last man standing to being 26th September
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.
Sponsors required for Bann Road pitch
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.
Latest tote numbers
The latest tote numbers are 29, 24 and 37. There were no winners. Next week’s jackpot is £300 for 2 numbers and £800 for 3 numbers.
Keep up to date with all the latest news and events that the club is planning by following us on Facebook and Twitter.
Finally, the committee and management of Castlewellan Town FC would like to wish former players Chris Anderson and Niall McArdle all the best with their new venture The Town House, which is now open for business.
