U17s A.B.Y.D.L. Knock Out Cup – 5th April

Ards Youth U17s 3- 3 Ards Rangers (Ards Youth win 5-4 on penalties)

Both sides had gone into this derby game knowing that there would be an Ards team competing in the final of the ABYDL Cup. Ards won the toss and decided to play with the wind at their backs. It took the home side only 10 minutes to grab the lead as Ritchie fired in a curling corner kick and Morrison was there to slot the ball home.

With the majority of play inside the Rangers half due to the strong wind, chances came and went as Ards saw several shots cleared or saved. Michael Rodgers had an effort headed off the line and onto the bar only to be cleared to safety. At the other end Daniel Orr found himself 1 on 1 with keeper Rice but fired wide from a great position. Daniel Jones had more than his fair chances of efforts but his finishing was poor much to the relief of Ards.

With 15 minutes left on the clock Ards were awarded a free kick just out side the centre circle and with the wind advantage Morrison stepped up and hit a thunderbolt shot into the roof of the net past the static Maginnis to score his and Ards' second goal.

Ards kicked off the second half and immediately Stewart Morrison found Jonny Giles with loads of space on the right wing. He fired in a cross to the box where McCallum and Rodgers had taken up good positions but the ball was just too short and the keeper gathered. Rangers then began asserting pressure on the Colts and they did their best to contain them against a strong wind. The pressure paid off as they pulled one back on 30 minutes with a good move down the right side, finished off with a well placed headed goal.

The next 10 minutes would be vital as Ards tried to protect their 1 goal cushion, but Rangers fought back bravely to earn a 2-2 draw in the final minutes of normal time when Daniel Orr scored. Rangers had definitely won this half of the contest. As the 1st period of extra time began, Ards again had the wind at their back and after 4 minutes found themselves in front when Ritchie scored after a goal mouth scramble with the Rangers defence unable to clear. Ards held their lead until three minutes from time when Ross Wilson lashed in an unstoppable shot from 30 yards to again level the scores at 3-3. The final whistle blew and it was now down for this tie to be decided on penalties – not good for Ards as they had previously missed their last 4 penalties in league matches!!

As the players gathered round, Manager Ritchie named the 5 players to take spot kicks, Morrison, Rodgers, Caughey, Rice and Ritchie. Rangers won the toss and decided to put Ards in first, both sides scored their 1st four penalties and Ritchie stepped up and made it 5 out of 5 for Ards. Rangers' final penalty taker stepped up and Ards keeper Rice dived low to his left, his save ensuring Ards Youth Colts would reach their 2nd cup final in successive years.

Credit to both sides for such an entertaining match in which no one deserved to lose. Despite the win and the importance of the game Ards did not set about celebrating or glorifying the win, holding the Rangers team in highest regards for their efforts.

Man of the Match: Gareth Caughey

Final v Shankill Juniors at Abbey Villa on Wednesday 23rd April – kick off 7.00pm

U15s A.B.Y.D.L. Knock Out Cup – 2nd April

Ards Youth U15s 2–2 Abbey Villa (Ards Youth win 4-2 on penalties)

Congratulations to Stephen Pritchard and his team of coaches and players who also reached the final of the A.B.Y.D.L. U15s Knock Out Cup after defeating Abbey Villa. The side won 4-2 on penalties in the semi-final at Londonderry Park on Wednesday 2nd April. A great comeback.

Final v Bryansburn at Ards Rangers on Friday 18th April – kick off 7.00pm  

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