Our Under 18s put their league campaign to the side on Saturday as they travelled to face Lisbellaw United U19s in the IFA Harry Cavan Youth Cup.
John Joe MacDonald continued his fine goalscoring form grabbing the games opening goal just a minute shy of the half time whistle, Karl Holywood got on the end of a great ball from captain Aaron Macrory before passing across goal for MacDonald to finish at the back post.
A first half with limited chances at both ends with Ards finding their feet in a dogged grass surface. The Lisbellaw keeper was tested on a couple of occasions but looked assured as he dealt with the chances. Karl Martin had to come off midway through the half, picking up a groin strain that hopefully won’t rule him out for long.
Half Time
Lisbellaw 0-1 Ards
Following the half time break Lisbellaw came out the second half with the spring in their step. They grabbed an equaliser when their midfield lost his man from a free kick to beat keeper Moody at the near post.
That goal gave Ards the wake up call they needed and it only took 5 minutes to go back ahead, Jonny Murray with good work down the right hand side crossed for Ben Young who volleyed home to make it 2-1. With Ards in control Karl Holywood made it 3-1 scoring from the penalty spot after he was fouled initially.
Ards ended the game with 9 players after Jonny Murray was sent off for a 2nd yellow card, whilst Marc McCann hobbled off with an ankle injury with all 3 subs made.
Full Time Score
Lisbellaw United 1-3 Ards
Goalscorers
John Joe MacDonald
Ben Young
Karl Holywood
Man Of The Match
Aaron Macrory
Starting XI - Moody (GK), Martin, Macrory (C), McDonnell, Johnston, Young, Brownlee, McCann, Holywood, MacDonald, Murray
Substitutes - McGirr, Armstrong, Townsley
Managers Words “Great to progress into the last 16 of the Harry Cavan Cup. A great test for our young group today, against a strong physical Lisbellaw side. Our travelling squad on Saturday consisted of two 2004s, nine 2003s and three 2002s, at this age it makes a difference but our players to their credit fought against it and showed their ability to play given the situations, they will gain a lot from today’s game that’ll again do no harm for their development. We did however have 3 players who picked up injuries, hopefully they aren’t out for too long. With our next game not until 9th November, it gives us plenty of recovery time.”
Ards Football Club would to thank Lisbellaw United for their kind hospitality following the game. Providing stew for staff, players and parents in a local pub.