CHAMPIONS: MID ULSTER UNDER 15s

CHAMPIONS: MID ULSTER UNDER 15s It takes a lot of people to make a winning team. Everybody's contribution is important Congratulations to Phil McKinley, Robin Carson and our MU15 side on winning the Mid Ulster U15 League Cup - their second trophy in 2 years. Victory came in the form of a 4-1 win over rivals Craigavon City; and the goals from Aaron Winters (2) and Lewis McKinley (2). Town where placed into group 2 of the League Cup and the competition has been running since January. They started slowly with a 1-1 draw against Damolly. Aaron Winters with the goal. In their second game of the competition they again drew (2-2) this time against Windmill Stars. Jonny Russell and Aaron Winters picking up the goals. Knowing only a win would allow them to progress in the last group game, the boys turned on the style with a comfortable 4-0 win over Armagh City. Aaron Winters picked up a hat trick for his 5th goal in the competition and Adam Loughran scored the other. The semi final was another close encounter but Town managed a 2-1 victory over Valley Rangers. Lewis McKinley and Jack O Neill taking the boys to the final against Craigavon City. A week later Town where defeated on penalties in the Shield Final Copyright Lurgan Town FC 2015

NEWS IN BRIEF Under 11s NIBFA FINALS DAY Congratulations to our Lisburn League U11 and U12 sides on reaching the NIBFA Finals day. Both finals will be played at the Cookstown Sports Arena (Mid Ulster Sports Arena) on Monday 4th May. Under 11 v Portadown Youth - NIBFA Cup Final - KO 1.30pm Under 12 v St Oliver Plunketts - NIBFA Plate Final - KO 12.00pm CONGRATULATIONS GARETH AND CLAUDIA Congratulations to U13 manager Gareth Maxwell on his recent marriage to Claudia McMillan. The two lovebirds tied the knot on Monday 13th April. We hear he is opening a Banbridge camp of Lurgan Town FC?????????? DATES SET FOR AWARDS CEREMONIES The following dates have been set for the annual awards days. All will be held in the new clubhouse at the Lurgan Town Arena. Junior Awards: Saturday 16th May U11s & 12s 10am - game time / 11am - awards and BBQ. U13s & U14s 11.15am - game time / 12.15pm - awards and BBQ. U15s, U16s & U17s 12.30pm - game time / 1.30pm - awards and BBQ. Senior Awards: Saturday 6th June Academy Awards: Tuesday 16th June FOOTBALL PSYCHOLOGY Pictured right is head coach Robert Davidson alongside Tom Bates, head of football psychology with West Brom. Robert was in attendance at a recent workshop led by Tom which will be delivered to all Lurgan Town coaches in the new season. Under 12s

DON S DID YOU KNOW? LURGAN TOWN FACTS This months did you know should give you an insight to the players and teams that make up our club. There are some interesting facts in here #1 In total, 9 players have been signed by professional football clubs in the mainland. They are in order Nicky Houston (Peterborough Utd), Scott Gordon (Southampton), Sean Lavery (Leeds Utd), Daryl Smylie (Newcastle Utd), Niall Henderson (Gretna), Sean Mackle (Hearts), Scott Gibb (Falkirk), Trudi Harbinson (Arsenal Ladies), Daniel Wright (Wolves). #2 Phil McKinley is the oldest player to have scored a hat trick for the senior side. It came in 2009 in a 3-1 away win over Ballymacash Rangers. Phil was 38 at the time. #3 There are 2 sports represented in the club badge. Football and greyhound racing. The greyhound in question is Master McGrath, three time winner of the Waterloo Cup and arguably Lurgan s most famous export. #4 So far this season, 6 players have stepped up from the junior section to represent the seniors. They are: Feidhlim McDonald (U16s), Matthew Hosty (U17s), Scott Wiltshire (U17s), Dylan Hoy (U17s), Sidney Tavares (U17s), Tiarnan Judge (U17s). #5 Of the current senior squad, 5 players have played for the club from U10 through the ranks up to the 1st / 2nd Teams. They are: Aaron Parks, Matthew Johnston, Gareth Cousins, Ryan Cousins and Geoff Greenaway. Loyalty at its finest. #6 Lurgan Town have won 5 trophies this season. (U9's Lurgan Shamrocks Tournament, U10's Michael Heaney Memorial Tournament, U11 NIBFA Northern Ireland Cup, U12 NIBFA Northern Ireland Plate, U12 Castle Juniors Plate, U15 Mid Ulster Youth League Cup). #7 The top 13 leading goal scorers have amassed 179 goals between them this season so far. 6 teams are represented in the top 10 (MU13, LL13, MU14, MU15, LL16, Seniors). #8 Town Seniors have used a total of 52 players this season, for both the 1st Team and 2nd Team. This is the lowest since the 2007/08 season when 49 players where used. #9 Town s longest serving player is Geoff Greenaway. He has played at every age group from U10 to Seniors and is also the current U16 coach.

SOCCABILITY OPENING NIGHT A GREAT SUCCESS The first evening of the new batch of soccability sessions was a raving success. 12 young men joined coaches Phil McKinley and Gareth Maxwell for some soccer fundamentals and game time. The sessions are held every Thursday night from 8pm to 9pm on our new 3G pitch. If you would like to attend please contact Philip McKinley on 07753 93507 for more information. Back in October 2013, it was announced that Lurgan Town and its Arena pitches would receive a huge 461,000 financial investment from the Department for Social Development. This money was used to lay a new purpose built 9-a-side 3G pitch, erect a new clubhouse and improve existing floodlighting and car parking facilities. 18 months on and that work has finally been completed, much to the delight of us all here at Lurgan Town. As you can see from the picture, our home looks fantastic, and we are proud to boast some of the best facilities in the country. THE LONG WAIT IS OVER Saturday 4th April - Jackpot 125 - No Jackpot Winners / Two 3 ball Winners Saturday 11th April - Jackpot 150 - No Jackpot Winners / No 3 ball Winners Saturday 18th April - Jackpot 175 - No Jackpot Winners / No 3 ball Winners Saturday 25th April - Jackpot 200 - No Jackpot Winners / Two 3 ball Winners

LARNE YOUTH TOURNAMENT REVIEW On Easter Monday our U9, U10 and U11 sides travelled to Larne to take participate in their annual tournament. Although no trophies were won, the boys and coaches had a fantastic day. Check out the pictures and a few words on how the guys got on. The U10s performed very well, finishing 2nd in their group. They beat Carniny in the 1st game 1-0. Jamie Stringer with the goal. The 2nd game finished 0-0 with Roe Valley. The 3rd game also finished 0-0 with St Oliver Plunketts. In the final game in the group we lost to a good Carrick Rangers team 2-1. Bobby Harvey scored our goal we just missed out on a quarter final spot as one of the best runner ups. Team was Dylan Emerson, Brandon Boyce, Krisy Cassells, Jamie Stringer, Bobby Harvey, Ben Hendron & Patryk Under 10 The Lisburn League U11 squad endured a difficult day at the Larne 7 aside tournament on Easter Monday. The boys had been playing really well in the run up to this competition however the format of 7 aside with 10 minute matches, along with smaller nets and pitches than they are used to, just didn t work for them. Through no lack of effort the lads only managed one win and 2 goals in 4 games (scored by Jake Turner and Jack Harvey) resulting in a short day out. Team: Bradley Brown, James Maguire, Jack Harvey, Issiac Baird, Jake Turner, Tom Leathem, Harry Norton, Dylan Stewart. Under 11 Lurgan U9s were drew in what was the toughest group of the day. Game 1 we played Celtic Boy's and after some great football found themselves 2 down after hitting the post and crossbar. They finally got 1 back but was not enough as Celtic ran out 2-1 winners. Game 2 Town played Larne Youth and were quick off the mark with Dylan getting 2, Jessie also getting 2 and Callum getting 1 Lurgan were back on track. In game 3 Lurgan played Crumlin Utd and blew them away with an 8-0 win. Goals from Christopher (2), Matthew (2), Dylan (2), Josh (1) and Liam (1). Game 4 was against Carrick Rangers. They where a lot more resilient until Aaron broke the deadlock and with some great saves from Connan Lurgan knew they had to put the game to. They did that with goals from Jessie (2) and Christopher. Game 5 was the final group game against Bertie Peacock in a game that both teams needed to win. Lurgan struck first with a cracking strike from Dylan. After some great passing peacock were level and after throwing everything up for the winner Lurgan were caught as peacock went 2-1 up but Town were not finished. Jessie and Dylan making the Bertie Peacock keeper work very hard but in the end the couldn't get the goal and Bertie Peacock went through with Celtic Boy's. A big think for the vocals from the parents as a great day was had by all. Under 9 U9 Town Team: Connan, Josh, Aaron, Liam, Callum, Christopher, Matthew, Dylan, Jessie.

The team is shaping up well. Now is the time for the money makers, the lads who ultimately win the games - Striker Nominations as follows: Neville Gorman - Nev was a bit of an enigma. I could never work out if he actually liked me or not. He was tall and very strong for his age (around U16-U18) and he started out at centre back in front of me. He was more than competent there but he shined up top. He was as mentioned, strong and great in the air. Hard to knock off the ball and was clinical. Enjoyed the aggressive and physical side of the game. First player I ever observed scoring 5 goals in the one game!!! Mark Wright - Bagwell was a bit of a lose cannon. On top of that he has a cannon of a left foot. Back in the day he was interested in football, he was like myself a poor loser. He liked the ball ultimately to feet, he moved it out quickly from underfoot and hit it like a bullet. As he got older he seemed to lose interest in the game. Lee Dickson MARTIN S MEMOIRS... MY ALL TIME XI THE GOAL MACHINES Martin Murtagh Colin Gilliland - Gilly, although I don't often see, is a gentleman and a friend of mine. A well mannered and humorous lad off the pitch and a workhorse on it. At the Town it was U18 level. He was quick, agile and versatile. His greatest asset was the same as Greg Stewart, his intelligence. He could read a game well and was a true asset up front. Never quit. Loved to run with the ball and deadly in a 1 on 1 situation. Good in the air for a lad that wasn't that tall. Was gutted when he went to his hometown club. Really believe Lurgan Town lost a quality player who knows how many he d have got at the town. Matt Irvine - Matt had everything you could want in a footballer. Tall, broad, strong. He was quick and agile. His movement was top drawer. Hard to knock off the ball once on it. Held it up quite well too. What Matt lacked was a killer instinct which would come with aggression. He just needed to add that to his game and who knows. Lee Dickson - Was Dicko a Keeper, a winger or a striker. I m not sure even he knows / knew. The sort of lad you would want around your club. A real mischievous streak and took an enormous amount of abuse, all good natured. Given he was naturally in my opinion a goalkeeper, he was tall, agile and quick at least over the first 10 yards lol. Dicko was clinical enough in his finishing and good in the air. Could strike a set piece too. Needed like Matt, to be more aggressive. Steven Savage - In my opinion, the most clinical finisher I have played along side. Could strike a dead ball Steven Savage Matt Irvine as sweet as any and scored some very important goals in the promotion season. Savo could read a game as good as any. Vocal, always wanted the ball. Reasonable in the air but strength lay in striking the ball. As clean and as sweet as I ve ever seen. Hated to lose, hated it which for me is always a good sign. Lacked that little bit of pace that may have taken him elsewhere.

MARTIN S MEMOIRS... MY ALL TIME XI THE GOAL MACHINES Phil McKinley Stuart Gordon - Another club stalwart. Born goalscorer and member of the first family. I didn't really get to play in the same sides as Stuart until senior level. He has a great scoring record at all age groups. His strengths for me, were in holding up the ball and bringing others into play, and his left peg. A sweet left foot as you could ask for. Excellent first touch, good range of long and short passing and a clinical finisher. Could make space when there wasn't any. AND the scorer of the greatest hat trick I ve ever seen at Oxford - the third lobbing the keeper from 40 yards. For me, though, the two centre forwards are: Philly Briggs. One of the best players I have ever seen. Cant ignore that and Steven Savage. Clinical. Simple Philly Briggs - An Enigma. For me this guy could have been whatever he wanted to be and I really mean that. He had it all. Pace, clinical finisher particularly from distance. Such balance. So hard to knock off the ball. So quick with the ball at his feet and even quicker off it. The ball didn't necessarily have to be to feet because his first touch was exceptional. Had other things he preferred to do in life than play ball which was a real loss. Phil McKinley - A club stalwart. Phil would still play if his body could handle it. LOVES his football and LOVES his football club. A prolific goalscorer. Always wanted the ball and always wanted to go for goal. Had a single vision which all good strikers have..he wanted to score goals and he did. Great attitude on and off the pitch. A gentleman and an asset to Lurgan Town Football Club. Stuart Gordon MARTIN RIGGS MURTAGH ALL TIME LURGAN TOWN XI GK: RB: CB: CB: LB: RM: CM: CM: LM: DAVID D-BALL GRAHAM GEOFF GREENAWAY GREIG BAP SAVAGE RYAN CHEESER FEE SCOTT GORDON CARL MINI FOSTER STEPHEN DIXIE HEASLEY GARETH KING CRAIG McKEOWN FWD: PHILIP BRIGGS FWD: STEVEN SAVAGE SUBS: MARTIN MURTAGH, JONNY HOEY, RODERICK McMURRAY, STUART GORDON, RICHY GARTLAND, GREIG STEWART, CHRIS KELLY, LEE DICKSON GAFFER: BRIAN TITCH CLARKE

APRIL RESULTS 29th April 2015 2nd Team 1-3 Markethill Swifts Res (John Guy) U16 LL 0-5 Hillsborough Boys U13 LL 1-2 Hillsborough Boys (Jake Gorman) U13 MU 1-5 Banbridge Town Juniors (Alex Wheelan) As of Wednesday 29th April 2015 Full list of scorers on www.lurgantownfc.com 25th April 2015 U17 LL 0-7 Knockbreda U16 LL 1-2 Banbridge Town Juniors (Harvey Joyce) U15 MU 1-1 (Lose 4-2 Pens) (Adam Loughran) U14 LL 2-3 Lisburn Youth (Nathan Cowan, Declan Lavery) U14 MU 3-1 Dungannon Youth (Ryan McGuckin) U13 LL 8-0 North End (Ryan Byrne x4, Eoin Casey x3, Denver Elliott) 22nd April 2015 2nd Team 2-1 Derryhirk Utd Res (John Guy, Kyle Cousins) U17 LL 0-3 Lower Maze U15 MU H-W Damolly 21st April 2015 U15 NL 2-4 Linfield Youth (Oran McGuckin, Josiah Burgees) 20th April 2015 U16 LL 0-3 North End 18th April 2015 U16 LL 1-4 Downpatrick (Jake Kerr) U15 MU 4-1 Craigavon City (Aaron Winters x2, Lewis McKinley) U14 LL 4-2 Oxford Sunnyside Colts (Nathan Cowan, Alex Woods, Declan Lavery, Jack Harkness) U14 MU 1-5 Banbridge Town Juniors (Jack Hogg) U13 LL 3-0 Lisburn Distillery (Eoin Casey, Jack Doyle, Dee Lavery) U13 MU 3-3 Dromara Village (Matthew Wells, Conor Lavery, Peter Millen) 15th April 2015 2nd Team 2-1 Richhill Res (Kyle Cousins, Adam Beattie) 14th April 2015 1st Team 3-5 Linfield Youth (Darragh Gray x2, Oran McGuckin) 11th April 2015 1st Team 3-2 Broomhedge (David Hamilton x2, Sidney Tavares) 2nd Team 3-2 Laurelvale Res (Scott Gordon x2, Adam Beattie) U17 LL 1-2 Willowbank (Matthew Hagan) U15 MU 9-1 Damolly (Aaron Winters x4, Adam Hall x2, James Willis, Adam Loughran, Jack O'Neill) U14 MU 2-0 Tandragee Rovers (Josh McClune, Jack Hogg) U13 MU 1-4 Banbridge Town Panthers (Jack Meginnis) Aaron Winters (above) 21 goals - Mid Ulster U15s Croistan McAreavey 18 goals - Lisburn League U16s Adam Loughran 17 goals - Mid Ulster U15s Jack Hogg 16 goals - Mid Ulster U14s Stevie Turner 15 goals - Senior 2nd Team Kyle Cousins 15 goals - Senior Teams 8th April 2015 U16 LL 1-2 Lisburn Rangers (Jake Kerr) U13 LL 0-9 Lisburn Youth 4th April 2015 1st Team 1-5 Richhill (Dylan Hoy) 2nd Team 3-0 Lurgan Institute Res (Scott McBride, Scott Gordon, Adam Beattie) 1st April 2015 U14 LL 0-5 Oxford Sunnyside

MEET THE COACHES Full Name: Scott McBride Team: Lisburn League U16 DOB: 06/01/1993 Lives: Lurgan Favourite Team: Man Utd Favourite Player: Past: Beckham. Current: Pogba Preferred Football Formation: 4-2-3-1 Previous Clubs As A Player: Lurgan Institute, Tandrage Rovers, Lurgan Town Previous Club As A Coach: None Proudest Moment In Football: Winning player of the year, players player of the year and top goal scorer (people think I lie with this) all last season at my previous club. Full Name: Matthew Clarke Team: Mid Ulster U12 DOB: 28/05/1988 Lives: Lurgan Favourite Team: Liverpool Favourite Player: Pepe Reina Preferred Football Formation: 4-4-2 Previous Clubs As A Player: Lurgan Town, Lurgan BBOB, Hill St, Dollingstown, Banbridge Town, Cliftonville, and currently Tandragee Rovers Previous Club As A Coach: Lurgan BBOB Proudest Moment In Football: Playing for the Mid Ulster select squad against Scotland at U18s Full Name: Peter Magliocco Team: Academy U7 DOB: 03/02/1992 Lives: Craigavon Favourite Team: Man City Favourite Player: Fabio Cannavaro Preferred Football Formation: 4-3-2-1 Previous Clubs As A Player: AFC Craigavon Previous Club As A Coach: None Proudest Moment In Football: Walking onto the pitch at Maine Road [Man City former ground] and shaking Malcolm Allison s hand Full Name: John Annett Team: National League U15 DOB: 27/11/1968 Lives: Rathfriland Favourite Team: Spurs Favourite Player: My son Zach and I argue about this one. He reckons Ronaldo is the best in the world, but my vote goes to Lionel Messi. Whenever I was growing up my two favourite players where Glenn Hoddell and Michel Plattini two brilliant number 10s. (However I never got to see Robert Davidson play). Preferred Football Formation: When I played it was simply 4-4-2 or 4-3-3 which suited me. Today I like 3-5-2 or 5-3-2 where the two wide midfielders are really attacking full backs and it s an effective system for switching between attack and defence. Previous Clubs As A Player: Rathfriland and Dromara Previous Club As A Coach: Banbridge Town Juniors Proudest Moment In Football: I have a few: Watching my 3 children lift various trophies and awards. Also winning back to back titles and finishing top scorer both seasons to take Rathfriland to the Premier Division of the Amateur League. Most recently our Under 15 team clinching promotion to the National League A section and watching them develop and compete against some of the best teams in the country this season.

MEET THE COACHES Full Name: Steven Beattie Team: Lisburn League U16s and Reserves DOB: 04/09/1984 Lives: Lurgan Favourite Team: Rangers Favourite Player: Ally McCoist Preferred Football Formation: 4-3-3 Previous Clubs As A Player: Lurgan Town, Lurgan Institute Previous Club As A Coach: Lurgan Institute Proudest Moment In Football: Getting the shield final this season with the U16s. The result didn't go our way on the day but hopefully we will rectify that in seasons to come. Full Name: Nigel Johnston Team: Lisburn League U14 DOB: 1966 Lives: Lurgan Favourite Team: Leeds Utd (Yes I am that old) Favourite Player: Alan Clarke (Leeds Utd) and Dennis Bergkamp Preferred Football Formation: 4-4-1-1 Previous Clubs As A Player: Glenavon, New Century, Lurgan Institute Annagh Utd Previous Club As A Coach: Lurgan Town for 11 years Proudest Moment In Football: Winning Mid Ulster Intermediate league with Annagh Utd and as a coach winning the Mid Ulster Reserve Division 3 league title with Lurgan Town. Full Name: Chris Kemp Team: Academy U9 DOB: 17/09/1979 Lives: Aghagallon Favourite Team: Spurs Favourite Player: Pat Jennings Preferred Football Formation: 4-3-1-2 Previous Clubs As A Player: CP Goodyear Youth, Sunnyside, Crewe United, Previous Club As A Coach: Lower Maze, Crewe United, Glenavon Proudest Moment In Football: I have many with Crewe including runners up in 2 league cups. With Glenavon U12 we where runners up in the plate, won the National League and Playing for the Future cup and plate in the first season. In the second season we where only beaten once and drew once only to lose the NIBFA B league by a point. I feel the best is still to come though. Full Name: Paul Cassidy Team: Mid Ulster U11 DOB: 13/10/1978 Lives: Lurgan Favourite Team: Soft spot for Aston Villa as it was my grandad s team. Favourite Player: Paul McGrath - didn't have to train too hard but still got to play. Preferred Football Formation: Still exploring options. Previous Clubs As A Player: Oxford Utd, Derryhirk Utd, Lurgan Celtic Previous Club As A Coach: I ve coached in other sports but this is my first coaching role in soccer and I m loving every moment. Proudest Moment In Football: Winning NI secondary schools cup. That was a few years ago.

Peter is the captain of the Mid Ulster U13 side. He comes from Dollingstown and has been with the club for 7 years. Best Trainer - Alex Wheelan Worst Trainer - Scott McCullough Quickest Player - Travis Barr Slowest Player - James McCoy Most Skilful Player - Nicholas Hamilton Best Passer - Myself Best In The Air - Zack McAtamney Who Thinks He's Better Than He Actually Is? - Matthew Clarke Managers Favourite Saying - Ah come on ref CAPTAINS CORNER - PETER MILLEN Who Takes the Longest To Get Ready Before A Match - Riley Grimason Favourite Game This Season - Portadown. 3-3 draw which we then won on pens. Ambitions For The Season - For the team to win their remaining games and for me to finally get on the score sheet [WIE: Not long after writing this, Peter did manage to get on the score sheet in the 3-3 draw against Dromara Village on Saturday 18th April]. CAPTAINS CORNER - TIARNAN JUDGE Tiarnan is the captain of the Lisburn League U17 side. He hails from Derrymacash and has been with the club for Best Trainer - Worst Trainer - Quickest Player - Sidney Tavares Slowest Player - Uel (when he joins in) Most Skilful Player - Jordan Wilson Best Passer - Scott Wiltshire Best In The Air - Matthew Hosty Who Thinks He's Better Than He Actually Is? - Don Hull Managers Favourite Saying - They re a beatable side. Who Takes the Longest To Get Ready Before A Match - Myself Favourite Game This Season - Beating Oxford Sunnyside in the Northern Ireland Cup A young looking Judgee. He ll love me for this Ambitions For The Season - Win the league.