MAIDEN CITY ACADEMY had the luxury of only having to travel to Templemore Sports Complex as they faced local rivals Tristar in the second stage of the National League under 14 age group.
Both teams have performed admirably in this, the inaugural y
ear of the National League but it was MCA who triumphed on this occasion.
The game opened brightly with Tristar dominating the opening exchanges. Indeed MCA goalkeeper Conor Olphert was called on to produce several smart saves as Tristar threatened the MCA goal.
However it wasn't long before MCA took control of the game as McClay and Cooke started to dominate the midfield area. Indeed it was James McClay who opened the scoring after some neat interplay between man of the match MOM Gavin Montgomery and Irvine. McClay spotted the keeper off his line and expertly lobbed him from all of 30 yards.
Tristar battled hard to draw level with Ramsay and McKeever involved in most of their good work. The MCA defence of Montgomery,Coyle, Leonard and Browne were having none of it and easily dealt with any attacks. An injury to Coyle saw him replaced after 20 minutes by Donegal lad Conor Harkin.
MCA should have added to their opening goal after Joel Bradley weaved his magic on the right wing and produced a deep cross to the back post where Daniel Hamilton really should have scored with a free header.
The second half started much the same way as the first ended with MCA controlling the midfield area. A long ball out of defence from Brad Surgeoner saw speed merchant Patrick Bradley burst clear and he was unlucky not to put his side two up as his shot bounced off the crossbar to safety.
Tristar were not to be so lucky next time as Barr found McClay who engineered some space for himself and let fly from just outside the box to give Tristar keeper Wade no chance.
MCA now were playing very controlled football as they moved the ball about the park with ease.
However, Tristar grabbed a lifeline when MCA seemed to switch off momentarily and centre forward Morris seized on a loose pass and smashed the ball home past substitute keeper Shearring.
MCA, realising they now had a fight on their hands, upped their game once again and Hamilton attoned for his earlier miss as he beat two players on the edge of the box and fired home with his left foot.
An entertaining game between the two local teams who are clearly benefitting from playing in the National League against quality opposition every week.
Maiden City Academy: Olphert, Leonard, Browne, Montgomery, Coyle, Cooke, J Bradley, McClay, Irvine, P Bradley, Hamilton Subs: Surgeoner, Shearring, Harkin, Barr.
