The Year 12 team succumbed to defeat at the hands of local rivals Ballymena Academy in the first round of the Northern Ireland Cup. Of all the teams in the draw, it was sods law that the boys were drawn against one of their neighbouring schools. However, a draw against the same opposition last week at the Year 12 tournament gave the boys hope of progression to round two of the competition.
The team got off to the worst possible start when they conceded two quick fire goals in the opening ten minutes. Things didn’t get any better as Thomas Lowry went off injured, as the conceded three further goals to make it virtually impossible to come back from. The message at half time was simple, use your strengths of keeping the ball over short distances and work on this with a view to making progress further up the pitch.
A few positional changes meant the likes of Adam Steele, Diego Fletcher and David McKay were able to dictate play down the right hand. The boys were soon rewarded when they scored a penalty (Steele) and then Peter Laverty caused havoc to force the Academy to put the ball into their net. Credit goes to all players who continued to give their all despite being beaten by a well drilled team.
Best for Cullybackey – David McKay, Leon Coulter, Diego Fletcher
Man of the match – Diego Fletcher.