THERE was a goal rush at last week’s Killyleagh Summer League as World Cup fever hit the Bridge Centre playing fields.
The league is now into its sixth week, with primary school children competing across four pitches every Wednesday evening. As excitement continues to build, players across all four age groups produced another evening of impressive football.
Just like in the real World Cup, it was the Senior section where goals flowed most freely.
The opening match of the evening produced two quick-fire goals within the space of just two minutes, with Adam Jess and Hope Morrow both finding the net.
In one memorable incident elsewhere, Matthew Quinn was denied a goal despite striking both posts with two efforts during the same attacking move.
Among the standout performers on the night were Laughlin Fisher, Ned Keenan, Jude Magill and Adam Jess.
There were also plenty of impressive displays in the girls’ games, with Bella Henderson, Alesha Healy, Violet Woodside, Rose Keenan, Seren Carr, Georgia McConnell, Hope Morrow, Harper Clarke, Maddison Quigley, Molly Quigley and Charlotte Carr all catching the eye.
The Senior Penalty Kings were James Kearney, Kai Gordon, Matthew Quinn and Jack McCourt, while the Senior Penalty Queens were Rose Keenan, Bella Henderson and Hope Morrow.
JUNIORS
All players in the Junior section produced a fantastic effort and displayed impeccable behaviour as they enjoyed another evening of football.
There was some determined defending throughout the matches, alongside plenty of skill and several well-taken goals. A special mention goes to Adam Ross, who produced a series of excellent penalty saves at the end of the session. Thanks also to Eva Gurr, who stepped in to help organise team changes during matches.
The Junior Penalty King was James Brown, while the Junior Penalty Queen was Eva Gurr.
MINORS
There were some outstanding performances in the Minor section.
Haliya impressed in a variety of positions, including goals, midfield and attack, while Lottie and Arabella were influential throughout the pitch for the girls. Carson and Jake stood out for their respective teams, while Axel excelled with his tackling. Elliott’s kick-outs from goal were particularly impressive, while Leo and Ollie both performed well between the posts.
Arlo, Robbie and Max all enjoyed excellent evenings, while Canaan and Lorcan worked tirelessly and were involved throughout.
The Minor Penalty Queen was Arabella Thompson for the second successive week, while the Minor Penalty Kings were Carson McClurg and Cody Osborne.
TINIES
Special mention this week goes to the two youngest players in the Tinies section, Cadin McGreeghan-Kayes and Alfie Sharvin, who both got some important touches as they continue their footballing journey.
Among the boys, Caleb Taylor, Theo Gurr, Shayne Ross and Archie Brown were the standout performers. For the girls, Ember Clarke, Lily Kearney, Amelia Greene and Aoife Brown all impressed with their displays.
The Tinies Penalty Queen was Ember Clarke, while the Tinies Penalty King was Theo Gurr.
The league resumes tonight, with Tinies, Minors and Juniors getting underway at 7pm, while the Seniors take to the pitches from 8pm until 9pm.
