Carniny Youth 2014s - sponsored by Robinson's Supermarket

The Ballymena boys travelled back to Crumlin once again for the late Friday night kick-off after a weather-enforced break the previous weekend.

Carniny started strongly creating several chances yet it was Newtownabbey who took a surprise lead when some hesitation at the back allowed their striker to nip in and finish from close range with six minutes gone.

Showing their belief and spirit, Carniny quickly got the game going again and after a strong, weaving run, captain Billy fired a shot from distance which the Newtownabbey goalkeeper couldn’t hold allowing Alex to fire home the equaliser on eight minutes.

Tremendous work rate across the pitch pinned Newtownabbey into their half with Carniny’s quick passing carrying a constant danger. A highlight of this was man-of-the-match Luca who had an outstanding game in midfield helping to regain the ball time and again.

More missed chances followed before some good team pressing high up the pitch turned over possession for Caleb to drive at the Newtownabbey defence and slot home for 2-1.

The second half followed the same pattern as the first with Carniny's quick passing creating chance after chance but the combination of last ditch defending and several good saves from the Newtownabbey keeper kept nerves on edge.

Those nerves were finally settled with the third goal from a Caleb corner. Seth, who had shown fantastic persistence to get into dangerous positions throughout the game - and yet worked back tirelessly - saw his initial header blocked but then quickly controlled and fired into the far corner to make it 3-1 with only a few minutes to play.

Another very strong performance full of effort and rapid, attacking football was a great watch and shows just how hard the boys are working on this in training.

Carniny: Jake R, Isaac, Jake W, James, Karter, Luca, Harlow, Frankie, Seth, Billy (Captain), Caleb, Alex.