Under 9s
It was a mixed bag of results as the ‘Mac teams began their search for silverware in the new season.
At the Grosvenor the Under 9’s had an early start against Doyle in the Mini-Soccer League .
Ryan McKeown, James Boyle and Gary Kearney worked hard in midfield and Corey Byrne, Cein Lidster, Brendan Quinn, and Karl Reilly defended well, ably backed up by the goalkeeping skills of Padraig McKernan.
However the boys from the Strand played some good football and in the end proved just too strong for the Falls side. Well done to both teams.
Immaculata: Padraig McKernan, Corey Byrne, Brendan Quinn, Cein Lidster, Ciaran McKernan, James Boyle, Reilly Rooney, Karl Reilly, Ryan McKeown, Gary Kearney, Harvey McCabe, Micheal McKeown, Anthony Quinn.
Under 12s
Following this the Under 12’s lined up against Oliver Plunkett in the South Belfast League and although starting tentatively they gradually moved into their stride .
After 15 minutes Reece McGinley fired in a left foot shot from the edge of the box and this was quickly followed by a fine Christopher Conn strike before Reece grabbed his second to put the Mac in control at the break.
On 40 minutes the same player achieved his hat-trick with what only can be described as an amazing piece of skill.
Receiving the ball outside the Plunkett box he was faced with no less than three defenders but his quick feet and awareness enabled him to make space and hit a superb 20 yard shot into the top corner.
The Lenadoon side battled on but the Divis club emphasised their superiority with further goals from John Paul Crilly, Brendan Craig and not surprisingly Reece McGinley.
Under 13s
Immaculata 3
Newhill 4
Meanwhile up at the Whiterock a hard fought match saw the Mac under 13’s go down to Newhill by the odd goal in seven.
Very few chances were created in the opening half as both teams struggled to impose themselves on their opponents but once the Upper Springfield lads got their noses in front s
With Ciaran Hyland instrumental in all of Newhill’s attacks they built up a three goal lead before the Loney side , driven on by some neat play from Caoimhin Black, responded.
Two goals in succession, courtesy of Tomas Zmid and Jim Crilly gave them hope before another incisive break down the right wing extended Newhill’s lead.
This Immaculata side however are a determined set of players and they refused to throw the towel in and on the stroke of full time this positive attitude was rewarded when Pierce Arterton drove home from 25 yards.
This was compelling game of football between two good teams and played in the right spirit.
Under 16
Immaculata 6
Red Star 2
Over at the Balmoral pitches on Blacks Road Immaculata Under 16 maintained their unbeaten start with an emphatic victory against Red Star.
Severe blustery weather and heavy playing conditions made it difficult for both sides to develop any rhythm but despite all this Red Star went in front after 10 minutes.
This lead however proved to be short-lived as the Mac managed to raise their game with Conor ‘Mitch’ White and Ryan Hanna notching up no fewer than six goals between them.
Mitch claimed four in total leaving two for Ryan Hanna, one of which was a classic wonder strike from all of 25 yards.
Red Star deservedly added a consolation second goal before the final whistle but the all round team performance of the Loney outfit was not to be denied in the end.