The conditions played a big part in this game. It was a warm evening and the pitch was hard with the recent good weather.

Newtowne got off to the better start. Pearse McCallen in the Maghera goal made a super 1 on 1 save from Calvin Mooney in the 5 th minute. Two minutes later McCallen was picking the ball out of the net as Loughery poked the ball home from close range.

The game begin to follow a pattern from this point. Newtowne did most of the attacking while Maghera found it almost impossible to get by the Newtowne back four. Mark Magee and Rory O'Reilly not only defended well but the two corner backs pushed forward at every opportunity. Conor O'Hara kept the dangerous Gary O'Connor quiet while Mickey O'Brien was a s solid as usual.

The quick sending off of two players mid way through the half were major talking points. Maghera were first to go to ten men, it was a harsh decision. Calvin Mooney was then lined for Newtowne for the intent to stamp, again very harsh.

The game itself was still being dominated by Newtowne. McCallen made excellent stops from Loughery and Gary Moore to keep the score at 1-0 going into the break. A back flip from Gary O'Connor was Maghera's only shot of the half.

Maghera didn't get started in the first half and they started the second half slightly better. However they still couldn't get past the Newtowne defence. In their short spell of ascendancy Maghera didn't test Norris in the Newtowne goal. Newtowne's young keeper looked composed throughout although not really tested. Part of the reason for this was the performance of the Newtowne midfield. Nicholl was very good, while Gary Moore and Marty Harkin forced the strollers on the back foot with their pacy forward runs.

Walsh was excellent in midfield. He was instrumental in every forward movement for Newtowne. He was on hand to retrieve the breaking ball in midfield and his passing was unerring throughout.

Newtowne gradually took control again and once again they were denied by McCallen in the Maghera goal. He saved well again from Gary Moore just before the hour mark.

Anthony Loughery scored the key goal just after the hour. He was left unmarked in the Maghera half after a lovely ball from Harkin. He then calmly slotted the ball under the keeper to put the game out of reach for Maghera. Loughery thrives on the big game and what a key player he has been this year.

The arrival of Morrison and Deighan soon after the goal spelt even more trouble for Maghera. Maghera's woes were further compounded when they were reduced to 9 men after Colm Sergeant was sent off for a pushing, again harsh.

Deighan almost scored with his first kick. Set free by Morrison he blasted wide when facing only the keeper. Morrison wrapped things up for the Newts near the end. His splendid solo run ended with the long ex ginger one stroking the ball under the keeper.

In the last five minutes Maghera created their first clear chance but Gary O'Connor missed. Just before the final whistle Maghera lost another player after a fracas near the corner flag.

The final whistle was the cue for celebration among the Newtowne ranks. Seven years to the day they were now about to collect the City Cup again. A piece of silverware is just reward for the efforts of managers Mickey Burns and Marty Holland who have been working with this team at least twice a week since mid June. Their hard work and good judgement has secured Newtowne the first part of a possible treble.

Commiserations to Maghera. Once again Brendan O'Connor has taken a team to a major NW final only to lose a number of players due to other commitments. He, as always, was gracious and sporting in defeat. The Strollers didn't produce the form they are capable of on Friday night and their key men didn't get going.

Now Newtowne move on to another final, the North west Junior Cup Final against Clifton Villa on Thursday night. These are heady times for the Newtowne faithful.

Many thanks to The Corner Bar for their hospitality after the game. Our sponsors put on a free bar for players and officials to help get the celebrations going full swing. Thanks to Willis and Ryan!!

 

Newtowne City Cup Champs 2007

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