Mixed fortunes for weekend Carniny AYFC teams

Carniny Youth U12 2-4 Linfield Ladies U12

A SPIRITED, high-tempo contest saw Carniny Amateurs U12 narrowly miss out on the points, falling 4–2 to a clinical Linfield Ladies side in an entertaining match that hung in the balance right until the closing stages.

Carniny started brightly, matching their opponents' intensity across the pitch and breaking the deadlock in stunning fashion. Picking up the ball outside the area, Adam struck an exceptional half-volley that flew straight into the top corner, leaving the Linfield keeper no chance.

The second half was a relentless battle. Carniny dominated long stretches and created a succession of chances to take the lead. However, Linfield’s defense held firm, and the visitors proved ruthlessly efficient on the break, punishing Carniny with two well-taken goals against the run of play to seal the 4–2 result.

While the final scoreline didn't reflect the balance of chances, the Carniny players can take immense pride in their work rate, resilience, and positive attacking display from start to finish.

Carniny Youth U13 0-0 Bloomfield

In a game at The Hammer complex in which neither side could get on top, the Ballymena boys failed to get on the scoresheet for the first time this season but still remain top of their division.

Carniny, captained by Billy, had a great chance after just three minutes when Alex's pass sent Alfie clear but the Bloomfield keeper blocked his effort behind for a corner. Little did anyone know that would be the last meaningful contribution either keeper would make, with both teams cancelling each other out.

Carniny Amateurs U13 vs Dundrum United

After a steady start, Jackson and Isaac learning early on that on a big pitch there was plenty of space to break into.

Mason M and Mason G worked tirelessly in midfield, trying to feed the ball to Zak at every chance, but Dundrum were solid and took every challenge on. The back line of Pacey, Ollie and Jamie were tested on occasion but nothing to worry about, Zayn only having to sweep up and stay sharp between the sticks.

The introduction of James H & and Kelean put Carniny on the front foot again, which was aided further by Oliver and Alfie injecting the energy into midfield.

The deadlock was broken just before half time, when Pacey raced forward and cut his cross which fell to James H, firing his left footed shot passed the Dundrum GK.

In the second half Dundrum came out looking hungry for that equalising goal. Carniny stood strong and continuously battled to win the ball.

Mason G showed tremendous fighting spirit in midfield, up for every challenge!

The Amateurs added a second after a wicked cross from Oliver was turned in by a Dundrum defender resulting in an own goal. Isaac saw those openings appear again on the wing, along with Jackson and Oliver, seeing the Dundrum defenders have to keep them under control more and more often! Zak fired some efforts from distance, along with Kelean and James H.

Jackson and Mason M were strong and tenacious, winning the ball for Oliver to break through and show great composure, cutting onto his right foot to score the third and final goal of the game.

Carniny U16 3-2 Dundela Colts

The opening exchanges were evenly contested, with both sides battling for control and clear-cut opportunities few and far between.

Dundela took the lead on 14 minutes when a long-range effort was well saved by the Carniny goalkeeper, but a visiting forward reacted quickest to the rebound to turn home from close range.

Despite the setback, Carniny continued to play positive football and were rewarded five minutes before the break. A superb through ball from Sam H split the defence and Alfie showed outstanding control before calmly drilling a low finish into the bottom corner to level.

With the sides locked at 1-1 at half-time, Carniny emerged for the second half full of confidence and began to dominate possession. The Reds looked the more likely side to score and came close when Sam M broke through on goal, only to see his effort drift narrowly off target.

Against the run of play, Dundela regained the lead when a long free-kick from their goalkeeper was allowed to bounce, enabling their striker to race through and find the net. Once again, Carniny responded brilliantly.

Excellent work from Harley created the opening as Alfie's header appeared destined for goal before a defender handled the ball on the line. The referee immediately pointed to the spot and Alfie stepped up confidently to convert the penalty and restore parity.

With momentum firmly behind them, Carniny pushed forward in search of a winner and their persistence paid off. A superbly delivered corner found Andrew, who rose highest in the box to power a header beyond the goalkeeper and spark celebrations.

Carniny U17 2-0 Bloomfield

From the first whistle, Carniny took control and moved the ball well despite a difficult playing surface.

Their positive approach was rewarded when a superb passing move ended with Tiernan finding the top corner to give Carniny a deserved 1-0 lead.

With confidence growing, Carniny continued to press high and force mistakes. Their pressure paid off when Jonesy won a penalty after being pushed to the ground by a defender. He picked himself up and confidently converted from the spot to double Carniny's advantage and send them into half-time with a 2-0 lead.

Carniny remained in control after the break, dominating possession and creating several good opportunities, with a few efforts narrowly missing the target. At the other end, the defence stayed solid and ensured the visitors were rarely troubled.