Carniny put in a real workmanlike performance in this Clarence Cup competition game which is open to both Junior and Intermediate status clubs within the Northern Amateur League. A good crowd of current and former players turned out to cheer on a young Carniny side which included four sixteen year olds which bodes well for a club who will in the forthcoming years no doubt help make a return to Intermediate Football as the club are determined to do with this loyal group of players. Carniny started well with the back four of McDowell, King, Heron and Hart solid in defence whilst the Hanna brothers, Jaworski and McCallion were busy in midfield and the young and the lively McKernan and Chesney caused problems in attack. McKernan in fact caused mayhem for the visiting defence with his trickery and quick turns in the early stages of the game and worked well with his partner Chesney. After half an hour though Carniny were hit a sucker punch when following a poor clearance the ball fell to a north Down striker who tucked the ball home. The Ballymena ‘reds’ tried in vain to draw level but to no avail and at the interval the score remained 0-1 to the visitors.

The second half would have expected the young Carniny side to come out with guns blazing but a couple of silly mistakes in the first 10 minutes saw Bangor score twice from a free kick and from a sloppy pass put themselves in a commanding three goal lead. Carniny didn’t drop their heads though and the positive feeling about the club helped them continue to battle on and go close on occasions with Chesney, Surgenor and Hanna all with half chances. Swifts are a good side and being of Intermediate status were always going to be the favourites and held out for the win although Carniny can hold their heads with pride in refusing to lay down and help continue in the re build of the senior side .

Any former members of Carniny Youth formed in the year 2000 who wish to return and help in the re build either as a player or coach should not hesitate to contact any of the aforementioned contacts for details.

Carniny Amateurs are sponsored by HULLS SAUSAGES with all kits supplied by ADIDAS from suppliers SKI & SPORT, Belfast.

PANEL – Watt, Hart, McDowell, King, Heron, Jaworski, D. Hanna, R. Hanna, McCallion, McKernan, Chesney, Surgenor, Green, Martin.