YOUTH FOOTBALL: Carnmoney defeated by Cliftonville

In a first half which saw both teams create chances, it was the North Belfast side who were the happier of the sides at the break as they led 2-0.

The boys from Carnmoney stepped it up a gear in the second half. Scott Wilson earned his side a penalty after being challenged in the box. Ethan Hall converted the penalty to reduce the deficit to 2-1.

As the home side appeared to be getting back into the game, Cliftonville struck again to make the score 3-1.

The Reds were reduced to 10 men after a defender brought down Wilson, who appeared to be clear through on goal. Carnmoney reduced the deficit again from the resulting free-kick. Cliftonville cleared the initial effort, but the ball fell to Lewis Barr who volleyed in to make it 3-2.

With Carnmoney pushing for an equaliser, they left themselves short at the back. This was punished by the away side, who scored late on to make the score 4-2.

The boys from Carnmoney will face stern tests in their next two league games. Next up for the Newtownabbey side is an away tie against Glentoran Academy on Saturday, October 24 before another away fixture against Linfield on Saturday, October 31.