U17

This South Belfast Youth League clash at Cherryvale on Saturday morning ended in a tight draw.

With Groomsport one place above Ulidia in the league, it was always going to be a tense game.

Groomsport were always going to be favourites in this match and went on the attack straight from the start.

With the wind at their backs Groomsport peppered the Ulidia box with shots, but Ulidia’s excellent goalkeeper Holden dealt comfortably with them.

Groomsport had almost 80 per cent of possession and had almost ten attempts on the Ulidia goal in the first half.

With the wind in their favour in the second half Ulidia responded superbly.

Early in the second half McGrath was fouled 25 yards out and McGoran’s free-kick forced the Groomsport goalkeeper into a good save.

Five minutes later they were awarded another free-kick 30 yards out on the left side. McGoran’s well struck effort was too strong for the Groomsport keeper with the ball hitting the net to give Ulidia the advantage.

But Ulidia were never comfortable with their lead and Groomsport dominated the last 20 minutes of the game.

Groomsport must have had six good chances in this period and they eventually levelled the match with 12 minutes to go.

In the final minute Holden produced a sensational save from point-blank range to ensure a point for Ulidia.

Ulidia’s three centre halves Doyle, McReynolds and Lavery were excellent. Doyle was Ulidia’s man of the match, keeper Holden was world class as usual and McCafferty had a great second half.

Every player did well and ran themselves into the ground. It was a great point for Ulidia against a good footballing side.

Ulidia U17: Holden, McFlynn, McCafferty, Doyle, McReynolds, Lavery, McGrath, O'Halloran, McConnell, McGoran and McVeigh. Sub: O’Neill.