Soccer: Newington continue perfect start with victory over Queen's

Boyle Sports NIFL Championship
Newington 2
QUB 1
At Solitude

NORTH BELFAST side Newington continued their unbeaten start to the second tier after they successfully navigated and secured a win over Queen's University Belfast at Solitude on Saturday afternoon.

Two first half goals courtesy of Paul Donnelly and Seamus Duffy were enough to seal the win, despite a nervy ending which saw the away side pull back a goal 12 minutes from time through Mikey Withers.

The hosts managed to open the scoring after a goalless early period, but chances were prevalent.

Donnelly fired home first in the 24th minute when he was played in after a great pass from Aidan Kelly, and Donnelly then lifted the ball over the oncoming keeper with a delicious dink and struck the back of the net for the first goal.

On the stroke of half-time Newington managed to find the net once again and double their lead going into the break.

Seamus Duffy’s goal came from a touch of class after Jay Donnelly perfectly placed a ball through to Duffy, whose curling effort saw the ball fly into the top corner with the outside of his left boot.

NIFL player of the week Aaron Heaney was a thorn in the Queen's side all day proving to be a constant threat on the wing for most of the contest.

Queens pulled a goal back on the 78th minute that gave the 'Ton a nervy end to the half.

A whipped corner proved too tough for the hosts to deal with and after three attempts at goal the ball fell to Withers who cracked a half-volley and found the inside of the post and halved the deficit.

Queen's thought they had grabbed an equaliser right at the death only for substitute Fra Rice to pull off a game-saving block preventing a certain goal in the dying minutes of the game and securing the three points for the hosts.

The 2-1 victory helps Newington secure a massive three points and leaves them top of the NIFL Championship after just three games.

Newington are back in action once again next weekend at home with Solitude the venue as they are set to face Rathfriland Rangers in a 3pm kick-off.