Hugh returns to old stomping ground with son Alastair

Hugh returns to old stomping ground with son Alastair

1 August 2018

THE Killyleagh Summer League had a special visitor when it resumed after the holiday break.

One of the League’s greatest ever players, Hugh Dickson, returned last Wednesday night.

Dickson started out in the league and went on to win an Irish Cup medal at 18 with Glentoran along with a Northern Ireland U-21 cap before a successful full time football career with among others, Elgin City and Wigan.

He was joined by his seven year-old son Alistair who made it a night to remember when he scored two goals in the minor section and was one of the penalty kings. 

One of our other Scottish visitors Thomas Leckey scored two goals this week again as he joined sides with Dickson.

The player in red hot form in the minor section was Oran Macleod. He banged in a remarkable five goals, with Ollie Shaw and Harry Heron also on target.

There were top performances too from Lleyton Jackson, Kayden Blaney, Liam Henderson, Sam Green, Finlay, Boyce and Daniel Hunter. For the girls, Caoimhe Sharvin, Kora Murray and Keeley Nelson played well.

The penalty kings were Oran Macleod, Harry Heron, Thomas Leckey, Ollie Shaw, Daniel Hunter and Alastair Dickson, with Caoimhe Sharvin the penalty queen.

Seniors

The standard of play in the senior section is among the best for many, many years.

The quality of build up play and finishing among the P5-P7 boys is outstanding.

Special mentions this week to Sam Drake and Jude McIlwrath for their ability to see and pick out a pass. They had five goal assists between them.

The goalscorers were Jack Wilkins, Ben Shaw, Ross Martin, Jude McIlwrath, Adam Sullivan, Jack Heron, Nathan Northrop, Jonah Harris and Jake Moreland,

In the girls, Ella Blaney was first off the mark for her team and it looked as if it would be a one-sided contest with Courtney Murphy in sizzling form hitting a hat-trick and Holly Heron the stand out player with two goals.

But it took a sudden death winner from Mackenna Morrow to settle the game, her second of the night. Also on target were Molly Pirie (2), Beth Heron (2) and Brooke Sharvin.

The penalty kings were Nathan Northrop and Ben Shaw. The queens were Ella Blaney and Abbie McMurray.

Juniors

Plenty of goalmouth action and spills in the junior section. Numbers were down after the break but the quality was just as high with Leo Watson doing well alongside Jay Murphy, Kristers Klinds and the Breen and Love twins.

The penalty king was Brodie Love and the penalty queen was Kelsey Murray.

Nursery

There was a chance for the nursery section to star ahead of this week’s challenge game for P1 boys and girls against Crossgar Youth League.

Stars on the night included Niamh Murray, Rosie Jackson, Darcy Sullivan, Jasmine Love, Baily Withers, Jacob Munyangaju, Noah Osborne, Tyler Terry, Kyle Dickson, Ted Bagley, Ivy Murray, Kate Green, Mia Boyce, Bella Henderson, Robyn Jennings and Sophia Hagan.

The league is taking a team to Crossgar on Friday night for a 5.30pm kick off. Parents are asked to let Patricia Hamilton or Chris Hagan know tonight if their child can play.

They should report to the Square in Crossgar 15 minutes before the kick off time.

The penultimate round of games are due to be played at the Bridge Centre playing fields, starting at 7pm. The seniors are due to kick off at 8pm.

With poor weather possible, parents are asked to keep a watch on the League’s Facebook page for weather/postponement updates.

The league’s presentation night takes place next week, Friday, August 10, at 7pm in the Bridge Centre. This is open to all children who have attended at least half of the Summer League sessions this season.