Swift Start

Newry City 3 Dungannon Swifts 0
Rowe (pen), Graham, Downey

Newry opened their league campaign with a comprehensive win over Dungannon Swifts at a sunny Showgrounds. The first half was a fairly low key affair, although Newry passed the ball well at times and gradually worked up a head of steam as the half progressed. Visiting keeper Sean O'Neill denied Paul Keenan a goal with a fine save from the Newry striker's powerful header, but Newry didn't have to wait long for the opening goal. From the resulting corner, Adamson handled the ball and Hugh Carvill immediately pointed to the spot. Ger Rowe stepped up to confidently slot home.

The opening 20 minutes of the 2nd half saw Dungannon gain a decent spell of possession as Newry sat very deep, but Andy Coleman wasn't overly troubled aside from one decent save after a quickly taken Swifts corner. With the next goal obviously crucial, Gerry Flynn sent on Andy Graham and the move paid immediate dividends. Coleman's goal kick was nodded on by the hard working Keenan and Graham showed strength and speed to get between two defenders and slot past O'Neill.

There might still have been late discomfort for Newry if Dungannon sub Topley hadn't headed wide when well placed, but that was as close as the visitors got as it was Newry who rounded things off with a third. Former Newry player Niall Henderson lost the ball cheaply in midfield when he passed straight to Ross Black. He moved it on to Murphy who found Conor Downey on the edge of the box. Downey turned neatly and slotted home.

So, a decent start to the season for Newry with 3 goals, 3 points and a clean sheet. At the same time, there should be much improvement to come from the team and plenty to work on before the visit of Cliftonville next week.

Newry: Coleman, King, Black, Munster, Convery, Ferguson, Hazley (Graham), Downey, Rowe, Murphy, Keenan (Murray). Subs not used: Devlin, McDonnell, Walker.
Newrycityfc.com Man of the Match: John Convery

John Convery receives his Man of the Match award from Match Sponsor Tommy Allen. Also in picture is Lisa Kelly, NCFC Marketing Manager.