The U15 football team have had an excellent season and have been involved in some exciting games. Following a tough draw in an extremely competitive group, the boys performed well and progressed to an away semifinal.
Their first test came away from home against Limavady High School. It was an extremely competitive game between two evenly matched teams. LGS couldn’t have made a worse start, conceding a goal in the first 5 minutes. However, goals either side of the break from Michael and Oran gave LGS the lead early in the second half. LHS pushed for an equaliser and with only 2 minutes remaining the home side levelled the match. It looked like the boys would leave disappointed, but there was one last scramble in the LHS box and Harry P swivelled to volley home with almost the final play of the game to snatch all 3 points in a 3-2 win.
Game two saw the visit of Cross & Passion College to LGS. In another very tight encounter LGS played some good football on a heavy and challenging pitch. The boys created some good chances but couldn’t find the breakthrough until very late in the game. The team defended resolutely but it took a huge save from Lewis A with 10 minutes remaining to keep the sides level. The LGS substitutes made an excellent impact, and with 5 minutes remaining Joe H showed great composure to slot home from 10 yards to win the game 1-0 for LGS!
Match day three resulted in 3 wins from 3 games for the U15 boys. After a lacklustre first half ended 0-0, the boys produced an impressive second half performance to seal a 5-1 victory. Some excellent football and improved finishing secured the points.
Game four resulted in a first defeat for LGS in a topsy turvy match against last year’s finalists Magherafelt High School. The boys had their chances and missed two first half penalties. The team played some good football and created chances; however, they failed to capitalise. LGS were punished in the second half as MHS improved their performance and took their opportunities.
Nevertheless, the U15 boys had done enough to secure an away semi-final spot, where they would travel to the winners of group B, Coleraine Grammar School. The boys regained their shooting boots and in a superb first half performance they netted three times. Goals from Jack, Oran and Ryan ensured a 3-0 victory. A special mention should be given to our defence on the day for keeping local rivals attacking opportunities to a minimum despite several injuries to the LGS squad. The final whistle confirmed a final place versus Magherafelt High School in the Irish Society Shield to be played in June!
Unfortunately it was to be heartbreak for the boys in the final. The squad were severely depleted due to several injuries during the season, but played with grit and determination in an entertaining final. At the full time whistle they could not be separated and the game moved into extra time. Both teams had opportunities to win the trophy before Magherafelt scored the only goal of the game in the final minute of extra time.
We are extremely proud of this group of LGS players. They represented the school superbly this season, and are a great example of teamwork and playing for each other to the end. The disappointment will only make them stronger for next season. Well done, boys!