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Saturday 27th June 2009 - Premier team lose to Antrim
Andrew Burns asks for the ball against
County Antrim
County Down lost 2-0 to Antrim in Randalstown on Saturday afternoon. Despite a confident start by County Down, it was the home team who took the lead after a breakaway goal on 15 minutes.
Antrim doubled their advantage on the stroke of half-time when left-back Niall Quinn sent a curling 20-yard free-kick past Shane Harrison in the Down goal.
Friday 26th June 2009 - Juniors beat Antrim at Randalstown
County Down travelled to Randalstown to play County Antrim and ran out 3-nil winners on Thursday evening in their latest warm-up game. The match started at a frantic pace with Antrim seeing a lot of the ball but as the half progressed, Down began to take control. John Bailie's team maintained a high tempo throughout the first half and at times the Antrim team struggled to cope. Down made the most of this by scoring two goals in the opening half. Andrew Mitchell toe-poked home from five yards to open the scoring, and Shay McCartan added a second soon after following good work by Luke Conlan on the left hand side. McCartan then beat his marker and converted from 8 yards. The second half started in similar fashion and when David Morgan added an excellent third from 22 yards, the game was over. County Down defended well and Carter Dawson made a great save with five minutes remaining to deny County Antrim a consolation. This was a very good performance by County Down with everyone contributing.
Monday 22nd June 2009 - Both squads to play Antrim in Randalstown
County Down have agreed to play County Antrim at both Premier and Junior level.
Thursday 25th June 2009
Junior game will take place at Neillsbrook Road Football Pitch in Randalstown. Kick-off is at 7.30pm.
Saturday 27th June 2009
Premier game will take place at Neillsbrook Road Football Pitch in Randalstown. Kick-off is at 1.30pm.
Directions - Out of Belfast on M2 and continue to M22 in direction of Londonderry - turn off at Junction 2 towards Randalstown (A6)
In the centre of town is a set of traffic lights (with Ulster Bank on right hand side) turn right there and then turn left onto Neillsbrook Road - Pitch complex will appear on the right hand side.
Sunday 21st June 2009 - County Down enjoy successful Dublin trip
The Premier and Junior squads went to Dublin for the traditional pre-tournament residential at the weekend before the panels of 18 players were finalised for the Milk Cup at the end of July. Here is how the games panned out....
Junior round-up
The Junior squad went two goals behind before eventually running out 7-2 winners against Ashbourne Under-16’s at Oscar Traynor Park on Friday evening.
County Down conceded twice in the opening 24 minutes, both goals the result of poor defending.
Aaron Sills got a goal back for County Down following good work from Andrew Mitchell and Liam McGarry.
Luke Conlan made it 2-2 just a minute after that, latching onto a loose ball from an Andrew Mitchell cross.
Mitchell got on the scoresheet two minutes into the 2nd half. Aaron Sills then latched on to a long kick-out from James McConville to make it 4-2
Stephen McCullough extended the lead with an audacious long-range effort from near the halfway line.
Two goals in quick succession in the final minute from Gerard Daly and then Matthew Geddis completed the rout.
On Saturday, the Junior squad earned a credible 2-2 draw against North Dublin Schoolboys League Under-16’s at Oscar Traynor Park.
County Down hit the woodwork on four occasions in the opening half. Philip Egerton’s cross hit the post after ten minutes. Five minutes later, Shay McCartan outpaced his marker before prodding a shot against the upright, and Stephen Cockcroft did the same with the follow-up.
The game continued similar fashion as McCartan set up Stuart Muldrew who thundered a header against the crossbar after 16 minutes.
Muldrew played a major part in County Down’s opening goal two minutes into the 2nd half, forcing the North Dublin centre-half to head into his own net.
With 18 minutes remaining County Down doubled the lead. Timmy Lai ran on to Conor Brennan’s long ball to score.
John Bailie made wholesale changes late in the game. County Down lost some of their shape and conceded two goals to North Dublin who finished strongly.
County Down played out a scoreless draw with North Dublin Schoolboys League Under-15’s on Sunday.
The Junior’s hit the woodwork on the half-hour as Philip Egerton crashed a free-kick against the bar.
Stuart Muldrew had a lob cleared off the line ten minutes into the 2nd half. Muldrew could have scored five minutes later, but his effort from Timmy Lai’s cross went wide from 6 yards.
Shay McCartan was introduced late into the game and made an immediate impact. His run and shot almost opened the scoring with five minutes remaining.
McCartan then won a penalty in the final minute. Stephen Cockcroft’s spot-kick clipped the outside of the post and the referee blew for full-time.
Premier round-up
Adam Robinson with the ROI
skipper and officials
County Down’s Premier squad kicked-off the Dublin weekend with a 1-1 draw against Cherry Orchard.
Kurtis Kane’s powerful header was deflected narrowly over the bar early on, before Michael Monan had a half-volley saved by the Orchard keeper. Ben Stanex then tried his luck with a long-range effort but it was well gathered by the opposition keeper.
Cherry Orchard went in front with half-an-hour played. Shane Harrison made a double-save pushing a pinpoint lob onto the bar, but the rebound was converted by the Orchard centre forward.
County Down got a deserved equaliser 5 minutes into the 2nd half. Cherry Orchard failed to clear their lines, and the dropping ball fell to Ben Cullen who rifled it home into the top corner from 20 yards.
The Premier squad was desperately unlucky to lose 3-1 to the Republic of Ireland Under-17’s at Athletic Union League on Sunday.
Jack Duffin’s uncharacteristic error after 11 minutes allowed the Republic striker to lob in the opening goal.
Gareth Matthew’s then tested the Irish keeper with a snap-shot from the edge of the area but the ball was parried to safety.
County Down got a deserved equaliser after 28 minutes. Jonathan Scannell’s corner from the right was only half-cleared, and Gareth Matthews showed good composure to side-foot home at the back post.
Andrew Burns then had a header saved from a Ben Murdock free-kick, as County Down went in search of a second goal.
The Irish keeper did well to keep out Luke Adair’s 73rd minute strike. Adair had a free-kick saved six minutes later.
County Down conceded with just seven minutes left. Shane Harrison’s attempted clearance was charged down by one of the Irish strikers and the ball deflected into the net.
The Republic scored a decisive 3rd goal in the final minute after poor marking from a corner on the right.
The scoreline did little to reflect the closeness of the two teams on the day. It was a terrific effort by the County Down boys and one which will live long in the memory.
Saturday 20th June 2009 - Premier squad beat Glentoran
County Down's Premier squad beat Glentoran's Foyle Cup team 1-nil in a friendly at the Kilmore Playing Fields on Tuesday. The winning goal came courtesy of a Stephen 'Steeky' Brown shot which gave the visiting keeper no chance. The Premier squad will now aim to replicate that win in Dublin, when Cherry Orchard and the Republic of Ireland provide the opposition.
Monday 15th June 2009 - County Down to play Watford following late Galatasaray withdrawal
Turkish giants Galatasaray have withdrawn from the 2009 Premier Milk Cup tournament. The late decision not to come to the competition is thought to be due to financial difficulties. Championship outfit Watford have stepped in. That all mean's that Donald Malomo-Paris' squad will face 'The Hornets'. Details of the venues for both squads have just been announced.
Premier section - Fixtures/Venues
Monday 27th July - Co.Down v Trudovye Rezervy - Showgrounds, Coleraine, 6pm
Tuesday 28th July - Co.Down v Watford - Showgrounds, Ballymena, 7pm
Junior section - Fixtures/Venues
Monday 27th July - Co.Down v Spartak Moscow - Riada 2, Ballymoney, 3.30pm
Tuesday 28th July - Co.Down v North Dublin SL - Parker Avenue, Portrush, 1.30pm
Sunday 14th June 2009 - Juniors retain Mourne Cup
Carter Dawson receives the Mourne Cup
The County Down Junior team racked up three wins from three games to win the Mourne Cup at the Kilmore Playing Fields on Saturday. Luke Conlan and Stuart Muldrew were on target in a 2-1 win over County Tyrone. Muldrew scored again in a 3-0 win against Dundalk Schoolboys. Mark Armstrong and Andrew Mitchell were also on target. John Bailie's team beat North Dublin Schoolboys 2-1 in the final match thanks to goals from Stephen Cockcroft and Ryan Craig.
Sunday 14th June 2009 - Premier squad draw with County Londonderry
County Down's Premier squad played out a scoreless draw with County Londonderry at Millbridge, Ballynahinch on Saturday. The lively Jonathan Scannell had the best chance for County Down, but he failed to get enough elevation on his effort to lob the keeper. The management team were happy with the progress, particularly in keeping a clean sheet - in only their second game together.
Saturday 6th June 2009 - provisional County Down Premier and Junior squads
The details on the provisional County Down Premier and Junior squads for the 2009 Milk Cup are now live. Click here or on the current teams tab at the top of the page to access information on both squads.
Tuesday 2nd June 2009 - Parent's Information Night
Co.Down PRO Barry Greene with Peter
Thompson and David Howland
There was a packed house at the Ballynahinch Community Centre for the Parents Information night. Northern Ireland and Stockport County striker Peter Thompson, who played for County Down at the 2001 Milk Cup, was the special guest. Thompson was joined by Port Vale midfielder David Howland, who represented County Down in the 2002 tournament. Milk Cup chairman Victor Leonard, PRO Jim Sandford and secretary, Jim Weir were also in attendance. Mr Leonard addressed players and parents about the tournament history and his expectations for the 2009 competition.
Saturday 30th May 2009 - Attention players and parents
The County Down Parent's Information Night will take place on Tuesday, 2 June in the Ballynahinch Community Centre.
The event starts at 8pm, and a special guest will be in attendance.
Friday 29th May 2009 - Junior and Premier squads named
The waiting is over! After exhaustive trials throughout the county, both managers have selected their panels up to the pre-tournament residential weekend which takes place in Dublin from 19 to 21 June. After Dublin , both panels must be cut to the pre-requisite 18 players for the Milk Cup proper.
2009 Junior Panel (22 players)
Goalkeepers
Conor Brennan, Killyleagh; Carter Dawson, Belfast ; James McConville, Gilford.
Defenders
Philip Egerton, Belfast; Thomas Healey, Downpatrick; Stephen McCullough, Belfast; Adam Magorrian, Newcastle; Joe McKinney, Crossgar; John Nelson, Dundonald.
Midfielders
Mark Armstrong, Cloughey; Stephen Cockcroft, Bangor; Luke Conlan, Portaferry; Ryan Craig, Belfast; Gerard Daly, Downpatrick; Timmy Lai, Belfast; Liam McGarry, Banbridge; David Morgan, Killyleagh.
Forwards
Matthew Geddis, Dromore; Shay McCartan, Newry; Andrew Mitchell, Waringstown; Stuart Muldrew, Killinchy; Aaron Sills, Belfast.
2009 Premier Panel (23 players)
Goalkeepers
Jack Duffin, Belfast ; Shane Harrison, Annalong; Dean McGibbon, Dundonald.
Defenders
Rory Battersby, Banbridge; Carl McConville, Belfast; Jamie Edgar, Belfast; Kurtis Kane, Belfast; Bradley Morton, Bangor; Ben Murdock, Dromore; Adam Robinson, Carryduff.
Midfielders
Luke Adair, Kircubbin; Andrew Burns, Banbridge; Craig Cooling, Bangor; Benjamin Cullen, Clough; Alexander Malcolm-Bourne, Comber; Gareth Matthews, Belfast; Matthew McFerran, Ballywalter; Michael Monan, Crossgar; Jonathan Scannell, Newcastle.
Forwards
Stephen Brown, Dundonald; Kenneth Gracey, Dromore; Craig Paterson, Belfast ; Ben Stanex, Bangor .
Thursday 28th May 2009 - It’s a Russian revelation for County Down
Junior squad fixtures
Monday 27 July: County Down v Spartak Moscow (Russia)
Tuesday 28 July: County Down v North Dublin Schoolboy League (ROI)
Premier squad fixtures
Monday 27 July: County Down v Trudovye Rezervy (Russia)
Tuesday 28 July: County Down v Galatasaray (Turkey)
The full draw can be seen here.
The draw for the 27th Milk Cup took place in W5 at the Odyssey, Belfast , on Thursday, 28th May. Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp and Huddersfield Town boss Lee Clark were the special guests.
Russian outfit Spartak Moscow provide the opposition for the County Down Junior squad on Monday, 27th July. The following day, County Down face the North Dublin Schoolboy League. The Junior squad finished 3rd last year, and were beaten only once by eventual winners Everton. Former Ards captain John Bailie was recently installed as manager, and knows that his crop of players have it all to do to equal or better last year’s performance. “The boys were outstanding at the last Milk Cup. We have a completely new squad now and these players will be out to show that they can be just as successful.”
Bailie went on to say that he was pleased with the draw. “Obviously with Spartak Moscow being previous winners, they will be hard to beat. North Dublin Schoolboys will probably play a similar brand of football to us. But I’ve no doubt that we will compete with both sides.”
The County Down Premier squad also begin the tournament against Russian opposition – in the form of Trudovye Rezervy. The attention then switches to the game on Tuesday, 28th July, when the locals face Turkish giants Galatasaray.
Premier boss Donald Malomo-Paris said he was excited by the prospect of facing two sides with distinct European flavours. “We meet a side from Russia on the Monday and play one of the top teams from Turkey the following day. It’s exactly what the Milk Cup is all about.”
Malomo-Paris, who led the 2008 Premier side to BT Trophy glory in his first year in charge, said he can’t wait for the action to get going. “Our provisional squad of 23 players were in for their first training session at Kilmore on Saturday. We have plenty of hard sessions and warm-up matches to get through between now and the competition. But I have every faith in these lads.”
The 2009 Northern Ireland Milk Cup starts with the opening parade on Sunday, 26th July. Matches run from Monday, 27th to Friday, 31st July.
Saturday 25th April 2009 - New Past Player addition
Northern Ireland international Peter Thompson has endured a tough first season at Stockport County. The former County Down star, who moved from Linfield to full-time football in England has been talking to PRO Barry Greene...
Saturday 25th April 2009 - Dates for your diary
Premier Team (Under 17)
Tuesday 5 May 2009 – County Down Training squad v Glentoran Under-18, Bangor Sportsplex (Ballykillaire), 7pm ko
Tuesday 19 May 2009 – Final trial selection, Clandeboye Park, Bangor, 7pm ko
Saturday 30 May 2009 – 1st Training for County Down Premier squad, Kilmore Playing Fields, Crossgar
Friday 19 June to Sunday 21 June – Dublin pre-tournament weekend
Junior Team (Under 15)
Saturday 16 May 2009 – Zonal trial – North Down v South Down, Clandeboye Park, Bangor, 2.30pm ko
Tuesday 19 May 2009 – Zonal trial – East Down v North Down, Billy Neill Soccer Centre of Excellence (Dundonald)
Thursday 21 May 2009 – Zonal trial – East Down v South Down, Cheney Park, Banbridge (through the Coach car park in Church Square). This match will be played on a 3G pitch. Please park in the Coach car park. Players to be there for 6.30pm for 7pm ko
Saturday 23 May 2009 – Final trial selection, Clandeboye Park, Bangor, 11am ko
Saturday 13 June 2009 – Mourne Cup competition, Kilmore Playing Fields, Crossgar
Friday 19 June to Sunday 21 June – Dublin pre-tournament weekend
Other key dates
Thursday 28 May 2009 – Milk Cup draw at W5 Complex, The Odyssey, Belfast
Tuesday 2 June 2009 – Parents Information Night, Ballynahinch Community Centre, Ballynahinch, 8pm - Plus special guest
Sunday 26 July - Opening Ceremony & Milk Cup report date, Lodge Hotel, Coleraine
Saturday 18th April 2009 – Manchester United and Northern Ireland return for Milk Cup 2009
Northern Ireland internationals and former Milk Cup
stars Aaron Hughes, David Healy and Andrew Little
with the chairman of the Dairy Council, David Ross
and Milk Cup chairman Victor Leonard.
After Beckham, Neville, Giggs, Fletcher, Brown and Macheda, Ulster is standing by for an invasion of Manchester United’s new generation of wannabes.
Boss Sir Alex Ferguson has championed the cause of Northern Ireland’s Milk Cup tournament and blooded some of his biggest names there before anyone knew who they were.
Fergie expressed his delight when United won the Premier title at Coleraine last summer and has rubber stamped the club’s entry again this year.
Over the years the tournament has also witnessed homegrown rising stars such as United defender Jonny Evans, Northern Ireland skipper Aaron Hughes and striker David Healy.
Elite title holders Northern Ireland have also confirmed their entry in the Under-20 section.
Milk Cup chairman Victor Leonard says: “Manchester United bring some fabulously talented players and of course we had confirmation in the last few days ago of how good a player striker Federico Macheda is after his wonderful Milk Cup tournament last year.”
Dr. Mike Johnston, chief executive of the main sponsors the Dairy Council for Northern Ireland, says: “The interest generated by both teams over the week is incredible.
“We are proud to continue our backing for the event which is vitally important not only as a major sporting event but also plays a key role in terms of attracting tourists here from right across the globe.”
United have been supporting the competition for many years thanks to a special relationship between United boss Sir Alex Ferguson and former Milk Cup committee member Bertie Peacock, the Celtic and Northern Ireland legend.
Under Steve Beaglehole, Northern Ireland’s Under-20s lifted the Elite crown last year with Rangers’ Andy Little among the stars. Little was recently called up to the senior squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Poland and Slovenia.
Andy says: “The Milk Cup is a great opportunity for younger players to experience international competition at the highest level.”
Northern Ireland favourite David Healy also played at the tournament and says it still rates as one of the best experiences of his remarkable career.
This year’s draw will be made in the W5 Studio at the Odyssey in Belfast on Thursday, May 28, with the competition kicking off at venues around Counties Antrim and Londonderry on Monday, July 27, following the traditional parade of teams and welcome ceremony in Coleraine on Sunday, July 26.
Thursday 19th March 2009 – Junior trials set for big kick-off
The process of selecting the finest players for the County Down Junior squad for the 2009 Northern Ireland Milk Cup is about to begin.
Former Ards and Bangor captain John Bailie was recently installed as the new manager of the Junior team (under 15’s). Raymond Campbell, who played alongside Bailie at Ards, has been named as his assistant. Once assembled, the squad will be aiming to emulate last year’s talented crop of players who managed to finish third overall, behind Wolverhampton Wanderers and eventual winners Everton.
To qualify, boys must have been born on or after 1 January 1994. If you are a coach or parent and you know of a player who has the ability to represent County Down at the world-renowned Milk Cup tournament, which will take place from 26 to 31 July 2009, be sure to contact the respective trial co-ordinator with details of name, date of birth, address of parent/s, contact number, position played and club/school.
Trials will be split into three Zones -
North Down
This area covers the whole of Belfast, south of the Lagan and the Ards Peninsula including Bangor & Holywood. Trial co-ordinator is Alan Morton (07728 570601).
South Down
This area takes in Newry, Warrenpoint, Kilkeel, Banbridge, Rathfriland and Dromara. Trial co-ordinators are Peter Houston (07867 767787) and Linda McAdam (call or text 07814 127573).
East Down
East Down covers the Annahilt, Ballynahinch, Carryduff, Downpatrick, Newcastle area and takes in Killyleagh and Comber. Trial co-ordinators are Ronnie Cromie (07788 441342) and Barry Greene (07788 880090).
Once the zonal squads have been selected, the respective panels will play against each other in front of the Junior management.
Wednesday 18th March 2009 – Umbro boost for Peacock winner Ben
Ben Oliver with Umbro representative Paul Leeman.
Last year's County Down Junior team captain Ben Oliver has landed a one-year kit deal with sports outfitters Umbro after winning a coveted award from the Bertie Peacock Foundation.
Defender Ben captained the County Down side to a third overall place in the Junior event, behind Wolverhampton Wanderers and eventual winners Everton. He also picked up the County’s player of the tournament award.
Oliver, now with Linfield, impressed with Northern Ireland under-16s in their Victory Shield games following the tournament. He is an intelligent, classy central defender who has been attracting the attention of a number of cross channel clubs.
Ben was delighted to pick up his Umbro award from another top defender, local representative Paul Leeman, the Glentoran captain.
Paul said: “Umbro are honoured to be involved in supporting the Milk Cup and helping in the development of exciting young local players such as Ben.
“Playing our part in helping remember Bertie Peacock, a legend of the local game, is very special, considering what he achieved as a manager and player along with the untiring work he undertook to promote youth football.”
This is the third year of the Bertie Peacock Foundation awards which are a fitting way of honouring a man who helped establish the Milk Cup back in 1983 along with Jim Weir, now tournament secretary.
Sunday 11th January 2009 – Irish League stalwart Bailie named Junior team manager
John Bailie playing for Bangor
Former Ards and Bangor captain John Bailie has been appointed manager of the Under 15 County Down Milk Cup team. Bailie, who has made over 500 appearances in an Irish League career spanning 14 years, is currently in charge of Bangor Reserves. Raymond Campbell, who played alongside Bailie at Ards, has agreed to come on board as assistant manager. The pair replace Paul Ritchie and Kyle Spiers, who have stepped down after four years at the helm.
“I’m honoured to be given the opportunity to lead the Junior County Down team in the 2009 Milk Cup. Paul and coach Kyle have set a very high standard with the Junior squad, and they will be a difficult act to follow”, he said.
Bailie last played for Bangor in the JJB Sports Irish Premiership in October last year in a 1-all draw with Newry City. He will combine his new position with his managerial commitments with the reserve side at Bangor.
“Along with Raymond, I aim to maintain and hopefully improve on the mark set last year when the team came third behind Everton and Wolves. To say I’m looking forward to getting started is an understatement. I’m hoping that the forthcoming Milk Cup will be a successful one for both County Down squads", he added.
The 2009 Milk Cup tournament takes place in Coleraine and surrounding areas from Sunday, 26th July, to Friday, 31st July. Players born on or after 1st January 1994 are eligible for the junior age group. Trials for the Junior County Down Milk Cup team will begin at Easter. Details to follow in the local papers and on this website.
Friday 2nd January 2009 – Search begins early for Under 17 squad
The County Down Premier team management has broken with tradition and will begin the process of picking the finest players for the 2009 Northern Ireland Milk Cup squad in January. A preliminary squad of thirty players will be in place by the end of February. This squad will have training sessions during March and April. Following this, a final trial match will take place in May to select 23 players for the provisional squad that will go to the pre-tournament weekend in Dublin.
In previous years, selection began at Easter time, but manager Donald Malomo-Paris, who led last year’s squad to the BT Trophy, is confident that this new approach will bring the Under 17’s to a new level. “It’s a tough competition, especially for the county sides. We play professional academy teams that have large pools of talent to pick from. These boys are training on a full-time basis, and I believe that this move will allow us to be even more competitive”, he added.
Selection for the Junior (Under 15) team will remain as it was, with trials beginning at Easter.
If you are a coach or parent and you know of a player who has the ability to represent County Down at the world-renowned Milk Cup tournament, which takes place from 26 July to 31 July 2009, make sure you contact one of the trial co-ordinators with details of name, date of birth, contact number, position played and club/school.
The Premier squad will be made up of boys born on or after 1 January 1992.
Trials will be split into three Zones as follows:-
North Down
This area covers the whole of Belfast, south of the Lagan and the Ards Peninsula including Bangor & Holywood. Trial co-ordinator is Marc Wilson (07912 484344).
South Down
This area takes in Newry, Warrenpoint, Kilkeel, Banbridge, Rathfriland and Dromara. Trial co-ordinator is Damian McCorry (07740 909603).
East Down
East Down covers the Annahilt, Ballynahinch, Carryduff, Downpatrick, Newcastle area and takes in Killyleagh and Comber. Trial co-ordinator is Dixie Murray (07788 651261).
Once the Zones have selected their respective panels they will play off against each other in front of the Premier team Management for the selection of the training squad of 30 players.
Sunday 31st August 2008 – County Down trio in NI Under-17's
Three County Down players have been named in the Northern Ireland U17 squad for the trip to Sweden next week for two friendly matches before the important UEFA Championship qualifying games later in September. Aaron Burns, Michael McLellan and Philip McGrath have all been called up by new manager Paul Kee. The games on Tuesday evening (2nd September) and Thursday afternoon (4th September) – both against Sweden in Visby – will give the manager a chance to see the players in action before the bigger games. Aaron Burns was part of the County Down Premier side that won the BT Trophy at this year's Milk Cup, while Michael McLellan was top-scorer for the Junior team. Philip McGrath played in last year's Milk Cup, before moving to Oldham Athletic.
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