Juniors
The A team bounced back from last week’s disappointment in the FAI Junior Cup with an emphatic 6-1 at home against a young Aisling Annacotty B side. Newport were short a few players due to injury, suspension and other commitments but it was still a strong starting eleven for the home side. Newport also called up a couple of the young B players at the very last minute to bolster the squad.

The visitors opened the scoring in the 13th minute after Newport conceded a rather soft goal but after that it was one way traffic with the young Aisling keeper being kept very busy all afternoon and if it wasn’t for him pulling off some great saves, the winning margin could have been a lot wider.

Team captain, Brian ‘Clemy’ O’Sullivan scored the equaliser in the 20th minute when he dribbled past a couple of players and poked home from close range. This was a special goal as according to the club statistician, Ger O’Brien, this was Clemy’s 200th goal for the club. He wasn’t long making inroads into his third century when he made it 2-1 to Newport in the 38th minute after a bit of a scramble in the Aisling box. It was all Newport at this stage and incredibly despite all the dominance and chances that were created, Newport only took a 2-1 lead into the interval.

Thankfully Newport extended the lead in the 65th minute, when James Lynch was on hand to tap home from close range after the keeper could only parry a shot from Davy Ryan. Just 2 minutes later, Davy Ryan capped off a fine overall display with a well taken-goal with his left foot to make it 4-1.

Clemy capped off a great day for himself when he completed his hat-trick in the 72nd minute, when he latched onto a good pass from Davy Ryan and finished well to make it 5-1. Substitute, Colin Coleman, completed the scoring with a great header in the 81st minute to make it 6-1.

Aisling had a chance for a consolation goal late on from the penalty spot but Harry Ryan got down well to his left to save the spot-kick. Newport were well worthy of the scoreline and the 3 points closes the gap on leaders Moyross & second placed Charleville. Newport now look forward to a big game away to Moyross next Sunday morning at 11am. Newport have now won their last four league games and won’t be lacking confidence ahead of this important game as the second half of the league campaign gets underway.

On Sunday afternoon, the U17Bs played out a 6 goal thriller against Corbally Utd B in Derryleigh Park. Newport opened up a 3-0 lead, thanks to a wonder-strike free kick from Phelim O’Reilly, a great finish from Johnny Ryan and a cool finish from Luke Ryan. The home side were looking comfortable with 25 minutes remaining. However, Corbally pulled one back and then another to make it 3-2 to Newport with plenty of time remaining. It was all hands to the pump at this stage as Corbally piled on the pressure and looked they might conjure up a great comeback draw. Thankfully Johnny Ryan calmed the nerves when he coolly rounded the keeper and slotted home to make it 4-2 and Newport were then able to see out the game. A very entertaining game played in atrocious conditions. Great credit is due to the ground staff for ensuring that our pitches were in good condition to allow the Junior A & U17B games go ahead on a terrible day weather wise.

Well done to Jake Dillon, who was selected on the Limerick District League Youth squad for their inter-league game last Sunday versus the Kerry League. Jake opened the scoring for the Limerick League and they were winning 2-0 before the game was abandoned due to the weather conditions.

The draw has been made for this season's Lawson Cup and Newport have been drawn at home to Div 2B side, Abbey Rovers. Whoever wins this game will be at home to the winners of Northside & Cappamore in round 2. Dates to be confirmed.

Next Sunday’s fixtures. Junior A, Premier A v Moyross, 11am (Moyross). Junior B, Div 1B v Regional Utd B, 11am (Derryleigh Park).

Schoolgirls
Our U18 girls enjoyed a comfortable victory away to Lough Derg on Saturday morning. Abbie Lenihan was the scorer-in-chief with a double hat-trick plus one more goal for good luck. The other players to get on the score-sheet were Rachel Carey, Eimear Carey, Jenny Keppel, Chelsea King & Anzelika Lepika.

Unfortunately the U15s lost 2-1 away to Moneygall with Lauren Bailey getting the only Newport goal. Thanks to the players who helped us field a team as we were short of a lot of players for various reasons.

Next weekend’s fixtures are provisional and subject to change. U14 Girls v Lough Derg, 1pm (Clarisford Park). U16 Girls v Knigh Utd, 1pm (Knigh).

Christmas Raffle
The club’s popular Christmas Raffle will take place in O'Sullivan's Bar and Lounge on Saturday, December 21. This promises to be a great night out with music by DJ Shane & spot prizes. You can buy a line for the draw for €2 on the night or from players, managers and committee members. They are also available in the Derryleigh Dugout on Saturdays and pubs, shops & local businesses in the town. Great prizes to be won including 3 large Christmas hampers, 1 fuel hamper and lots of other prizes. Thanks in advance for your support.

Club Website
The club have launched a newly designed and improved website. It's the one-stop-shop for all the up to date club news, fixtures, results etc. and now also allows members download the new club app, register online for club membership, enter the club lotto etc. If you or someone you know would like to advertise your business to our supporters on our website, please email us at info@newporttownafc.com or contact Dave Noble on 086 6002534.

O’Neills online Club Shop
Looking for some last-minute stocking fillers for Christmas? Visit our new O'Neills Soccer online Club Shop and use the WELCOME15 discount code to get a one off 15% discount on your first online purchase. Order soon to ensure delivery in time for the big day. Go to oneills.com and select Newport Town AFC from the club section.

Lotto
There was no winner of this week’s club’s lotto and the jackpot is now €1,000 with the next draw taking place on Saturday, December 14 in McGrath’s. The numbers drawn were 4, 6, 7 & 8. Tickets can be purchased from any committee member, in the local pubs, Nicky English Butchers, the Derryleigh Dugout and at our lotto stand at Ryan’s Centra on Sunday mornings. Thanks, as always, to everyone who supports the club’s main fund raiser.

Table Quiz
The club’s annual table quiz will take place in Lee’s Bar on Friday, January 31. Be sure to pencil the date in your diaries.

Condolences
The club would like to extend its condolences to the family & friends of the late John Crofton, Mulcaire Manor, Newport who recently passed away. John’s son, John Jnr, plays with our U11 Brown team. Ar dheis Dé do raibh a anam.