Football Team In Action

Thursday brought the final round of league fixtures for Castle Gardens, played in the wet, windy and thoroughly miserable conditions of Londonderry Park. But if the weather was bleak, the football certainly wasn’t. What unfolded was an afternoon full of grit, drama and pride.

Fixture 1: Castle Gardens 2–0 Millisle

Preparations took a hit at the beginning of the day with two players ruled out, leaving us with just a starting seven. That challenge only added to the story of the day.

Against current champions Millisle, the boys started with the confidence they’ve shown all season. They pressed relentlessly, hunted in packs, and were rewarded when young Jaxx — still only P5 — calmly slotted home yet another goal for the season. Jaxx had been unwell all week but, knowing numbers were tight, made a huge effort to play. Unfortunately, he had to come off shortly after, leaving us with six players for the remainder of the afternoon.

The boys didn’t flinch. More pressure led to a second goal, this time a tidy finish from Jordy. A brilliant 2–0 win to start the day.

Fixture 2: Castle Gardens 2–2 Killinchy

With no substitutes and a full game ahead, the players reshuffled and told me they believed they could still get something from it. They were right.

Seth produced a performance worth three players on his own, scoring twice — including a lovely move finished off after a clever back‑heel from Jordy. Killinchy used their three subs well and managed to pull two goals back, but our boys held firm for a well-earned 2–2 draw.

Fixture 3: Castle Gardens 2–1 Londonderry

The final game of the regular season may not have been the prettiest, but it was arguably our best for sheer determination.

Londonderry led 1–0 at half-time, and the Castle Gardens tanks looked empty. But after a few deep breaths, the boys went again. Seth and Jordy, who had linked superbly all afternoon, combined once more — slick passing sending Seth through for a composed equaliser.

What followed was an arm wrestle. Legs were gone, energy was fading, but Aston produced outstanding saves time and again to keep us alive. Then, with minutes remaining, Jordy broke through and finished brilliantly. The boys stayed calm, saw the game out, and claimed a remarkable 2–1 victory.

Every single player deserves huge credit today:

• Aston — safe, brave, and outstanding between the posts.
• Harry — exhausted but always the last line when needed.
• Danny — tenacious, box‑to‑box, and relentless as ever.
• Jaxx — battled through illness and still made a vital impact.
• Cody — gave everything and left absolutely nothing in the tank.
• Jordy — captain fantastic, playing through injury and excelling in multiple positions.
• Seth — tireless, everywhere, and decisive in every game.

Thanks to all who supported us yesterday and provided transport.