14/10/2026
Nendrum Win Pulsating Derby on Penalties to Progress in NI Cup!
On Monday afternoon, Nendrum welcomed local rivals Priory College for an action-packed NI U16 Cup Round 1 tie. Fresh off a preliminary round victory over Saintfield, the boys entered another local derby full of confidence.
That confidence showed immediately. Nendrum controlled the opening exchanges with a measured, composed passing style against a strong Priory side. The defensive trio of Jacob M, Lewis N, and Aaron G provided a solid foundation for Jamie McC, Rudi McD, and Jenson R to dictate the tempo in midfield. Wide men Asher A and Elliott S caused constant problems on the flanks, delivering excellent service to Charlie M and the sharp Jay S.
The pressure paid off with a brilliantly built team goal: crisp midfield passing set up Charlie M, who applied a cool, composed finish to make it 1–0. Despite several half-chances to double the lead, 1–0 was how it stood at the break.
The second half proved more end-to-end, but Nendrum remained the more dangerous attacking unit. Midway through the half, Jenson R threaded a sublime through ball to Charlie M, who ghosted past his marker and lashed a thunderous strike into the top corner for his second of the afternoon. Nendrum looked poised to wrap up the tie, but Priory’s goalkeeper pulled off two remarkable saves to deny Jenson R and Charlie M. As the old cliché goes, goals change games. Buoyed by those saves, Priory rallied, pulled one back, and seized momentum. With just three minutes left on the clock, a long punt forward ricocheted into the net to level the scores at 2–2. In a grandstand finish, goalkeeper Cole C pulled off a crucial low save to his left to keep Nendrum in the tie.
Extra time was a tense affair, but Nendrum regained composure through the experienced spine of Jacob M, Lewis N, Aaron G, Jamie McC and Jay S. Despite creating a handful of half-chances, a winner couldn't be found, sending the derby to a dramatic penalty shootout. Penalty Shootout:
• Jacob M – Scored
• Jay S – Scored
• Asher A – Scored
With Priory missing their opening spot-kick and Cole C producing a brilliant save on their third, Jenson R stepped up and coolly dispatched his penalty to seal victory and spark wild celebrations! A fantastic performance full of heart, determination, and quality. On to Round 2!
