Non-competitive League v Corkbeg in Whitegate onSunday 7th April 2013

For this last league game of the 12/13 season, Carrigtwohill United AFC's U11s travelled to Corkbeg to take on a team that proved difficult to play against  in the recent past, notably last Christmas when the two teams met at Ballyadam Park. On a cold Sunday morning, characterised by a strong Easterly wind, Carrig turned up in a revised 3 / 4 / 1 formation with a lone front man, in contrast to the usual 3 / 3 / 2 formation played all season. This was intended to crowd out the midfield in order to hinder the progress of Corkbeg's excellent ball players who had cut through Carrig's midfield in December.

This match was to prove different. With Jamie Dunlea making a nuisance of himself upfront and Sean Walsh, James Barry, Darragh Hoare and Cian Horgan securing the ball in midfield, Carrig had a solid basis for launching attack after attack. This led to them dominating long periods of the first half. James Barry on one side and Cian Horgan on the other played fantastic soccer, showing a newly found composure and skill levels that come only with application on the training ground. Darragh Hoare played as usual with the skills and stamina that designate him to play in the middle of the midfield line. Not that it was all one way traffic: Corkbeg's potency in attack is never denied and they piled on the pressure at times on a back three that were trying to defend as far away from their goals as possible. All the same, Sean de Burca in the middle, Cian Olden on the right and Robert Adam on the left defended like Carrig has been defending in recent matches with unrelenting determination, losing the ball only to win it again. Robert Adam, who seems to be heavily drawn by the opponents half ran up a number of times, taking a few chances from long range. Cian Olden tackled and dribbled and kicked up the field, probably seeing more action than even he wanted on his right hand, without putting a foot wrong all morning. Sean de Burca, delivered another strong performance, marshalling the back line with an authority which has made the difference so often this season. Time was passing and the teams were neutralizing each other to a degree until Jamie Dunlea, getting the ball back on the left hand side on a corner kick gave a demonstration of how to strike a first time volley for a goal that could be contender for goal of the season. Thereafter, the game opened up markedly and Carrig went up further thanks to their usual demolition man Sean Walsh, who broke free twice at the end of the first half.

The second half saw Corkbeg turning the tables and coming back into the game with great realism, although, Sam Riordan in goals for the whole match limited the damage by winning two consecutive one-on-ones with Corkbeg strikers within a 5 minute period. These saves were to be decisive as Carrig stayed leveled, before taking control again thanks to Alex Canti, who had come in on the left hand side of midfield. Well set up by Darragh Hoare, who worked tirelessly for the full 60 minutes, probably more defensively than usual due to the quality of the opposition, Alex Canti pounced twice at close range.  The inclusion of the dynamic Daire Sullivan in midfield and some more team rotation saw Carrig performing steadily, a good sign in preparation of the move to 11-a-side soccer next season. There was also time for Sean de Burca to demonstrate some training ground moves on a couple of corner kicks where he headed narrowly wide of the target: this is a set piece option that will work next year.

This was without doubt one of the most accomplished performances of the U11s all season, taking into account that the opposition was Corkbeg and that the team showed the kind of resilience that went sometimes missing earlier in the season.

 

Ballyseedy Man of the Match - James Barry

 

 

 

Non-competitive League v Glouthaune in Glenmore Park on Monday 18th March 2013

Spring seemed to have finally arrived on a sunny afternoon at Glenmore Park. The St Patrick week end led to some late withdrawal and a smaller panel than usual, with only 11 players to pick from. Carrigtwohill's U11s nevertheless provided a marvellous display of the improvements of the team, as well as the individual players. The short passing game was there and so was the resiliance in defence, a quality shared with Glouthaune FC, as 45 minutes of end to end soccer failed to deliver a goal. This was definitely due to both goalkeepers rather than to the strikers on the field: both Ebe Imoh and Andrew (the Glouthaune goalkeeper) puller top drawer saves - unbelievable saves - before finally letting in some goals.

 

This was unavoidable because the pace of the game was rapid and both teams had many chances. Sean Walsh, as usual, proved a handful for the opposite defence, and Robert Adam also came close several times - only for the goalkeeper deny him. However, the midfield, Darragh Hoare, Adam Walsh, Darren Flynn and Cian Horgan and the backline, Sean de Burca, Cian Olden, James Barry and Daire Sullivan worked just as well. All these players displayed both understanding of how a soccer team works and very sure-footed ball skills.In the end, the parity of the score was a credit to both teams that neither of them wanted to let go of the game. This one, in truth, is a blueprint for next season.

 

Ballyseedy Man of the Match - Darragh Hoare

 

 

 

Non-competitive League v Corinthians Boys B in Ballyadam Park on Sunday 17th February 2013

A breezy but dry afternoon at Ballyadam against Corinthians delivered another cracking game, with ample evidence of the progress the team is making since the start of the season. The team rotation is really working out for Carrig and all players on the U11 panel are now well able to participate into a game in the CSL. The four players who played in the back line over the two halves - Abdul Rahim, Robert Adam, Cian Olden and Darren Olden - kept Corinthians out for 40 minutes, defending 30 away from their goal, exactly what the doctor ordered.

The midfield was also in perfect order - Joshua Joseph, Adam Walsh, Ben Kearney, Diarmuid Fitzpatrick and of course Darragh Hoare in the middle were very effective in defense as well as in attack. Up front, two pairings did the damage: Sean Walsh and Evan Donnelly in the first half and Sean Walsh and Alex Canti in the second half. At the end of the game, there was time for Alex Canti to replace the impeccable Ebe Imoh in goals. Both managed one last feat: Alex pushing a fierce drive beyond the post at full stretch, while Ebe scored at the other end, hitting the post initially, but managed to slot in the rebound.

 

Ballyseedy Man of the Match - the entire back line: Cian Olden, Robert Adam, Darren Flynn and Abdul  Rahim.

 

 

 

Non-competitive League v Youghal United in Millennium Park on Sunday 3rd February 2013

A complicated fixture that required a change of both date and venue, due to the closure of the pitches in both Youghal and Carrig, nonetheless delivered a cracking afternoon of soccer at the All Weather pitch in Carrig. In his first game with the club, Evan Donnelly showed his skills in front of goals, finding himself perfectly positioned to connect with the many crosses that Sean Walsh delivered into the box. These two combined with Darren Flynn and Sean DeBurca to give the Youghal goalkeeper a very tough afternoon indeed. It is not to say however that the Carrig backs had a lazy afternoon. Robert Adam, on the left and Cian Olden, on the right chased the very skilled Youghal wingers all afternoon, clearing their line time and time again.

 

In the second half, Ebe Imoh produced another top class display of bravery in goal - a position where he is likely to specialise in years to come. Strong, very present, he kept Youghal to the smallest of tallies in the second half, despite the pressure which a strong wind brought on the Carrig goal. James Barry and Sam Reardon now in midfield really delivered the goods, effectively blocking the lateral channels on both sides. James Barry demonstrated impressive ball skills, whilst Sam Reardon blocked a number of dangerous in-coming high balls with the head. At the front, against the wind, things got harder and Jamie Dunlea and Sean Walsh worked hard to try to replicate the successes of the first half, but found a Youghal defence that was much better organised than in the first half. As the season progresses, the players are learning their craft week after week and it is showing on match day. This evenly matched encounter really illustrated how far these young players have come and how fast they are learning.

 

Ballyseedy Man of the Match - Evan Donnelly

 

 

 

Non-competitive League v Springfield Ramblers B in Millennium Park on Sunday 20th January 2013

Given the amount of rain that came down in the week prior to this game, it was logical that the venue was changed from Ballyadam Park to the All Weather facility in Carrigtwohill. As training has been moved there since before Christmas, the players were not worried about the change and were looking forward to a game without mud for a change. The size of the pitch was somewhat unusual however and the teams were instructed to use the extra width available. At the same time, the accuracy of the passing became very important given the shorter pitch. From the off, Carrig's midfielders and forwards showed greater familiarity with the venue and the playing surface, sending wave after wave in attack. Robert Adam, positioned as lone striker in the centre of the park had a successful afternoon, whilst Sean Walsh playing upfront besides him proved impossible to contain and caused insurmountable difficulties to the Springfield defence. In the centre of midfield, Darragh Hoare covered less ground than usual, but held the centre of the park remarkably and was the cause of Springfield's problems in pushing forward. Ebe Fredgrick Imoh and James Barry on either sides of midfield took on defensive positions which also restricted Springfield's attacking options. At the back, Carrig has gone into the habit of relying on its duracell-powered centre back Sean deBurca. As well as playing with great discipline in the back line, he now offers a very reliable target for heading in goals on any corner or dead ball situation in the right area of the pitch. On the right, Diarmuid Fitzpatrick playing in his first match for the club, fresh from joining the panel, enjoyed himself and showed excellent ball control and skills. On the opposite side Daire Sullivan played a blinder, leaving nothing come though and using his speed and power to turn defence into attack every chance he got.

In the second half, Adam Walsh joined in at the front and showed the kind of composure the coaches have come to expect from him. Darren Flynn, having been replaced in goals by Ebe, was besides him and he came very close a number of times. Cillian Walsh, now on the left hand side of midfield showed he really understands what an attacking midfielder is all about, surging through the field to bring danger in front of goal. The second half, however, saw Springfield far more successful in attack and their efforts were rewarded when they scored a direct free kick from 20 yards out which would be a contender for goal of the season in any league. This was to be however one of the rare occasions where Ebe Fredgrick Imoh would be troubled in goal where he showed man of the match composure, holding onto two consecutive strikes that seemed to be destined to score. In front of him, Cian Olden and Joshua U'Joseph performed admirably, the former showing the tenacity which he is renowned for and the latter using his tremendous speed to cover vast space on the left hand side, without ever getting out of position. All in all another great morning of football, even though Ballyadam Park was out of action.

Ballyseedy Man of the Match - Ebe Fredgrick Imoh

 

 

 

Non-competitive League v Avondale United in Beaumout on Saturday 5th January 2013

It was a cold dreary January morning when the Carrigtwohill boys arrived at Beaumout to take on Avondale. Although they had played Avondale previously, this was a new challenge as squad changes and new faces meant this was a first game for some players. Carrigtwohill started this game with great energy which was needed as they played uphill for the first half. Despite this, great work by Darragh Hoare on the right wing combining with Jamie Dunlea and Cian Olden up front gave Carrigtwohill the early initiative. As the first half wore on, Avondale increased pressure on the Carrigtwohill defence resulting in two corners in quick succession. Two great headed clearances from these corners by Sean deBurca was an inspiration to his teammates. The defence was well marshalled by James Barry who cleared a lot of ball in an uncompromising fashion and a vital save by Sam Reardon in goals mid was through the first half was important in maintaining the Carrigtwohill advantage.

 

In the second half, now playing downhill, Carrigtwohill were in a position to attack and the attacking play of Daire Sullivan from corner back was especially evident. The pressing and tackling of Alex O’Driscoll and Cian Horgan enabled midfield to push into the Avondale half where Ben Kearney, playing up front in his first game and Alex Canty on the right side of midfield was a menace to the Avondale defenders. As the game entered the final quarter, both sides were competing very well and battling to come out on top. Throughout the game, Carrigtwohill had rotated its players and with players starting to tire, were able to bring Darragh Hoare off the bench to play at corner back and Sean deBurca at left midfield. This injection of energy and pace was enough to repel the hosts who were starting to assert authority on their home ground. With numerous chances at both ends in the final few minutes it turned out to be a very exciting finish with all players happy to hear the final whistle after putting in great performances and effort.

 

Ballyseedy Man of the Match - Daire Sullivan

 

 

Non-competitive League v Corkbeg in Ballyadam Park on Sunday 9th December 2012

On a sunny afternoon at Ballyadam Park, on a pitch which is resisting well despite the very cold and wet weather, Carrigtwohill's U11s took on their counterparts from Corkbeg. In the first half, the hosts gave a wonderful display of speed and collective play with several players showing how much they have learnt this year. Niall Harte and Alex Canty (in his first match for Carrig) performed consistently strongly on the left hand side, linking excellently with the old reliables Sean Walsh and Darragh Hoare, with Darren Flynn doing well despite fierce pressure on the right hand side of midfield. At the back, all three players: Sean de Burca in the middle, Calvin Fitzgerald on the right and Cian Horgan on the left, played in heaven for 30 minutes, not putting one foot wrong and defending very high without Corkbeg being able to exploit the space behind them. All the same, Ebe had to be alert in goals, saving at full stretch on his left just before half time.

The second half was to be a much more balanced affair, Corkbeg using their substitutes wisely to reduce Carrig's advantage. At the back, Cian Bolger, Sean de Burca and Ebe (now playing at left back) came under huge pressure and found themselves suddenly defending much deeper, with Darren Flynn, now in goals being a busy man indeed. He was very unlucky after 50 minutes when stretching up on a fierce drive which hit the cross bar to hit his own post on the way down, limping off the pitch with a damaged knee. In midfield, Darragh Hoare continued to deliver his man-of-the-match performance, being very unlucky to see a great effort come back off the base of the post. James Barry and Alex Kidney, on either side of him in midfield did their very best, the first one more inclined to go back and help the over-stretched defense, whilst the other displayed more attacking tendencies. Up front Adam Walsh and Justin Oke exploited a few good counter attacks, but the Corkbeg keeper seemed to be in particularly outstanding form, winning a couple of one on ones with them. This was one finely balanced match, although very different in the first and second halves and it gave players and coaches a taste of what next season may be like when this group moves up to the U12 league.

 

Ballyseedy Man of the Match - Darragh Hoare

 

 

Non-competitive League v Glounthaune United in Ballyadam Park on Sunday 25th November 2012

Weather related bad luck came all at once for the U11s after so many matches played in the sunshine, with bucket loads of water falling on top of that game. In very difficult conditions, Glounthaune adapted better and quicker, undeterred by the weather and determined to impose their good passing game. This was one game where the Carrigtwohil goalkeepers, Abdul Rahim and Sam Reardan had plenty of occasions to practice their shot blocking, not helped by the slippery ball skidding on the wet grass. The top pitch held up for the duration of the match, but the players had clearly seen enough by the end of the 60 minutes. Similarly, the coaches were showing signs of weariness in the face of the continuous rain. Only the parents, the most faithful supporters of the team seemed oblivious to the conditions.

Notwithstanding the tough conditions, there was a great display of soccer with Ben Kearney getting his very first game for the club at right back and showing plenty of potential. In the centre of the field, Daire Sullivan (at the back) and Darragh Hoare (in midfield) did their best to keep the shape of the team and it is likely that they will see a lot of action in these positions in coming games. At the front, Sean Walsh and Robert Adam (first half) and Ronan McCrave (second half) tried their best, although it is evident that the team must train some more to practice moving the ball into the danger zone and score more goals. Ben Naughton, playing in midfield for the first time this season, instead of his usual right back position battled away on the right hand side, whilst John Nolan gave a man of the match performance at right back.

 

In the second half, Niall Harte, playing at the back also for the first time, injected some speed on the left side and gave food for thought to the coaches in this position, unusual for him. He linked up with Liam Scriven who played in front of him, in a scenario which was the opposite of their normal positions. On the other side of the pitch Justin Oke dribbled his way through player after player. Despite the evident determination and commitment of both teams, there was an obvious sense of relief when it was time to get back to the dressing room, sign that you can be a football fanatic and hate the rain at the same time.

Ballyseedy Man of the Match - John Nolan

 

Non-competitive League v Carrigaline Hibernians in Shanbally on Saturday 10th November 2012

Another sunny afternoon, but a bitterly cold wind saw Carrig's U11s take on Carrigaline in Shanbally. From the word go, Carrigaline's U11s showed their pace and strength causing all sort of troubles, especially down the left side. In goals, Ebe showed why he is becoming a regular in goals for Carrigtwohill, parrying a strong shot before bouncing right back up to stop a volley from close range. In front of him, in his usual position at centre back, Calvin Fitzgerald cleared ball after ball, equally comfortable with left foot and right foot. On the right, Cian Bolger was showing another measure of his progress on the ball. On the left, Cian Leahy was up against some pretty speedy opposition and had to work hard to keep his opposite number out. In the middle, Sean deBurca was trying to raise the game and master the skills of playmaker, whilst Darren Flynn and Joshua U'Joseph tried their best to win the one on ones down the side channels to keep the ball up for Carrigtwohill. Up front, Alex Kidney certainly did not spare his efforts, but the Carrigaline defenders were taller and stronger which made the job difficult. Sean Walsh though was on song all afternoon and wreaked havoc in the opposition's defence whenever he got the chance.

The second half was similar enough with Sean Walsh continuing his man of the match performance, this time with Adam Walsh in support. Sean deBurca soldiered on really getting stuck into the opposition. Jack Barrett and Darragh Hannigan, both in their first match for Carrigtwohill U11s were learning fast and showed spirit, despite being a year younger. Darragh Hannigan managed to bring the ball up and link up with Sean Walsh, whilst Jack Barrett showed one or two bigger fellows how it's done in midfield. At the back, Ebe, now at centre back showed he is not only a rising goal keeper and used his strength to extract himself out of danger. On either side of him, Cian Olden and Cian Horgan, making it a total of four Cians at the back for Carrigtwohill on the day, applied themselves vigorously, making it impossible for Carrigaline's forwards to get through. Perhaps the hero of the day might be Darren Flynn however as, now in goals, he won every one on one that came his way, including an amazing block with the legs that left the crowd wondering how the ball did not go in!

 

Ballyseedy Man of the Match - Sean Walsh

 

 

Non-competitive League v Corinthians Boys in Corinthians Park on Sunday 4th November 2012

Another cold but bright afternoon away to Corinthians saw Carrig's under 11s taking on a strong and well organised opposition. With Cian Horgan at left back, just returned from an injury he sustained in the first game of the season and Ben Naughton on the right, Carrig's back line had a busy afternoon. But Calvin Fitzgerald, playing at centre back since his man-of-the-match performance against Springfield in October, delivered another sterling performance covering amazing ground to push Corinthians back. Carrigtwohill were trying a new tactic relying on a play-maker in the centre of midfield to act as relay and give shape to the team. This role was played by Darragh Hoare (first half) and Justin Oke (second half) and both demonstrated great awareness and ball skills that are rare at that age, although they were up against it due to Corinthians' persistence in midfield. On the left, Daire Sullivan battled non-stop, very active on defensive duties as Corinthians piled on the pressure on that side.  In goals, Sam Riordan was alert to the danger showing again is bravery and great shot-blocking abilities. At the front, Jamie Dunlea and Robert Adam were sparing no effort at breaking Corinthians' defence, but found little by way of mistakes they could capitalise upon. Put through by a superb pass from Abdul Rahim, Robert Adam took a superb first touch to get past the last defender but his second touch rolled the ball very far to the left from where he could only hit the post.

The second half saw Carrig become more dominant and finding more space up front. Adam Walsh found room on the right and launched attack after attack using his strength to get past his opposite number. The discipline at the back, with now Ronan McCrave on the right and Liam Scriven on the left, was impeccable. Liam Scriven new to the position of left back, showed good awareness and managed to bring the ball up to Niall Harte who was playing left forward a number of times. On the other side, Ronan McCrave was on hand to make a few critical interventions and save his team. At the front, Niall Harte demonstrated why the term "pocket rocket" was invented, as he went past players with tremendous speed. in the end though, Carrigtwohill came under renewed pressure from their hosts, which will motivate them to go back to training with renewed enthusiasm.

 

Ballyseedy Man of the Match - Darragh Hoare / Justin Oke in the play-maker role

 

 

Non-competitive League v Youghal United in Ballyadam Park on Sunday 14th October 2012

It is difficult to imagine that Carrigtwohill United AFC's Under 11s could be luckier with the weather! Another glorious morning at Ballyadam Park, saw the home team take on Youghal's under 11s. Well organised and with bags of talent on the ball, the visitors consistently brought danger in front of Carrig's goals. In goal, Ebe was kept busy and rose to the challenge, stopping a number of long range efforts.
At the other end of the pitch, Sean and Adam Walsh found Youghal's defence determined to stop everything that was coming their way. With support from Sean deBurca, Ronan Ymedji, James Barry and Alex Kidney from midfield, the two forwards spared no effort in trying to break Youghal down.

In the second half, Daren Flynn brought on at right back showed some great skills with the ball and produced a great demonstration of how to get out of defence. That was just as well because Youghal had a lot left in the tank, showing again an amount of organisation and discipline that is rather rare at this level. Cian Olden, playing at left back for nearly the entire game showed great resilience and no signs of tiring at any stage. He certainly had plenty to do over the hour. In the end, both teams could return to the dressing rooms with the satisfaction of a job well done.

Ballyseedy Man of the Match - Alex Kidney

 

 

Non-competitive League v Springfield in Cobh on Saturday 22nd September 2012

Carrig Under 11s were involved in another fantastic afternoon of soccer as they travelled to Cobh to take on Springfield in front a large crowd of soccer enthusiasts. From the first minute, Carrig put the pressure on thanks to the speed of its two forwards Robert Adam and Niall Harte and its central midfielder Jamie Dunlea. The first half however was even more remarkable for the superb shape and discipline of Carrig's back line, including Ben Naughton on the right and Ronan McCrave on the left, with Calvin Fitzgerald in his first game for the club holding the middle with incredible resolve. Ronan Ymedje was always in support, running back to recover the ball and stopping many attacks.

Well organised, Carrig defended well and were dangerous in attack, with efforts from the seemingly battery-powered Niall Harte, linking up with Liam Scriven on the right hand side and Jamie Dunlea taking his chance from distance. In goals, Abdul Rahim Mohammed had little to do, but pulled an amazing save just before halftime, blocking the incoming shot and then diving to catch the ball before Springfield could take advantage.

The second half and the team substitutions showed Springfield much more present at the front and putting constant pressure on Carrig, with goalkeeper Robert Adam running out of goals to clear his side with the right boot several times. Still Abdul Rahim and Niall Harte were very dangerous, dribbling their way through the Springfield defense on numerous occasions. At the very end, loosing the shape a bit, Carrig could barely contain the advancing Springfield midfields and forwards, intent on getting something out of the game. A wonderful game with loads of goal mouth action and a score at parity drew loads of applause from parents and supporters at the final whistle. The coaches were delighted with the discipline and performance of ever improving Carrig side.

 

Ballyseedy Man of the Match - the entire back line: Calvin Fitzgerald, Cian Bolger, Ronan McCrave and Ben Naughton

 

 

Non-competitive League v Avondale United A in Ballyadam Park on Sunday 9th September 2012

Playing at home in Ballyadam Park, with a strong favourable wind in the first half, Carrigtwohill U11s adapted well to the difficult conditions, playing good football early on thanks to efforts from Darragh Hoare, Justin Oke and Sean Walsh. Sean de Burca was giving a great performance and to led to some very lively passing by Carrigtwohill. Avondale were dangerous throughout the first half nonetheless and created many chances of their own.

In the second half, this time playing against the wind, Carrig started brilliantly with a magical passing between Jamie Dunlea and Darragh Hoare. Carrig continued to play well throughout the game, with Sean Walsh and Sean deBurca at the heart of everything. The visitors Avondale contributed to the good game playing some good football too, putting Carrig defence under pressure. At the end of a very entertaining match both sides were happy with their first league game and will meet again in early January.

 

Ballyseedy Man of the Match - Sean De Burca