Date : 2018-10-06
 
Team: Under-16
 
Venue: Ballyadam
 
Opposition: Springfield Ramblers
 
Competition: League
 
Carrigtwohill Scores: Calvin Fitzgerald (4)
 
Carrigtwohill Score: 4
 
Opposition Score: 0
 
Player of the Match; Calvin Fitzgerald
 
Report:
On a beautiful Saturday morning Carrigtwohill United u16 hosted Springfield Ramblers A u16 in their latest round of league fixtures. Carrig were hoping to build on an impressive home win against Grenagh last time out and weren’t to disappoint. With very healthy numbers training for the last few weeks and 18 boys available on Saturday morning it now shows the commitment from this bunch(and parents) that is needed for the season. It also poses a few selection headaches for manager Martin Jones.
Carrig were forced into two changes from their last game with Eric replacing Jake at left back and Liam dropping into centre back to partner Mark, David Joseph filled the place in midfield left by Liam. The game itself kicked off 20 mins late as the referee was delayed on route and this is the only reference we will make about the official!!!
The opening ten minutes were fairly even as both sides felt their way into the game. On 14 mins came Springfields first real chance when the Carrigtwohill defence failed to deal with a ball on the right side of their box. They allowed the ball to be played across the 18 yard box and the Springfield no 9 had the time and space to shoot, his effort narrowly off target.
When Carrigtwohill got forward and tested the Springfield goalkeeper it was worth noting that his ball handling was not up to scratch. This was evident on 17 mins when Alex Sheehan was released down the left flank, after cutting inside and shooting the Springfield keeper could only parry his effort and Calvin Fitzgerald pounced to put Carrig in the lead. On 20 mins David Joseph turned inside and played a nice ball to Calvin, his low shot was well hit and looked to be covered by the keeper but true to form he somehow let it slip through his gloves and under his legs, 2 for Carrig , 2 for Fitzgerald. For the next 10 mins Carrigtwohill seemed to adopt a “shoot on sight ” policy, this was not always the best option and their decision making must improve. The Carrig no 10 nearly grabbed his hat-trick from a free-kick on 35 mins, again the keeper spilling the shot only to recover at the second attempt.
Carrigtwohill made two changes at half-time , Adam o Neill came in for David and Darragh Hannigan replaced Alex on the left. Adam o Neill slotted in at centre back with Mark, Liam was pushed into his usual midfield berth and this released Adam Rooney from his 1st half holding role. Rooney with his energy, endless running and intelligent  ball play caused untold problems for Springfield in the 2nd half and after a nice passage of play from the Carrig midfield Fitzgerald found himself in space 35 yards from goal, with one touch to set himself up his strike was immaculate, a right footed effort curled into the top left hand corner. A better strike you will not see at Ballyadam this season……at any level!
Ronan McCrave made way for Cian Leahy on 68 mins and Rubin replaced Cody shortly after. With 10 mins remaining Niall Harte who had worked tirelessly all day had a looped effort come back off the crossbar and you’ve guessed it Fitzgerald was there to turn it home for his and Carrigs 4th. Harte was again provider as Rubin failed to connect at the far post. 2 mins before full-time Ben Noughton in goal for Carrig received a heavy knock and had to be substituted, thankfully he recovered afterwards. With so many great performances it seems the only way to lay claim to man of the match is to bag 3 or 4 goals. Well done Calvin and well done to all involved on another superb display. Commitment, Attitude and Team Spirit was spot on today.