Youth League Div 2
Carrigtwohill United – 2
Castlebridge – 3
5 Sept 2020 at Ballyadam Park
The Youth team faced a tough challenge against Castlebridge on a sunny Saturday afternoon. Both teams had kicked off with impressive wins so something had to give.
It was the home team that started the brighter with the two attackers, Cian Leahy and Niall Harte causing a lot of problems. After 11 minutes, Mubaraq Awobimpe was in for his second goal of the season when he poked home cleverly in the penalty area.
Castlebridge came into the match however with Alex Sheehan having to making some good saves to keep the home side ahead. A mix-up at the back gifted them the equalizer so it was 1-1 at half-time
Again, it was Carrigtwohill who would make the better start and extended their lead in the opening stages of the second half when Calvin Fitzgerald coolly slotted home a penalty after a foul in the penalty box.
As the match wore on, the home team tired with some players carrying knocks and a depleted subs bench, it was a just case of keep going. The tide was turning back to the visitors who were now piling on the pressure forcing Carrigtwohill into silly mistakes and frees.
It was from one such free, 30 yards from goal when Castlebridge equalised with a screamer into the top left hand corner of the net – game on !
In truth, either team could have nicked the winner and a draw would have been a fair result, but it was Castlebridge who scored with 10 minutes to go when the attacker took a long high punt from 30 yards which looped under the crossbar.
Despite playing some superb soccer at times, it was tough for the lads to lose, but a lesson for the season ahead.