League v Richmond in Ballyadam Park on Sunday 14th September 2014
Carrigtwohill United 2 Richmond 6
Scorer: Piaras Fitzpatrick 2

In a U11 league where teams don’t know each others, playing at competitive level for the first season, matches are bound to be very open and full of surprises. The match against Richmond was definitely a big step up from the encounter vs Youghal two weeks ago – where both teams had been very evenly matched –  with Carrig’s U11s being under fierce pressure from their opponents for long periods in the game.

Although the first period ended on a score of two nil down only, the signs were there that Richmond were a very strong team. Taller and stronger, very well drilled in the set pieces, they really caused problems to a Carrigtwohill team which lacked a bit of composure and seemed slow in midfield.

The start of the second half was in the same vein with Richmond going 6 nil up in the space of 10 minutes. It was then that Carrig decided enough was enough and they started to compete more aggressively for the ball. Suddenly, Carrig players were winning the one on ones in midfield and goal chances were created. Through a number of substitutions and rotations, Piaras Fitzpatrick moved up to the centre of midfield and he twice capitalised on good Carrig passing to reduce the deficit. A come back was never on the cards, as Carrig had left too late, but it was great to see our players forgetting about the scoreline and charging ahead in search of more goals.

6 – 2 it finished but hopefully this group of players can remember how to up their game from the start in the next match.

Ballyseedy Home & Gardens Man of the Match: Neil Coughlan