30th January 2022

Under-12 Div 2 at Ballyadam

Carrigtwohill United – 4

Corinthians A – 1

It was brilliant to see all the pitches so busy with Under-11, Under-16 and Senior fixtures all in progress at Ballyadam – really great to see such activity and positive start to the year for this thriving Club.

The Carrigtwohill boys started very strongly with terrific movement and quick passing which led to a lovely bit of skill from Oisin, who turned his defender in and out leading to a penalty being awarded. Sam stepped but his effort went over the bar. On 14 minutes, a neat corner kick routine led to a fine cross in from Michael, a knock on from Cian in the box and a cracking volley at the back post by Sam to make it 1-0 to the home side. On 16 minutes, Sam took the ball out of defence and played a lovely ball over the top for Owen to run onto – Owen showed wonderful calmness to place a beautiful precision finish wide of the keeper. 2-0 to Carrigtwohill.

In the second half, on 42 minutes, some fine play by Owen and James led to some turmoil in the visitors box and a save from their goalie. However some great reactions and agility from Ryan meant he got his head to the ball resulting in a really lovely header over the keeper making it 3-0 to Carrigtwohill. On 46 minutes, Isaac O’Riordan played a rather beautiful long range precision pass [his ‘oul fella would have been proud of that one!] over the Corinthians defence for the lightning-fast Owen to run onto. This time Owen dribbled past the keeper so so calmly…and placed the ball into the net.

In the last 15 minutes Corinthians fought hard to come back into the game and deservedly pulled a goal back. Bart was called into action a lot and showed some great handling, decision making coming off his line and getting his body in front of shots to help keep the score to 1 for Corinthians on the day. The defence of Odhran, Cian, Jack, Luke and Patrick were terrific throughout and are growing as a unit in every game. Solid, tough and their ball distribution was terrific.

In midfield Michael’s leadership skills just get better and better every week – Isaac, Fionn and Ryan played in central positions and all played significant parts on the day. The tireless Oisin and James on the wings and Owen leading the line up front were on their games again this week.

Corinthians caused plenty of problems and it was a very competitive but sporting game that turned on one or two moments.

MOTM: On the day, our men of the match were Odhran in defence for some wonderful defending when we needed it most, his covering skills and calmness on the ball were brilliant on Sunday. Also Sam, for driving on from the disappointment of the early penalty miss and with his persistent running at the opposition throughout, his fine finish and assist helped turn the first half in our favour.

We’ll take the learnings as always and will drive on to the next challenge.Well done lads.

Carrigtwohill Scorers: Sam Dolan, Ryan Barry, Owen Aghedo (2)

Player of the Match: Odhran Collins/Sam Dolan