Under-11 League v Everton in Ballyadam Park on Sunday 31st August 2014
Carrigtwohill United 2 Everton 3
Carrigtwohill Scores: Robert Adam, Darragh Hoare.
A new season and a bright start for both teams ! Carrigtwohill United welcomed Everton to Ballyadam who had convincingly won the U12 Division 3 title last year – this was always going to be a big test for Carrigtwohill after a mixed pre-season and so it proved. The game started at a very high tempo with action at both ends of the pitch. Everton were frequently attacking on both wings with corner backs under pressure but equal to the task. The scoring was opened in the 15th minute by a sublime attacking move. In team play worthy of the Premier league, Darragh Hoare chased down a seemingly lost cause, but somehow managed to win possession from the Everton midfielder. Showing great composure, he played the ball up the wing to Adam Walsh who played a defence splitting pass to Robert Adam who buried the ball from just inside the box.
The Carrigtwohill lead was nearly doubled when Daniel Ciolacu, receiving a through ball from Darragh Hoare, raced into the box with the keeper to beat but his shot went agonisingly wide. Everton were not to be subdued and it needed tough tackling by Cian Olden and Alex Canty in midfield to keep them at bay. Carrigtwohill conceded two corners and a direct free towards the end of the half and clearances by James Barry and Daire Sullivan were needed to relieve the pressure. Finally, Everton had some success – a dangerous cross from the left wing was deflected past Ebe Imoh who had already made several fine saves.
The second half started as the first had ended, and unfortunately Carrigtwohill conceded two more sloppy goals within the first 10 minutes. Looking at a two goal deficit after playing so well was very unfair and certainly it would have been easy for the players to feel down. However, the team now showed a superb response by upping their game. The additions of Darragh Cullinane, Darren Flynn and Diarmuid Fitzpatrick gave the team the energy it needed and they started to get on top of Everton. Abdul Rahim, giving his best ever performance at centre back, lead the way with his clearances and Carrigtwohill were now attacking at every opportunity. Eventually, a clear chance came. After some good work on the right wing, Daniel played a superb ball into space for Darragh Hoare to run into, who turned the defender and shot into the top right corner of the net.
With just a ten minutes left and the upper hand in general play, Carrigtwohill pushed on in search of a winner. It was end to end action. All seemed to be lost when an Everton attacker ghosted past our defence who had pushed up in search of the equaliser. As the attacker was just about to stroke the ball past Darren who had now gone into goals, Scott McCarthy came out of nowhere to nick the ball from the attackers toe and save the day for Carrigtwohill. A superb tackle which capped a superb performance at left back. As Carrigtwohill continued to pile pressure on Everton, the final whistle was blown. Although no points were won on Sunday morning, the most pleasing aspect of the display was the attitude and commitment of the players who more than matched a very good Everton side. Well done.
Ballyseedy Home & Gardens Man of the Match: Abdul Rahim-Mohammed