20th March 2022

Under-14 Div 1 at Ballyadam

Carrigtwohill United – 1

Douglas Hall – 2

The top two teams in CSL U14 Division 1 met when Carrigtwohill United welcomed runaway leaders Douglas Hall to Ballyadam. The Douglas outfit had won 14 of their 15 league games so far this season, their only defeat coming at the hands of their hosts when the two met in the reverse fixture at Moneygourney and Carrigtwohill were hoping to take points off them again.

The opening exchanges were even enough with both sides battling for possession, clear cuts chances were few and far between as both defences stood firm. The best opportunities for the hosts came from set pieces as Roan O Keeffe and Sean Og Madden worked a short corner, the ball in from Madden caused chaos in the Douglas Hall box but no one could turn in home and the chance passed. A Madden free kick from the opposite side saw Cillian Rooney head over but the keeper was tested shortly after this when O Keeffe cut in from the left to curl an effort from the edge of the box. It was a nice height for the keeper who saved well.

At the other end Douglas Hall were finding it difficult to penetrate the Carrigtwohill defence but anytime they did slip through Adam Lee was on hand to thwart any danger.

With Carrigtwohill well in this game the half time team talk was easy and the boys took to the pitch rejuvenated for the second half. They got their reward in the 41st minute when O Keeffe went on a run down the right wing, he beat two Hall defenders and delivered a super cross for Rian Thornhill to head home from close range. Douglas Hall came right back at Carrigtwohill and Adam Lee pulled off some fantastic saves to keep his side ahead but their lead only lasted 10 minutes as the visitors found an equaliser with a cross and headed goal of their own. The game ebbed and flowed for the final 20 minutes as both sides went in search of a winner but the ball just would not drop for the home team. Just as it looked like the spoils would be shared Carrigtwohill conceded a sloppy corner and were punished as a result. Adam Lee saved the init ial header but couldn’t get to the second ball as it was bundled over the line despite protests of a foul on a Carrigtwohill player. There was hardly time for United to respond although they did load the opposition box for another Madden free kick but it came to nothing and was cleared.

A brilliant performance from all which deserved at least a point, best for Carrigtwohill were Adam Lee, Sean Og Madden and Jarlath Cullimore but man of the match goes to captain Roan O Keeffe for a fantastic display in midfield.

Special word of thanks to referee Fionn Mccarthy who had a good game and a huge thanks to Fred Adam for the fabulous photography.

Player of the Match: Roan O Keeffe