Under-14A Cork Schoolboys League Division 8 Mon
22 Apr 24 at Gourtnalough Ballinhassig
Carrigtwohill United – 1
Ballinhassig AFC – 1
We traveled to our nearest rivals on Monday for a game that would go a long way in deciding the league title. A strong cross field wind made conditions tricky and turned the game in to a battle with both teams going for it and throwing it all on the line.
Our lads looked focused and started brightly creating a good few decent chances in the half. Apart from one free kick and a brave full length block from Roger for what looked like a certain goal (seen to be believed), Ballinhassig defended for most of the half. Level at the break.
The second half saw the contest recommence with both sides fighting tooth and nail for possession with chances in short supply. Ballinhassig broke the deadlock 10 minutes in from a goal out of nothing. So with 25 minutes to go our lads had a choice of dropping their heads or rolling up their sleeves. Our defence tightened up and our midfielders started to get on top, especially Zac, winning possession and creating the chances our strikers needed. Ten minutes to go the boys worked a chance for Paul O Neill who still had a lot to do by running from just inside the halfway line right in to their box before firing an unstoppable shot in to the top right hand corner. A class finish from a class player made possible by his hard working team mates.
We created a few half chances late on but we still needed Ryan Matthew to clear one shot off our line before the final whistle! A great performance by everyone, full of guts, determination and honesty. I’d like to mention Ballinhassig who played their part on the pitch and how they received us on arrival which was very much appreciated.
The players have put themselves in the driving seat now in terms of the league but they know there’s nothing won yet and a lot of work still to do.
What an outstanding group of players.
