League v Corinthian Boys A in Castletreasure on Friday 19th May 2017
Corinthian Boys A 5 Carrigtwohill United 0
With the season coming to a climax, the Carrigtwohill Under-15’s headed to Castletreasure for an away tie with Corinthians. Over recent weeks, the league table had tightened quite a bit, with 5 teams now being separated by just 4 points so a positive result would be needed to continue the promotion push. Despite the optimism, Carrigtwohill were one goal down within 5 minutes of the start. After a probing cross from the right wing, Carrigtwohill were unable to properly clear their lines and the Corinthians midfielder sent a thunderbolt of a shot into the top left corner of the net.
Not for the first time this season, Carrigtwohill were a goal down with an uphill battle ahead but it is with great credit they fought back to take control of the match with Ronan Ymedi, Anesh Swani and Darragh Hoare all coming close to scoring an equaliser as the first half progress. However, the fight-back hit a set-back when management had to make 3 substitutions due to injuries before the 25 minute of the half. Evan Donnelly came in up front and he went close within a couple minutes and Abdul Rahim on the left wing made an immediate impact.
The half-time team talk was straightforward – it was a case of continuing the work of the first half as the goals would surely come. However, things don’t always work as they should !
The opening 15 minutes of the second half was to follow the pattern of the first, but the equaliser just would not come. A strike off the post, a header narrowly over the bar, an unfortunate miss from inside the 6 yard box and several close shots but try as they might, they could not find the back of the net. The players understood the significance of the result and with only 1 match remaining; it was a case of throwing the kitchen sink at it. This approach was always going to carry a risk of a counter attack, and that is exactly what happened. Mid-way through the second half, the lively Corinthians attacker ran on to a very clever through ball to stroke the second goal past Bartek in goals.
In truth, there was no turning back at this point. Carrigtwohill continued to press more in hope than expectation now but the weary bodies were being exposed now at the back and Corinthians capitalised in clinical fashion to put a very unfair gloss on the scoreline. The team were disappointed at the final whistle. Fair play to Corinthians who defended very well and were clinical in front of goals when the opportunities came but Carrigtwohill can be very proud of the effort made on the day.
Despite it being such a good team effort, it was very easy to pick man of the match. Darragh Hoare was a shining beacon in midfield. Tackling in defence, probing in midfield and at the sharp end of many of the attacks where he was unlucky not to score several times. However, it is in terms of his work rate, effort and willingness to put himself on the line for his team where he shone most. An example to his teammates.
Player of the Match – Darragh Hoare