27th March 2022
Under-16 Div 3 at Moneygourney
Douglas Hall A – 1
Carrigtwohill United – 3
On this fabulous March Sunday morning, Carrigtwohill United Under-16’s made the relatively short trip to Moneygourney to take on Douglas Hall A. The lads took a small while to settle at the beginning, probably due to the difference in playing on a 3G pitch rather than grass, but then started to grow more into the game and take control.
Carrigtwohill were well on top over the first 20 minutes, with a solid defence of Tadgh, Robbie, Jakub & Cathal (Capt), giving very little for goalie Ethan to contend with. Confident passing and movement throughout the midfield of Leslie, Jayden, Leroy & Charlie was creating lots of opportunities. This was enhanced by some good work up front by Ryan & Mateusz. However, Carrig were restricted to only long range shots for the first quarter of the match, in particular some good strikes from Charlie & Ryan.
The tempo needed lifting to increase the attacking threat and the introduction of Seba & Rollie after 20 mins had the immediate desired effective. After 2 mins, good pressing upfront by Seba, led to a Charlie through ball for Rollie to run onto and finish brilliantly. Within 5 mins of that, it was 2-0 to Carrig, after some good midfield play by Leroy & Jayden putting Rollie through again.
2-0 at half time to Carrig.
As can often happen with such a lead, Carrigtwohill started the second half a bit too relaxed and danger was growing as the minutes past. Even with some excellent cover play by brilliant “sweeper keeper” Ethan, the sucker punch goal imminently came about 15 mins into the second half and Carrig conceded softly by not clearing their lines. The 2-1 score line was now giving Douglas a real lift and they further threatened the Carrig defence.
But the move to a five man midfield, with the introduction of Amany in the middle three, Rolie as the lone striker and Charlie moving to the back line, settled things and allowed Carrig a chance to again get a foothold in the game. Great credit to the Carrig lads, as they raised the tempo again to carve out more chances, with Rollie coming very close to a third. With 5 mins to go, it took a fabulous finish by very hard working Seba (goalie turned goal poacher on the day!) to restore Carrigtwohill’s two goal lead.
The game finished with a 3-1 win to Carrigtwohill.
This was a well deserved victory overall, with an excellent overall squad performance. The win takes Carrigtwohill up to 2nd in the table and continues the recent good run of form. Hopefully the lads can continue this positive run all the ways to the end of the season – with five games to go (each a cup final), who knows! The growing unity and determination in the squad was clearly evident today, epitomised by the support of injured player Matthew, who made the early morning trip with his dad to cheer on his squad.
Man of the match: Special mentions to Charlie, Robbie, Seba & Leroy for their hard work, industry and enthusiasm. But this was a squad performance and a squad win. To represent the squad, and for his commitment to this brilliant group, the award this week goes to Matthew.
Player of the Match: Matthew for Squad
