League v Kanturk in Ballyadam Park on Sunday 12th November 2107
Carrigtwohill United 2 Kanturk 3
Scorers: Anesh Swani, Ebe Imoh

After some very good performances recently, the Carrigtwohill Under-16’s welcomed Kanturk to Ballyadam Park on a bright breezy morning. The visitors had won Division 3 last season and started with maximum points from their first 4 matches this season.

For some unknown reason, the home team suffered a complete meltdown at the start of this match. Kanturk kicked off and pushed forward down the right wing, catching the Carrigtwohill defence napping and finishing a relatively mild cross to the net. The speed and manner of the goal rocked Carrigtwohill and things got worse as Kanturk took advantage of the confusion to score a second – a simple finish from inside the penalty box after 3 failed attempts to clear the ball. It seemed Kanturk were destined to score every time they went forward with Carrigtwohill second to every ball and slow in body and mind.  Kanturk struck again in the 20th minute, this time through the middle and when the half-time whistle blew, all we relieved. Thankfully, this was to be a different match in the second half. It would be true to say, that harsh words were said, but it was the realization amongst the players that they had let themselves down in the first 40 minutes which gave them the determination to put things right.

From the re-start, Carrigtwohill pushed forward. There was more bite in midfield and the back four was now more solid with Joshua doing particularly well once introduced. Evan Donnelly, now operating on the right wing, was displaying energy and fight that would be needed to spur the team on and he produced a magic long range pass for Anesh to have a goal narrowly ruled off-side. Although Kanturk were still dangerous, it was Carrigtwohill who were now competing well in midfield with James Barry and Ronan picking up good ball and Anesh now starting to find his feet. The good play was rewarded in the 65th minute when Anesh was bundled over in the penalty box and he sweetly finished into the right corner from the spot.

Game on – and not only on the score board, as Carrigtwohill were now in the fight all over the pitch. They continued to press with Rob Adam having a few half-chances and Marvin, now in the striker role, proving a menace for the defense. With just 5 minutes left in the match, Carrigtwohill won a free just outside the penalty box. As Ebe Imoh lined up the free, Carrigtwohill loaded the edge of the box expecting a typical Ebe floated free kick. However, he decided to strike for goal and curled the ball around the wall into the top right hand corner of the net – ala Ronaldo ! This super strike followed his wonder volley in the previous match and Ballyadam was rocking as against all the odds the match was in the melting pot.

There was to be incident at each end, but Kanturk closed out the match very well over the remaining minutes. Although it was a good performance in the second half, it leaves one wondering what could have been if Carrigtwohill had played for 80 minutes instead of 40 against the league leaders as yet again lapses in concentration have cost goals and league points.

Player of the Match; Evan Donnelly