Youths Cork Youth League Division 2
Sun, 21 Apr 24 at Ballyadam
Carrigtwohill United – 1
Ballinhasig FC – 0
Carrigtohill U18s keep their hopes alive to finish the season with a medal. Having suffered defeat, the previous week to Everton, nothing short of victory vs Ballinhasig was required. The team was supplemented by few U17s who were also buzzing from the previous day victory against Ballincolig FC to go 4 points clear with a game in hand. All looking great for the youths’ section this season.
Carrigtwohill lined up with a makeshift goalkeeper U17s center back/captain Colm Harte in the absence of Seba who had picked a knock the previous day playing outfield for U17s. Colm showed that class has no boundaries when he pulled a point blank save and another follow-up rebound save with his feet plus thwarting any counter-attacks playing more like sweeper from the goals. A new look/experimental backline of Alex Lombard RB and Ryan Cooke LB, sanguaged a Center back pairing of Jayden and Edras.
The midfield had Mathew Bernard on the right and Alex Kingston on the left protecting a central pairing of Paul Brown and Ben McCarthy. Upfront was Leroy and Tadgh. The game was even enough for all first half with Carrig increasingly looking more threatening despite a lot of players playing unfamiliar positions or next to players they haven’t plaid with in the past. Carrig got their first realistic chance from a Paul Brown corner kick that was headed goal bound by Leroy forcing a great save from Ballinhasig keeper. Second chance was a near replica from another corner, but this time was right foot connected inches wide the upright.
Carrig breakthrough came courtesy of management decision to push Paul Brown more on a supporting role, to pick up rebounds from attack. Soon enough a long ball upfront was headed back by defenders before Paul Brown rifled it home from outside 18-yard box, a well worth winning goal for an afternoon where the squad had 19 players waiting eagerly to get involved. Changes in second half were equally good on the day as Cian Lee, Maxime, Cathal Walsh, Praise and Robbie all got involved to secure the 3 points and clean sheet.
It’s all still to play for at youth level. A league title for U17s and a runners -up medal for U18s is well in sight for a group of kids who are the future of Senior and junior teams.
