College Corinthians U9 (3) vs. Watergrasshill United U9 (3)

On Sunday May 19th we traveled with our Under 9 team to Corinthians Park in Donnybrook to face College Corinthians. It was our first match in a true 7 a side formation as dictated by the SSG. We played in a 3-2-1 setup and 2 subs with Brendan in goal in the first period.

With Joseph up front and Ryan & Eoghan in midfield we put pressure on Corinthians from the kickoff. We created some great chances at the start and our play was rewarded in the 7th minute when a cross from Eoghan landed in the back of the net. The second goal followed a few minutes after from a free kick where Eoghan tapped the ball to Dylan R and he curled it into the top corner. Corinthians (0) - Watergrasshill United (2). Our corners and sideline kicks have been a good weapon this season and the 3rd goal came out of a sideline kick from Dylan R with Eoghan curling the ball in the net. At the end of the first period, Corinthians caught us in a break and an unlucky goal brought Corinthians back into the game. Score after the first period. Corinthians (1) - Watergrasshill United (3). The lads where physically tired after the great performance they put in during the first period and we shuffled the team around for the next period.

The second period, in which we started with Eoin in goal, was a complete different story with Corinthians coming out of the blocks with all guns blazing. The lads did some great defending but unfortunately it didn't take long before Corinthians was able to score out of, what the spectators said, dangerous play. 2-3. Just before the end of the 3rd period our players were caught out in the wrong part of the pitch and through some great passing Corinthians levelled the score with an easy goal created by 2 unmarked Corinthians in front of the goal. Score after the second period. Corinthians (3) - Watergrasshill United (3). 2 unnecessary goals, that could have been prevented. Although this is a non-competitive league we take it a bit to serious every so often and forget that they are only 8/9 year olds who just want to play a game of football. We all should remind ourselves that we have to encourage the team and each other, learn from our mistakes and try to improve at our weekly training sessions.

In the 3rd period, goalie Ryan played a stormer in goal and kept us in the game with some fantastic saves. The lads were tired but kept their composure and were able to withstand the constant Corinthians pressure. We controlled the last 10 minutes and maintained the status quo until the end of the period. Final score College Corinthians (3) vs. Watergrasshill United (3). A draw was probably a fair result here as both teams deserved something from the game.

A fantastic team performance today, great play from Ryan in midfield and in goal, great sideline kicks and corners from Eoghan and Dylan R, some great runs on the line from Dylan, Brendan and Sam, solid defending from Eoin and Jim, great pressure up front and in midfield from Joseph and great position play by Darragh. All and all another great SSG League game were we saw some fantastic headers from the whole team, some great passing, good team spirit and a never give up attitude. Special thanks to the lads who play their part by playing in goal giving up a period of outfield play, Brendan, Eoin and Ryan today. Fair play to ye lads.

We rotated our players again today as agreed with the players at the start of the year but this approach was questioned by the players during the after match team talk that lasted a while. In fear of getting locked in into the Corinthians grounds we had to cut the meeting short but we agreed to continue the rotation play until the end of the season in which we have 3 more games against Carrigaline away & Blarney home and away with a McDonalds visit on the last match day to look forward to. Balance so far in the SSG League for our U9's 4 wins, 1 draw ,2 defeats.

Our U9's fought hard to keep the sides level having been well ahead in the first period only to see a determined Corinthians side come back and finish the match all square. A very competitive game, between two equal and eager groups of 8/9 year olds, providing end to end excitement. Well done lads, Well played.

Todays Team: Ryan, Eoghan, Eoin, Dylan R, Brendan, Joseph, Sam, Darragh, Jim

Thanks to all parents and other U9 supporters for their continued support.

Training this Tuesday Evening @ 18:30, €2 contribution. Next Sunday we might play Carrigaline away. Time to be confirmed.