U9 Carrigaline (2) – Watergrasshill Utd (4)

The scene was set, Rob was in some garden in sunny South Africa, Kevin, myself were heading for Carrigaline with the U9’s for a 5.00PM KO. With our biggest squad travelling today, 11 in total, pen and paper in hand and working out team’s for each period started this afternoon. Before a ball was kicked Ryan threw that all out the window when he offered to go in goal for the match. Rob is currently working on an app for team selection.

In agreement with Des from Carrigaline we played 8 aside. The game started off in a slow tempo and it took a while for the lads to started moving the ball around. It wasn’t long before we took the lead with an excellent goal from Eoghan. Dylan played a long ball forward and with his first touch Eoghan lifted the ball over the keepers head and with his next touch headed the ball into the net. The pace of the game slowed down and we had to shuffle our team due to injuries to Ryan and Brendan. First period ended - Carrigaline 0 Watergrasshill Utd 1.

In the 2^nd period we changed formation and those that didn’t start came on. Ryan was back in goal and a spirited Carrigaline came back to level the score. Carrigaline 1 Watergrasshill Utd 1.Our midfield struggled at times with defending Carrigaline attacks and we were overrun on numerous occasions. Some excellent goalkeeping from Ryan kept us in the game. We restored our lead with a cross from Dylan that ended up in the net. The period finished - Carrigaline 1 Watergrasshill Utd 2.

We reverted back to our formation from the 1^st period and changes were made to ensure that all players played at least 2 periods in the game, as they have all season. Sam played at the back and displayed maturity in his positioning and challenges. He was assisted by Jim and Rory, who make two outstanding runs taking on and beating Carrigaline players with pace and power. Our Midfield was starting to show its recent form with Brendan in the engine room. Dylan F and Darragh were keeping Carrigaline defenders on their toes. Joseph and Eoin added steel in the midfield and with 5 minutes to go we conceded a penalty. Carrigaline scored and it was back to level terms. Carrigaline 2 Watergrasshill Utd 2. The lads showing their natural competitive nature went all out. We hit the crossbar twice and finally scored with a thumping header from Brendan from Eoghans corner. Rory made another run and found Eoghan who finished off the scoring to make it a final score of - Carrigaline 2 Watergrasshill Utd 4.

Today’s Team: Ryan, Eoghan, Eoin, Dylan R, Brendan, Joseph, Sam, Darragh, Jim, Dylan F, Rory

Thanks to all parents who travelled today. Thanks to Kevin for helping out today and now has a 100% record.

Thanks to Des from Carrigaline and the Carrigaline U9 team for a great game.

Training this Tuesday Evening @ 18:30, €2 contribution. Next Saturday Family Fun Weekend Blitz. Please be at School for 2.45.