U16 PREMIER BOYS QF: BALLISODARE UNITED 5 STRAND CELTIC 3
Ballisodare Community Park

This was a game that had everything goals, penalties and lots of goalmouth action. How our lads went down to a comprehensive defeat at the end of a game that they were level with fifteen minutes to go will be a constant question for them.

They opened very brightly as two quick goals from Aiden Toal and Colm Parke. Indeed they dominated the early stages with Jamie Gillen and David Joyce particularly impressive in the middle fo the park. Ballisdoare were handed a lifeline with a fortuitous penalty after half an hour which was hammered home. Then a quick ball from Michael Casey set the Ballisodare striker, Anal, free and he steered it home. It could have been worse before half time only for a superb save from Kevin Kelly, who despite the scoreline turned in an impressive display. The second half opened up brightly for Strand and Jamie Gillen curled a delightful ball into the top corner to restore Strands lead.

Strand maintained the lead until mid way through the half when Michael Casey hammered an stoppable right footed shot home. The game hung in the balance then with fiteen minutes to go. Unfortunately for our lads Ballisodare gained the upper hand and with Michael Casey on top they dominated until the end firing home three more goals. Despite this the Strand lads tuned in a great display against a strong Ballisodare side who will be fancied to make the finals. Well done to all the players and the management team of Maurice Monaghan and Ryan McEnroe.