UNDER 12 DEVT: STRAND CELTIC WHITE 5 BALLYGAWLEY/INNISFREE 2
Strandhill Community Park
Strand Celtic Greens had a comprehensive victory over a gallant Ballygawley/Innisfree side on Saturday afternoon last. While a combination of injuries and holidays left managers AJ Cogan, Stephen Conway and Robert Ryan with a depleted squad the lads who were available turned in fine performances.
On the morning after Halloween a sun kissed Strand Park provided the setting for the closely contested encounter between these two teams. Both teams suffered a lethargic start primarily due to the effects of gorged, sweet filled tummies. The first half saw both teams create lots of shots on goals, but a combination of fine defending and good goalkeeping ensured both teams remained deadlock. With the first half drawing to a close Fiachra Cogan with tricky footwork finally broke through the Ballygawley/Insfree defence to score an excellent goal.
At the interval a tired but enthusiastic Strand Celtic team left the field of play. Thanks to the wonders of water they took the field for the second half with renewed vigour.
Shortly after the kick off sharp shooter Mark Ryan received an excellent pass from Fionn Morrisey on the edge of the area from where he scored his first of four goals. It takes very little to make heads drop at this level and Mark Ryan’s goal had just such an effect on allygawley/Inisfree. Strand had received a much needed boost which ensured Strand Celtic greens dominated almost the entire second half with solid defence work by Liam mc Elhinney, Joe Gorman, Kieran Henry and Eugene Carter.
Two goals by Oisin Cogan (one of which was from a corner kick) one goal by Donnacha Gilligan, and a further three goals from on form Mark Ryan effectively killed the game as a contest. But battling Ballygawley/Inisfree finished strong in the later stages of the second half and was duly rewarded for their fight back by scoring two late goals.
Well done to both teams on a fine game. |