UNDER 12 LEAGUE: STRAND CELTIC 1 MANOR RANGERS 0
Strandhill Community Park
Luke Nicolson grabbed a late winner in this under 12 preliminary league fixture at strandhill community park on Saturday morning last. In monsoon conditions our under 12 squad qualified for the premier division of the under twelve league with this victory finishing joint top of their group with Merville United.
In difficult conditions Strand had the better of the first half with early pressure. Luke Nicolson and David Hines both went close with early chances after good work in the middle of the park from James Hampson. Indeed James Hampson was perhaps the best performer in the first half with a hard working and skillful performance. At the back Ryan McManus, who was captain on the day, marshaled the defence well against a lively Manor Rangers midfield from the promptings of Conor Dolan and Daniel McPartland.
Aiden Kenny showed some sublime skill to work an opening but his shot hid the side netting. As the half progressed Manor came into the game but only once threatened Jack Keegan in an uncustomary position in the Strand Celtic goal.
Up front David Hines turned in a hard working and lively performance creating several chances for himself. The second half saw Strand turn to take advantage of the elements but it was Manor Rangers who settled the quicker. Conor Dolan fired narrowly wide while on other occasions the Manor strike force did not take advantage of the chances that fell to them.
As the game entered the final stages it was the Manor Rangers goalkeeper who excelled as he held several shots after some good interplay from the Strand Celtic midfield. Luke Nicolson showed some great close skill to create several chances. In the end it was Luke Nicolson who supplied the winner. Darren HArte took the ball down the right hand side beating two players before playing a perfect pass through to Luke Nicolson who fired home an unstoppable shot past the brave Manor Rangers keeper.
At the back Cathal Henry and Ryan McManus were strong throughout and coped well with everything that Manor threw at them. James Hampson had an outstanding first half and put in one of his best performances of the season. On the flanks Dylan Doherty and Aiden Kenny worked hard with Aiden Kenny coming close on one occasion after a fantastic run. Up front David Hines and Luke Nicolson used their pace to good affect throughout with Luke also grabbing the winner and taking the lead in the club goal scoring stakes.
The players man of the match was right full Darren Harte who supplied the winning pass and whose tenacious play was a key feature of the game.
Team: Jack Keegan, Darren Harte, Ryan McManus, Cathal Henry, Niall Murray, Aiden Kenny, Dylan Doherty, Mark McCallion, James Hampson, David Hines, Luke Nicolson, Cian McGovern. |