Academy
U9s CSL Small Sided Games
Saturday 14th May 2011
Buttevant v Ballincollig
Our under 9s made the long journey to Buttevant AFC. It was a fine afternoon, but the wind was howling and every one of the spectators thoroughly enjoyed the superb display that these two sides put on. Both teams were very evenly matched, but only for the brilliance of Kara Lacey in goals, who pulled off some great saves, Buttevant found it very difficult to get the ball past us.
Paul Cooney was our box-to-box player on the day and ran his heart out for his team. He won every header, challenged everything and completely ran the show in the middle of the park. Jonathon McLean, Oisin McCormack and James Kelly were excellent at the back.
The deadlock was broken when Paul Cooney hammered a ball to the back post from a corner, and found Eoin O Callaghan unmarked, who lobbed the oncoming keeper to score Collig’s first. Fionnan O Sullivan and Aaron Meade O Hanlon dominated the midfield area, and Aaron was very unlucky, when he drove a shot onto the crossbar.
Buttevant then had a long period where they were on top, and banged in a couple of goals of their own.
One of the moves of the game came when Jake Thomas broke up a Buttevant attack, played a lovely pass to Paul Cooney who set Ryan Forde off down the wing on one of his trademark runs, crossed a beauty in for Eoin O Callaghan to prod home, and this put the game level with 10 mins to go.
Tommy Smith and James Sweeney were solid out at the back getting stuck in to loads of challenges. Daragh Dorgan, who normally keeps goals, played outfield, and proved how brave he is, when he threw his body in front of what was a certain goal, to stop Buttevant once again.
In the dying minutes, Ryan Forde smashed the ball at the keeper, who made a super save, but spilled the ball, and like all good strikers, Ryan followed it up, and buried the ball under the keeper, for the winner.
It was not hard to pick the man of the match this week, if fact it was ‘the girl of the match’ Kara Lacey. She was superb, in the second period alone, she must have saved 5 or six times from point blank range. Well done Kara.
Academy
U8s CSL Small Sided Games
Monday 9th May 2011
Avondale v Ballincollig
The Ballincollig Under 8s were away again, this time it was a Monday evening fixture against Avondale Tigers. There was early pressure from Avondale as Ballincollig defended a couple of corners, but Sean Callanan and Gabriel Czubak were rock solid in defence along with keeper Justin Eguaibor. Avondale were the first to shoot at goal but luckily it hit the post. Paraic O’Keeffe Jamie Slavin and Luke O’Sullivan were gradually getting into the game from midfield. Jamie had Ballincollig’s first shot at goal, but the keeper saved it. Soon attempts came from Paraic, Luke and striker Patrick Kelly. Justin then had to make a number of good saves. Luke was beginning to have more of an influence on the game showing some nice skills. Paraic later put Patrick through but his shot was saved by the keeper and then Luke had another shot just go wide. All square at the break.
The second period was far more lopsided, and I don’t just mean the pitch! Ballincollig got off to a flyer with Paraic scoring a cracking goal. Alex Hill and Darragh Moriarty were the new defensive duo and they were outstanding. Scott Kelly was up front and had an early shot on target saved. Then Darragh set up Paraic and his shot on goal was touched by Scott, past the onrushing keeper, but a defender got the last touch, for an own goal. Ballincollig’s next goal however was a great team effort with Darragh, Paraic, Gabriel, Sean and Alex all involved in the build up, with Scott applying a nice finish to a great passing move. Justin was called on to make a rare save as most of the action was at the other end. Alex and Darragh were the main reasons for this as they were snuffing out most of the Avondale attacks. Scott had a great shot saved by the keeper after Paraic had missed an attempted overhead bicycle kick. Ballincollig then followed this up with Paraic putting the ball into the net, but no goal. Unfortunately he put it straight in from the corner, amazing shot, but as no one touched it the goal couldn’t be given. Sorry Paraic no scores from direct set pieces. Sean and Gabriel soon combined well in midfield to get the ball to Scott who forced his way through the defence and applied a quality finish. Avondale had a rare attack with a corner but Alex cleared it away.
The final period saw Scott and Jamie take over in defence, Luke was back on the wing and Patrick was back up front. Avondale took advantage of the new defensive partnership with an early goal, but it was their last, as Justin and the defence shut up shop. Alex, Luke and Darragh were now controlling midfield and Alex was unlucky to see a first time volley just go over the bar. This was shortly followed up by a couple of good efforts by Luke but the keeper was equal to them. Patrick was coming more into the game with support from midfield. Darragh had a shot blocked by the keeper. Soon after some great defending by Jamie, Scott set up Luke who’s cross came off the crossbar, Alex kept it in, pulled it back to Jamie who came storming through midfield to see a cracking shot just dip over the bar. Patrick finally got his reward when he scored after a nice passing move all the way from defence. Avondale then snuck on an extra defender, although he did have four legs, a shaggy coat and barked; nonetheless he was successful in stopping Patrick from taking a quick kick-in.
This was another highly entertaining game, and a big thank you to all the lads and parents for making the trip.
Academy
U8s CSL Small Sided Games
Sunday 1st May 2011
Castleview v Ballincollig
The Ballincollig Under 8s were just past the halfway point in their season as they travelled away to Castleview AFC on a grey and gloomy evening. The lads withstood some early pressure with keeper Jordan Murphy making a great save tipping the ball over the bar, and Bryan Smith and Ryan Crowley also defending well. Ballincollig then had a couple of half chances with wingers Robbie Walsh and Jamie Slavin just shooting wide. Castleview then had a corner cleared by Robbie with a good clearing header. From a Ballincollig attack they won a line ball which Robbie crossed into the box and Scott Kelly had his header just hit the upright and go wide. Shortly after another chance fell to Scott as he took a first time volley on the ball as it dropped over his shoulder, but he blasted it a fraction too high. Straight from the kick-out Robbie received the ball on the right wing and he unleashed a fierce shot into the bottom left hand corner, smashing goal! Soon after that Scott had a shot on goal but it was Paraic who got the final touch to steer it past the keeper. Castleview were quick to respond with two goals either side of a shot by Paraic, which hit the post. All level at the break.
Ballincollig started the second period well with Robbie forcing the Castleview keeper into a good diving save. Paraic and Cormac Dineen were now dominant in defence, with good support from Ryan, Sean O’Donoghue and Gabriel Czubak in midfield. Castleview then exerted some good pressure but Ballincollig defended well. Then from a Ballincollig attack Robbie won a corner, and from this Gabriel forced the keeper into a good save. Again Castleview attacked for a period, but Paraic eventually broke forward and passed the ball out to Gabriel on the wing and he in turn passed it to Sean in the centre and he ran through on goal and neatly slotted the ball into the net. It was a nice passing move to see Ballincollig take the lead once more.
The final period saw Castleview get off to a good start with an early equaliser. This was followed by another chance as the ball zipped across the face of the goal, but Jordan just got a toe to the ball. Bryan was playing great up and down the left wing and Jamie linked up well with him to win a corner. Scott took this and it was a lovely ball into the box where Jamie got the last touch to poke it home. Jordan was soon called on again to make a great save from a Castleview corner. The game now switched from end to end as the two teams slugged it out with Sean and Cormac outstanding in defence. Jamie even had his breath taken away, unfortunately though it was due to a ball into the chest rather than by the quality of the play. Gabriel played Bryan through, out on the left wing, where he pulled the ball back for Jamie who unleashed a thunderous right foot shot, but he just pulled it left and wide. From the kick-out Bryan volleyed a sweet right foot shot into the net to extend the Ballincollig lead. Finally Cormac made a great defensive tackle from Castleview’s last attack.
It was a hard game and Ballincollig had to tough this one out, but all the lads put in the effort required. Well done to all who played.
Academy
U8s CSL Small Sided Games
Sunday 17th April 2011
Midleton v Ballincollig
Midleton started the better and Ballincollig had to show some stout defending from Sean Callanan and Jamie Slavin in defence, with support from midfield. The Midleton pressure finally paid off as they scored a deserved goal. Keeper Darragh Moriarty was called on again and again as Ballincollig were struggling to get out of their own half. It was looking ominous, but the lads keep at it. Finally they broke away on a great counterattack. Robbie Walsh the lone striker received the ball in midfield and weaved his way towards goal where his finish was as cool as his run. The midfield trio of Adam Summers, Cormac Dineen and Bryan Smith started to get more into the game and Ballincollig had a couple of half chances. Then Bryan scored a bizarre goal when he stuck the ball in the net after everyone else stopped play. They all expected the Ref to give a penalty for a clear handball, but he didn’t. A perfect example of always play the whistle. Midleton weren’t to be outdone and quickly replied. Cormac then played a nice through ball to Adam who showed some good footwork, but he just missed. Then Ballincollig repeated their first goal with Bryan clearing to Robbie in midfield and again he dribbled his way through the defence, took his shot, and scored.
The second period started with Midleton forcing Darragh into a couple of saves. Cormac and Scott Kelly were rock solid in defence. Striker Mark Oldham had an early shot saved. Sean was tenacious in midfield with support from Ryan Crowley and Adam on the wings. Ballincollig won a free kick when a Midleton defender tried to swap shorts with Mark, thankfully he was unsuccessful! Sean, Adam and Ryan showed us a nice passing move but the final shot just slipped wide. Darragh and Cormac were then called on to make goal line clearances from a Midleton corner. Ballincollig scored again from what is becoming the signature piece of this side, another counterattack, this time starting with an intercept by Darragh passing to Mark on the wing, he hurdled a challenge and sent in a cross to Adam whose shot was saved, but Mark followed up and scored the rebound. This was soon followed by a great ball out of defence by Scott, then from Sean to Mark who buried it for his second.
The last period was more of the same with Midleton attacking and hitting the post. Ryan and Mark were now in defence with Jamie, Scott and Robbie helping from midfield. Ballincollig again counterattacked with Mark clearing up to Bryan who scored, but Midleton replied quickly from a corner with the attacker dropping to his knees on the near post to head in, nicely done. Ballincollig then pinned Midleton back with Scott starting to take over in midfield. Robbie, Jamie and Scott combined to set up Bryan out on the left wing where he unleashed an incredible shot, goal! “It’s like watching Brazil” was the comment from one of the supporters. Indeed it was a classy goal. It was all Ballincollig now as Scott, Robbie and Bryan all had shots at goal that narrowly missed or were saved. Midleton had the last say as they got another before the final whistle. A quality performance all round, and a big thanks to all who travelled.
Academy
U8s CSL Small Sided Games
Sunday 10th April 2011
Ballincollig v Avondale
The Ballincollig Under 8s were in action again in the Regional Park. The lads got of to a good start with an early double attempt at goal from Patrick Kelly but it went left and wide. Little did we know that this was a sign of things to come. Ryan Crowley and Jack Desmond were dominant in defence; Sean O’Donoghue and Dillon Ring were calm and measured on the wings with Paraic O’Keeffe solid in midfield. Keeper Scott Kelly was called into action early on making a great save, blocking a shot with his foot. Ballincollig broke out of defence, Sean played a through ball to Patrick who steadied himself and made an unbelievable long range chip over the Avondale keeper and in off the underside of the crossbar. Sean later had a shot just wide after some good work by Dillon on the wing. Jack and Ryan were clearing up at the back which allowed a counterattack. Paraic weaved his way through the opposition; he slipped the ball to Patrick, who unleashed a screamer into the back of the net. Then without time to celebrate Paraic won the ball from the Avondale tip off, burst through their defence, the keeper stopped his first attempt but he stuck away the rebound. Scott then made another great save to keep a clean sheet going into the break.
The second period was all hands to the pump as Avondale searched for a goal, but Bryan Smith alongside Ryan, in defence were solid. Cillian Kierse now up front had a chance, but the Avondale defender intercepted him just before he could shoot. Later Dillon Ring was unlucky not to score after a nice one-two between himself and Dylan Lane. Avondale then broke down the left wing but luckily their striker missed. Avondale pressed and from a corner they finally scored a deserved goal. Twice Scott made his long kick outs count as Paraic picked them up in midfield and both times it was Cillian with the chance, first the defender made a great tackle and the second time it was just wide. Paraic then had a chance, but got too close to the keeper after a mazy dribble.
Avondale again started stronger in the final period, with Scott and Jack in defence, clearing their lines, with the help of Sean, Dylan and Cillian from midfield. Patrick was back again tormenting the defence with a mazy run beating four players, but his shot was just wide. Cillian made a great tackle after tracking all the way back. Then Ballincollig broke forward with Sean passing to Patrick who held off a defender whilst striking the ball with the outside of his right foot, curling it past the keeper. A hat-trick worthy of a Champions League final! Bryan meanwhile was called into action to make save after save, but eventually Avondale poured through the defence and scored. It was at this point the Referee noticed the numerical discrepancy between the sides, ahem! To balance things out Paraic was recalled to midfield and Ballincollig went from strength to strength. Cillian and Paraic came close to scoring, Scott made a couple of vital defensive clearances, Paraic bagged a second, and Patrick slotted home a fourth whilst trying to set up Cillian.
At the final whistle it was joy all round as the players had earned a worthy victory. It was a very entertaining game with some quality goals and passing. Congratulations to all involved.
Academy
U8s CSL Small Sided Games
Sunday 3rd April 2011
Ballincollig v Castleview
The Ballincollig Under 8s played their first game of the new season last Sunday in the Regional Park. It was a great spectacle as it turned out to be an eleven goal thriller. The first period was an even contest with Ballincollig defending well and attacking at will. It was just after one such attack though that Ballincollig got caught out by a counterattack and Castleview took the lead. Ballincollig replied in style with a lovely passing move involving Scott Kelly and Robbie Walsh with striker Bryan Smith applying the finish. Castleview then regained the lead with an attack down the left wing. Ballincollig nearly equalised with a move including Darragh Moriarty but Robbie’s shot was saved. Then after a Castleview attack it was Ballincollig’s turn to counterattack, with a quick ball out of defence by Jordan Murphy to Scott in midfield who broke forward and played a perfect pass in to Bryan allowing him to score with a first time volley. Castleview ended the period the stronger but there was great defending by Alex Hill, Jordan and keeper Mark Oldham.
For the second period Ballincollig started the stronger, with Robbie seeing an effort loop over the bar, but they soon took the lead with Adam Summers passing to Bryan and Robbie this time applying the finish. It was all Ballincollig now and Adam Summers fresh on the pitch unleashed a thunderous strike from outside the area, too hot for the Castleview keeper to handle, which extended Ballincollig’s lead. Darragh came back on to replace Bryan who took a heavy knock to the ribs. Castleview then upped their game and Jordan and Alex were called on time after time to make the all important interceptions. This was definitely Alex’s finest defensive performance in the green and white of Ballincollig, I hear Sir Alex Ferguson is short a quality defender at the moment. Castleview were really pushing for a score now and Mark had to make a spectacular diving save and pushed the ball around the post. Despite this Castleview got their reward just before the whistle.
For the last period Darragh and Scott took over in defence, Mark was moved out into midfield, alongside Adam and Jamie Slavin. Up front Jordan had an early effort saved. Castleview then scored a quick couple without reply. The Ballincollig midfield trio worked tirelessly all over the pitch. After a Ballincollig attack the Castleview keeper’s kick out was too short and Mark picked it up dribbled forward and slotted home a great left foot shot to level the scores again. Castleview applied some more pressure and soon Ballincollig conceded a goal after a mix-up in the defence. Brian was called into action on a couple of occasions and made a great save by diving on the ball with two attackers bearing down on him. At the final whistle all the players were absolutely shattered as they had given it their all. It truly was a thrilling game to watch with plenty of end to end action and quality play throughout. Well done lads.
Academy
U9s Friendly
Blarney v Ballincollig
Last weekend, just before the heavy rain, our under 9s went away to our good friends and neighbours to O’Shea park in Blarney, for 2 cracking football matches. We are now well on our way into winter as everybody was huddled around with heavy coats and wooly hats, but this didn’t dampen our spirits, and every one of the spectators thoroughly enjoyed the superb display. Both teams were very evenly matched, but because of the brilliance of Christopher Twomey Fahy and Dylan O’Flynn in defense who made some crunching tackles, Blarney found it very difficult to get the ball past us. Isaac Lee James was superb in goals, but he was rarely troubled due to the strength and performance of the lads in front of him.
Our midfield combination of Eoin O’Callaghan, Sean O’Hanlon Lane and Evan Cooke, were all excellent, everyone of them throwing themselves into every tackle.
Our strikers on the day worked their socks off, but they also found that Blarney were no pushovers. Sean Manley, Ronan Hennessy, Padraig Batt and Aaron Meade O’Hanlon threw everything at Blarney but couldn’t break them down.
Such was our dominance, that on the few occasions that Blarney attacked, they scored a great goal. But, the man of the moment Evan Cooke, quickly responded with a super strike that clipped the underneath of the crossbar, and into the roof of the net. Evan followed this up, when he pounced on a goalkeeping error to get Collig’s 2nd on the night. In injury time Blarney equalized, and the final whistle rang out. It was a fair result, and everyone went home happy, yes, even the managers.
Look out next week for the other match report.
Academy
U7s CSL Non Competitive League
Ballincollig v Corinthians
The Ballincollig Under 7s played their last game of the season on Saturday June 5th down in the Regional Park. The first period was and even enough contest with Ballincollig defending well. Mark Oldham volunteered to be the keeper for the match and he was outstanding throughout. He had to make some great saves including an early double save from the Corinthians attackers. Paraic O’Keeffe was handed the central midfield role and whilst performing his defensive duties he also had time for the odd sortie forward, including a shot or two on goal, only to be denied by the keeper. Luke and Brook were doing well in midfield while Sean and Jordan were rock solid in defence. Jamie Slavin worked tirelessly up front on a very warm evening. Unfortunately late on a mishit defensive header fell kindly to a Corinthians striker who let Mark with no chance of saving it.
For the second period a new defensive duo of Alex Hill and Ryan Crowley were introduced with Justin and Gabriel moving into midfield. Ballincollig had to defend for most of this period too, with Justin and Gabriel dropping back to help out their defenders. Brook and Jamie combined well for a couple of rare attacks, but again Ballincollig were unlucky to accidentally set up a Corinthians attacker for an easy shot without him having to break his stride. Alex and Ryan regrouped and defended very well for the rest of this period. Mark in goal was again outstanding playing as a sweeper at times clearing his lines and we lost count of the number of saves that he made in this period.
For the last period Alex continued his defensive partnership, despite taking a nasty knock just before the interval, with Ryan and Sean and Jordan returning in midfield and Luke was given his chance up front. Corinthians started with a flurry of activity, thanks to a “super sub”, and banged in three goals in just as many minutes before Ballincollig had even had a chance to settle. Despite this Ballincollig didn’t give up with Luke having an early shot on goal. With only about eight minutes to go the come back began with Luke and Justin combining nicely in attack resulting in Justin scoring a hat-trick and narrowly missing another. Jordan imposed himself in midfield and Alex and Mark dominated the defence, with Mark making yet more great saves.
Again it was a great end to a game and one that was filled with excitement. Man of the Match was a close contest with Justin this week picking up the hat-trick, Alex was outstanding in defence in the last two periods, but the coaches agreed that for his great saves throughout the game, and especially for keeping us in the game in the middle period, Mark Oldham was this weeks Man of the Match.
All the lads have improved greatly over the course of the season and have provided us with some great entertainment. The Under 7s coaches would like to thank all the players and their parents for their time, effort and support this season and we hope to see you all back in September after a much deserved summer break.
Academy
U7s CSL Non Competitive League
Wilton v Ballincollig
Last Saturday, May 22nd, the opposition for the Ballincollig Under 7s was Wilton. The first period saw Ballincollig start well enough, although it was difficult for both sides due to the intense heat. Jamie Slavin returned in goal while Cillian Kierse and Darragh Moriarty continued their new defensive partnership. Alex Hill, Luke O’Sullivan and Scott Kelly were in midfield and Mark Oldham, captain for the match, was given his opportunity up front. Ballincollig had the best of things early on with Scott controlling the play nicely from midfield. Some nice passing between Alex, Mark and Luke saw Alex force a corner when the Wilton keeper made a great save, and then later he hit the post and also had a shot go wide. Wilton stepped up a gear and had Ballincollig defending, with Scott dropping back to help out in the left back position. Jamie made a couple of good saves and Darragh and Cillian were closing down well. Then unfortunately Wilton scored a couple within a minute as Ballincollig failed to clear their lines, leaving Jamie with no chance of saving them. Jamie did make a great save soon after, from an overhead kick. Ballincollig finished the stronger with Alex setting up Luke and Mark for a shot on goal just before the interval.
The second period saw Ballincollig get an early corner, which Alex took, and he curled it beautifully into the net. Unfortunately though it didn’t count as it went in without anyone else touching it and scoring direct from a corner isn’t allowed at this level, hard luck Alex. Bryan Smith was introduced up from with Robbie Walsh and Gabriel Czubak coming into midfield, but they spent most of their time defending as Ballincollig spent more time defending that attacking. Darragh continued to have an excellent game at the back and Jamie making some brave saves, to the point of throwing himself on the ball at the feet of an attacker. Bryan had the only real Ballincollig chances in this period, after having been put through by Luke and then by Robbie, but the keeper saved. Wilton finally made the pressure tell though, with only a few minutes to go, first they scored an amazing first time left footed volley from a corner, poor Jamie never had a chance. Then a bit of confusion in the Ballincollig defence saw a back pass result in an own goal.
For the last period Cillian and Mark were brought back into midfield and Scott came into defence alongside Gabriel. Bryan scored almost straight from the kick off to get Ballincollig off to a great start only to then see Wilton catch them out straight away as they scored their fifth. Ballincollig never gave up though and dominated from here on in. Scott started to control the play nicely from defence/midfield, intercepting the ball and setting up the attackers time and time again. Bryan had a number of chances but each time was unlucky to be on his weaker foot. Mark and Robbie played well and Cillian racked up a quick hat-trick giving Ballincollig a great chance of an amazing comeback, but with Wilton on the rack we ran out of time.
What a great end to the game and what entertainment. Man of the Match was a close contest with Cillian picking up a hat-trick, Darragh outstanding in defence in the first two periods and Jamie did well in goal, but for his tireless efforts in the first period and for controlling the final period so well Scott gets the nod in a close contest. Good recovery lads.
Academy
U7s CSL Non Competitive League
Blarney v Ballincollig
Last Wednesday evening, May 19th, the Ballincollig Under 7s travelled to Blarney. The first period saw Ballincollig with a couple of shots on goal from Scott Kelly and Luke O’Sullivan before Blarney hit them on the counter-attack as Jamie Slavin, in goal, was unlucky to be wrong footed. Cillian Kierse and Darragh Moriarty were beginning to adapt to their new roles as defenders and Gabriel Czubak and Ryan Crowley were doing well to help them out from midfield. Then it was Ballincollig’s turn for a swift counter attack of their own, Darragh played a great ball out of defence up to Scott, who’d dropped back into midfield, he then quickly turned his marker, ran towards goal, and unleased a fierce left footed shot into the top right hand corner of the net. Luke and Scott then both had chances from set pieces before Ballincollig conceded again just before the break. Jamie made a great double save but the ball fell kindly to a Blarney player who coolly slotted it home.
The second period was a flurry of activity. The defence remained unchanged, Bryan Smith was introduced up front, with Paraic O’Keeffe and Mark Oldham brought into midfield. Jamie made a number of good saves early on to keep Ballincollig in the game. Darragh and Cillian were excellent in defence and Gabriel came more into the game. Then the floodgates opened with Paraic, Mark and Bryan now running riot up front. Ballincollig scored the next three goals, Mark setting up Bryan for two, and then Mark got one himself. Paraic had a couple of chances, one hitting the side netting, before Blarney replied with a great goal catching Ballincollig on the break. Bryan then grabbed his hat-trick with a right footed shot into the top left corner, and then followed up with another soon after. Just before the break Ballincollig all but sealed the win with Paraic scoring a stunning right footed shot from the edge of the penalty area.
The final period saw Luke and Paraic take over in defence with Jordan Murphy as the keeper. Scott and Ryan were brought into midfield as defensive cover. Ballincollig continued to play well with some nice passing moves, but Blarney were better able to compete in this period. Jordan made a couple of saves, Paraic and Luke did very well in defence. Scott and Ryan put in a good shift working up and down the pitch helping out both in defence and supporting the guys in attack. Then Mark and Bryan resumed normal service with a great run from Mark setting up Bryan who finished well. Ballincollig had a number of chances by Paraic, Scott and Mark before Blarney got their fourth just on the final whistle.
What a game and what a performance. Yet again the lads showed great improvement. Man of the Match has to go to Bryan with his five cool finishes, although the quality of the goals by Scott, Mark and Paraic pushed him close, and none of them would have had a chance without the rest of the team who were excellent. Well done lads.
