Eleven goal thriller
Academy
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.
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