I didn’t know Tigers barked!
Academy
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.
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