Ballincollig AFC

‘Collig 1 – 0 Freebooters: Last 32 awaits

Ballincollig’s U12 Premier team progressed to the next round of the National Cup with a great win over Kilkenny opposition. One very early goal settled the affair. The management would probably settle for 1-0 wins all the way to the final but the hair, fingernails and hearts might be the worse for wear because of it.

The pitch in the Regional Park was in pristine condition for which the team and management were very grateful. Freebooters came to Ballincollig in confident mood having beaten Tramore away in the previous round. However, Ballincollig haven’t been beaten so far this year in any competition and the confidence in this team was also high. The game got off to a blistering start for the home team with Japhet Mata scoring within 35 seconds of the kick off. This seemed to upset both sides for the next while as neither knew how to react to this unusual beginning. Both teams seemed to be in shock and so the next 10 minutes were very scrappy. Eventually, both teams settled down and started to play their football. Ballincollig had the better of the play in the first half but neither team was able to settle down to its passing game, as early pressure on the player on the ball was the order of the day. Chances were at a premium, with a couple of one on ones but the away keeper was in fine form and thwarted Japhet on several occasions. Aidan O’Donovan in goal was never really troubled and was on his game any time he was called upon. Shane O’Mahony mopped up behind the defence whenever the ball came through. Sean Lucey got a couple of shots away but the goalkeeper’s positioning was excellent both times and so the score remained 1-0 to the home side at half time.

The second half was another tough encounter, with players going down injured from time to time due to the physicality of the game. Nothing less than expected as nobody really got time to settle on the ball. As the game wore on, Freebooters put 3 or 4 players up front in an attempt to get back level, but Lorcan McVeigh, David O’Leary & Evan O’Mahony put their bodies on the line when necessary. Shane O’Mahony, however, was man of the match and seemed to be in the right place every time when needed. The only real chance for the away side came when a clearance dropped outside the penalty area. The Freebooters midfielder caught it on the half volley only to clip the top of the crossbar with everyone looking on. This, to be fair, was the only moment of anxiety for Ballincollig as they confined the Kilkenny club to long shots from afar. Ballincollig were now playing on the break and Jamie Manahan, Japhet, Ruairi Cotter and Brian O’Callaghan tried hard to make one other attempt count and seal the game but none was forthcoming.

Ballincollig then had to add Liam Hartnett and Alan Walsh to their defence to deny Freebooters who now had 5 up front. Under Kevin Browne’s captaincy this team was never going to lie down and so the last chance of the game fell to Japhet from a perfect Sean Lucey cross. Japhet flicked the ball goalwards, with the keeper beaten only to see his attempt just clear the crossbar. The referee then played 5 minutes extra, due to injuries and substitutions, which didn’t do the blood pressure any good but Ballincollig were good value for their win and so progressed to the next round. They now have another home draw in the last 32 to St Brendan’s Park of the Kerry Schoolboys League in the coming weeks.

The team and management would like to thank all the supporters who showed up and gave the team great encouragement on the day and hopefully will get everyone back down again in a couple of weeks time. Both teams then adjourned to Ballincollig Rugby Club and enjoyed great hospitality from our friends there who always look after us. A special mention to Dave Lucey and Mossie O’Donovan for catering for both teams and management. Freebooters were very complimentary also on the way they were treated and this is what schoolboys football should be all about.