Well done to the U12s who last Sunday secured their place in the last 32 of SFAI National Cup competition, with a 2-1 win over Buttevant down at the Landing Field. This was a big game for the lads as it was a reversal of the score, and hence the result, of the recent League meeting between the two sides.
The draw for the next round will take place on Saturday December 8 following the SFAI Council Meeting in Cahir.
The other Cork teams that have also qualified along side them are:
Carrigaline United, Corinthian Boys, Ringmahon Rangers and Killinardrish Coachford
Let’s hope the lads get a favourable draw.
U12 Premier Team sponsored by Walfab Engineering
SFAI U12 Norton Cup Round of 32
Regional Park
Ballincollig 4 – 0 St. Brendan’s Park
A convincing win sees Ballincollig into the last 16 to face Athy Town in Kildare. The game was played in the Regional Park in great weather before a large crowd for which the home team was very grateful.
Ballincollig established a hold on the game early on but it took a while to get the first goal. On the quarter hour mark, a long pass over the top from Kevin Browne in midfield, set Japhet Mata away and he made no mistake with his finish, low to the goalkeeper’s right. Ballincollig launched raids down the flanks with Jamie Manahan & Ruairi Cotter causing problems. Brian O’Callaghan battled well up front again just behind Japhet and used the ball intelligently when needed. He put in a few defence splitting passes and it was from one of these that Ruairi crossed for Japhet to finish again to score for his second of the game. The away side found it difficult to get hold of the ball and Sean Lucey in midfield put himself about well. At half time the ’Collig were still two goals to the good
The second half started well again for Ballincollig, but after 10 minutes, the Tralee side got on top for a spell. Despite this and the pressure they encountered, the defence held firm in front of goalkeeper Aidan O’Donovan. The only time that Aidan was beaten, Evan O’Mahony popped up on the goal line and cleared the ball with his right foot at full stretch. David O’Leary also cleared with a header from an incoming forward and so Ballincollig breathed easy again. Following this, Ballincollig were awarded a free kick of their own at the other end of the pitch. Up stepped Shane O’Mahony and made no mistake from 25 yards to make the score 3-0. This knocked the fight out of Tralee and the last 5 minutes was spent in their half. There were also great performances from Lorcan McVeigh, Alan Walsh, Adam Birch, Matt Whelan & debutant Robbie Burke. It just shows the fitness of this team though when, in injury time, left back David O’Leary went on a run from his own half and played a one two with Brian O’Callaghan in midfield. He continued his run and when the final ball was squared to him by Japhet, he finished past three defenders on the line to make the score 4-0 to Ballincollig.
This is the first time in two years that St. Brendan’s Park have been beaten by more than one goal. A great achievement. Once again, thanks to Ballincollig Rugby Club for the great hospitality shown to both teams after the game.
The support of all who showed up to the Freebooters game was a real encouragement to these young players. They now face an even tougher challenge as Kerry side, St. Brendan’s Park, travel over the border to see who progresses into the last 16. The match takes place in the Regional Park on Saturday the 27th of February at 2.00 p.m.
Support your own!
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.
