U15s: Samphires 2 v 3 Listowel Celtic (Scorer Eddie McCarthy(2, 1Pen))
Our U15s played Listowel at home in the shield last Wednesday evening. The game started well with both teams containing the other with some excellent defending from both sides. Clear chances on goals were rare enough in the first half with Keith O’Mahony in goals showing bravery on two occasions to win the ball. The deadlock was broken with a penalty being awarded to Eddie McCarthy who calmly slotted home. But before we could reach the half time whistle Listowel equalised. In fairness to our boys, they had a very strong second half with fantastic heart and determination. Our hard work paid off and Eddie claimed his second in a superb solo effort. Every player gave a fantastic performance but when we needed to hold onto the ball and keep possession in the dying minutes of the game, we lost possession and credit to Listowel they punished us to level the game. The game went to extra time and both teams battled hard and worked extremely well. Listowel went on to win the game and we wish them well in the next round. Our players’ commitment and desire was fantastic and on another night would have won the game…just lacked a little rub of luck. We now look forward to our last league game of the season which if we can overcome Mastergeeha, we would be crowned league champions.
U12 Girls Killarney Athletic 4 v 7 Samphires
Our U12 girls played away to Killarney Athletic last Friday for what was their 2nd last game in this year’s League. Miah Carmody led the team out as captain. Killarney are new to this division and have a very young team. We were dominating most sectors but Killarney are improving and got some lovely goals. We won the match in the end 7 goals to 4. The girls are unbeaten in this division and have only one match against MEK to decide this year’s winner. On the night Heather McCann and Aisling Bellchambers were girls of the match. We will have the last match soon so need all parents present to cheer on this team away to MEK…. date to be decided.
U12s Boys: Samphires B 1 v 3 Park B (Scorer Jake Clifford)
A great contest by 2 teams who left nothing on the pitch was decided in the last 5 minutes. We played against the gale in the first half and looked to have kept the Park at bay but they scored a deflected shot on the stroke of half time. We had the lion’s share of the ball thereafter but were caught on a counter attack 5 minutes into the second half but the team responded as they do and kept up the effort. We were rewarded in the middle of the half when Jake Clifford scored a poacher’s goal and it was game on again. Despite a trojan effort we couldn’t force an equaliser and as we threw caution to the wind the Park scored a good goal to make it 3-1 and put the game beyond us. Well done to all the lads who played their best game of the year.