U13s: Samphires 6 v 0 Park B (Scorers Oisin McGibney, Gearoid O’Connor, Donagh Murphy, Billy Doyle, Rory Boyd)
Our 13s played their first home match of the season last weekend hosting the Park’s B team. We ended up winning well in the end but like many games at this age the score did not reflect the match. We went in 3 up at half-time but it could easily have been 3 all but for our keeper Oran Murphy who pulled off 2 excellent saves not to mention the many counter attacks he started with some excellent distribution. Our defence had a very shaky first 15 minutes but showed their character in coming to terms with the numbers coming at them and as the half wore on, provided the platform for a gradual improvement in the team. The midfield was a real ding dong battle and we had to battle for anything we got. We put Alex McGrath on after 15 mins and his strength and clever passing in the middle helped our cause hugely. On 15 minutes Oisin McGibney scored on the break after being put through by a super pass from Billy Walsh at the back. This settled us a bit with defenders Gary O’Riordan, Tomas Godley and Barry Hamilton doing very well from this point on. On 25 mins we added to the score through Gearoid O’Connor, assisted by Paddy Falvey on the right who had another fine game. Then on the stroke of half-time, Donagh Murphy forced a third home after a determined run. This goal seemed to take the wind out of the Park’s sails as the second half was a one way affair. Our midfield finally got some clean possession and were quite efficient with it creating numerous chances. We had goals in the second half from Donagh again, Billy Doyle and Rory Boyd scored a scorcher into the corner of the net to finish off a good team move. Others to feature prominently were Ethan Fitzgerald, Josh Elvins and Tiernan O’Sullivan who all contributed to the victory.