Boys U17 FAI Centenary National Cup Round 2
Bridge United 0 v 1 Samphires (Scorer Michael Tansley)
Soccer is often called the beautiful game, but sometimes games are won by men deep in the trenches and so it proved in abundance last Sunday. Our 17s advanced to round 3 of the National Cup with a hard fought win in Co. Clare. Digging deep in a very evenly matched National Cup contest, Samphires just about weathered the early Bridge United storm with their central partnership of Jerh Brosnan and Brian O’Donnell holding the line. Bridge struck the post and goalkeeper David Chute made a fine save to keep it scoreless, before Fenit settled into the game after a half an hour. Both sides slugged it out until halftime and again into the second half, as we gradually came to terms with the locals. Substitutes Oisin McGibney struck the side netting and Noah Townsend stuck wide as the game seemed to be heading to extra time. However 77 minutes in, captain Michael Tansley broke the deadlock with a looping shot which deceived the goalkeeper. Suddenly, Bridge United were in real trouble of elimination and they threw everything at us in desperation, looking for the equaliser that never came. Gary O’Riordan, outstanding at fullback, and ably assisted by a overworked but brave midfield epitomised Samphires’ never say die attitude. Next up tbc in round 3 in mid November.
Seniors Castleisland B 0 v 2 Samphires (Scorers:Alan McElligott, Darragh Heim)
Another victory for our seniors away to Castleisland. For various reasons we were short a few players but all the squad on the day played their part in the victory. Well done again lads.
Girls U17s: Samphires 5 v 4 Dingle Bay Rovers
A solid performance from our team against Dingle in Fenit. Taking early 4:0 lead in first half (all by Jade) give us confidence for the rest of the game. Dingle pulled one back in first half to finish 4:1. In the second half we had couple injuries and needed to reshuffle the defensive line. Dingle scored 2 more goals but Sadhbh scored for us from close range and we held on for a 5:4 victory after another goal for Dingle late on. We have work to do at training to improve but it was great to see commitment and determination from all players ( some playing their second game this weekend).
Girls U16: Iveragh 3 v 7 Fenit Samphires (0:4 HT). (Scorers Lilly Nowak(3), Isabel Moriarty(2), Grace Reilly(2))
Good start to the season for our first game. A lot of good play on display by our team considering very challenging weather conditions with the strong wind a major factor. Thanks to all players and parents who made the journey.
Boys U15s Samphires 1 v 1 Dingle Bay Rovers (Scorer Jayden Deady)
A tough game in tough conditions in windy Fenit last Saturday. The game was even enough though we felt we had a bit more of the ball but weren’t able to penetrate a solid Dingle defence and at the other end Dingle were causing us trouble at times and took the lead after 20 minutes with a shot from the left hand side. Our boys persevered though and applied the pressure and shortly after half time Jayden scored from close rang. Try as we might we couldn’t add a second though we had some chances but Jack in goals for us saved our bacon at times too. In the end it finished all square but credit to all the players who served such a good match in quite windy conditions.
Also well done to Jayden Deady and Dominick Regan who both played for Kerry in the Kennedy Cup over the last few weeks and acquitted themselves well.
U13A Samphires 3 v 0 MEK Galaxy(Scorers: Mikey Corridan , Dara Harty, Cillian O’Brien)
A much needed win versus a strong MEK Galaxy team. We were aggressive and on the front front from the start and should have had a penalty in first few minutes. We continued to push forward and the midfield of Dara Harty, Luke O’Carroll and Cillian O’Brien were starting to dominate while back four of Tiernan O’Keefe, Alan O’Connor, Austin Donellan and Diarmuid Murphy were snuffing out any danger at the back. We went in front through Mikey Corridan with a fine finish of his left after a through ball from Luke O’Carroll. Half-Time 1-0 to Fenit.
We continued to push on in the 2nd half and scored through Dara Harty and Cillian O’Brien with a fine finish from close in. MEK Galaxy started to put us under some pressure as we tired a little but the back four were excellent with Diarmuid Murphy really improving at left back.
Great performance from all and a great result. Best for Fenit Diarmuid Murphy left back.
Boys U11s: The u11 boys travelled to Camp on Friday evening for a great evening of football. Both teams gave it their all and can be very proud of their efforts. Well done all. Thanks to Camp Juniors who hosted us and were very welcoming as always.
