Boys U16s: Castleisland A v Samphires A
Boys U16s: Samphires B 1 v 2 LB Rovers (Scorer: Josh Ennis)
In a game where we feel we had slightly more of the game we ended up on the wrong side of a 2-1 scoreline. We had the wind in the first half but went long too early and too often which nullified our advantage. LB actually came close to scoring with a shot off the post in a counterattack. In the final minute of the half Josh hit a perfect corner to give us the lead. The tables turned in the second half, LB with the wind now. They equalised after exerting some pressure, and late in the game scored a penalty for the winner after one of our lads was adjudged to have handled the ball. Our boys played well and can’t be faulted for effort, training is good, but it is slightly disappointing that still at this age we think we must score off every possession and resorting to long balls under no pressure.
Girls U15s: Samphires 2 v 0 Ballyhar Dynamos (Scorers: Saoirse Reen, Hannah Redican)
Two second half goals from Saoirse Reen and Hannah Redican saw us secure a well deserved victory on Saturday morning. Playing into the wind in the first half we defended brilliantly, with Sadhbh O’Donnell breaking up everything Ballyhar threw at us, and we managed to create a few chances of our own. The second half saw Samphires take more control of the game, with Ella Sayers and Hannah Redican leading the way. The pressure eventually paid off with 2 goals to claim victory. Well done to all the girls on a great result.
Boys U14s: National Cup: Samphires A 4 v 3 Breska Rovers (Scorers: Luke McCann, Kian Skretny, Eoghan Gilligan, Aron Keating)
A high tempo game that ebbed and flowed an in the end it could have gone either way. We played with the wind in the first and had the lion’s share of possession. When we were patient, we looked dangerous and took a 2 goal lead. At this point our boys went gung ho down the middle which didn’t yield much for us with so many bodies in the way. Conversely, as our fellas piled forward, we were 2 v 2 at the back many times and Breska scored in the last minute of the half on the counter to give them a lifeline. The second half became even more intense than the first as our lads kept on charging forward despite pleas from the sideline and we had a goal disallowed which we felt was harsh. 2 minutes later Breska scored from a penalty and it was 2 all. We regained some composure at this point and got into our shape again and regained the upper hand for a while. From a free, Cian was on hand to take advantage of a throughball from Aron and he finished skilfully and powerfully. Then the game went end to end with 5 minutes to go, we had a couple of half chances and our opponents had a goal disallowed. In the final minute, Breska scored a goal taking advantage of our poor attempt to deal with a long ball down the middle and it was 3 all. It looked like extra time was on the cards but somehow our lads created and finished another move and it was 4-3 to us. Breska threw all hands to the pump and had another goal disallowed for offside but it was a close one for us. We repelled their last few attacks to get the win, but though we played well with the ball, we have work to do on our defending especially in midfield. A big well done to our team who in the end did enough to eke out the win. Our commiserations to Breska who are a really good team, well managed and well coached…we wish them well for the season. Finally we wish Cian O’Sullivan a speedy recovery from the injury he sustained near the end of the match when he was on one of his many attacks down the left wing. Thanks too to the Breska coach who looked after Cian when he got injured.
Boys U14s: Ballyhar Dynamos B 4 v 7 Samphires B (Scorers: Olek Olgeska(3), Matthew Rael, Tommy O’Brien(2), Padraig Whelan)
We made it two wins out of two in a thrilling game against Ballyhar last Saturday morning.
We started very positively, taking an early 2–0 lead thanks to goals from Olek Olgeska and Matthew Rael. Ballyhar fought back strongly, scoring three unanswered goals to take the lead. However, Samphires regained their composure, and two goals from Tommy O’Brien along with one from Padraig Whelan gave the Samphires a 5–3 lead going into the break.
We controlled the second half with a strong offensive performance. Olgeska added two more goals in the second half to complete his hat-trick—skilfully rounding the keeper for his final goal. Although Ballyhar managed a late goal, Samphires secured a good victory.
A special mention goes to Tomás Bunyon for a phenomenal performance today, showcasing non-stop running, pressing, and clever passing during Samphires attacks but well done to everyone involved!
Girls U13: Samphires v Dingle Bay Rovers
Boys U12s: Samphires B 4 v 3 Killorglin B (Scorers: Ben Crowley(3), Bobby Morgan)
Congratulations to our U12 B’s as they continue their unbeaten start to the Div 3 season after a dramatic fixture against a strong Killorglin side in Fenit. Samphires took an early lead thanks to a long range effort from Ben Crowley but trailed 2-1 at the break following 2 goals from the visitors. Playing into a strong breeze in the second half Fenit imposed an impressive passing game to quickly register 3 goals and take a 4-2 lead into the final 15 minutes. Killorglin got one back but the Fenit boys withstood 10 minutes of intense pressure to see out the 4-3 result – a hat trick from Ben Crowley and 1 goal + assists from Bobby Morgan. The boys now prepare for a tough away fixture in Park on October 2nd. Thanks to our referee and Killorglin for a fantastic game and to all of the support on the sidelines in Samphires Park.
Boys U11s: Killarney Athletic B v Samphires Black
Samphires U11 Black squad had their first game of the Division 1 season out in Woodlawn Vs Killarney Athletic this evening. Fabulous enthusiastic performance from all 10 players. MOTM Ronan Corridon but special mention to Charlie Wallace and Páidí Gilligan who put in a huge shift.