The final game of the National Cup for the Park u13A’s took place in the form of the South-West Regional final on Saturday in absolutely glorious conditions, perfect for playing football. Everything looked great at Christy Leahy Park with the sun shining, Park flags flying and the pitch looking immaculate.
The lads were anxious to make sure that they finished the great run that they had been on in the National Cup with a win, particularly given that they had been on the wrong end of a 2-1 scoreline against Evergreen in the last 8. We were sure that a few things had been learned from that experience and hopeful that this team would do themselves justice on this occasion.
The game started with a period of 10 minutes where neither team was on top, each team having a couple of forays up the pitch but no goalkeeper was being tested. The Park defence of Samuel, Kieran, Sean Hill and Sean O’Connell were winning their battles in front of Liam in goals. After the opening 10 minutes the Park midfield of Josh, Sean and Conor started to get on top which allowed our front three of Cianan, Messiah and Colin to see some ball and from that point on the Park looked the team that was most likely to score. Caiman was unlucky when an effort struck the post. A delivery from a free kick from Colin caused all sorts of problems in the Annacotty penalty area with Samuel unlucky not to poke one home. The goal that the performance deserved did come when after a good run, Cianan passed the ball to Messieh who finished well to the corner. 1-0 to the Park. The Park continued to dominate for much of the remainder of the first half with Cianan unlucky with another effort that struck the crossbar. The Park were creating but not putting the tie to bed. 1-0 at half time.
1-0 was the scoreline at half time in the Evergreen game and we knew that another goal was going to be required. Annacotty made a couple of positional and tactical changes for the second half and the early exchanges were challenging while the Park lads were coming to grips with them. Liam was having a solid game between the posts and able to deal with everything that was coming his way. The lads continued to be a treat when in possession and the important second goal came when Messieh with some good skills set up Cianan, unmarked in the middle of the goals to slot home a deserved goal. Annacotty were going to throw everything at the Park and we needed our full squad to try to see the game out. David and Danny came in to strengthen the midfield and Ben added much needed energy to the backline. Adam and Jack came on upfront to add legs that were badly required. The Park were seeing the game out, they thought, but with almost 5 minutes left Annacotty won a penalty which was well finished to make it 2-1 and added some more excitement to the last few minutes than any of the Park players and supporters probably needed. The lads though did see it out for a much deserved win and some silverware to go with the experiences that have been gained on this journey.
Well done to all our players for their commitment to training and the team throughout what has been a very busy season so far, all the hard work is paying off. Thanks to everyone associated with the Park who had Christy Leahy Park in top condition for the occasion. In particular thanks to the parents who not only have had to get the lads to matches in various parts of the country but have been helping to feed all the teams that have come to play the lads on this National Cup run.
Its not over yet though, we have the League and the Kerry Cup to concentrate on now, starting with Kerry Cup most likely next Saturday. We’ll enjoy this one first though.
Squad: Liam Carmody, Jack Kearney, Kieran O’Connor, Sean O’Connell, Ben Hanafin, Samuel Aladesanusi, Conor Kerins, Sean O’Connor, David Feely, Danny Jeffers, Cianan Cooney, Messiah Chirwa, Colin Doody, Adam Wharton, Sean Hill .
Click here to watch the trophy presentation
Watch The Full Match by Clicking Here .
Watch the match highlights by Clicking Here .
Report by Pat Doody , Photos & video editing by Tommy naughton, Recording by Robert Powell .
