Under 8C half season report 2010-11

The pre season training started and all the lads returned with all their usual enthusiasm and eagerness to get back to the game we all love. They all had tall tales of the summer break and holidays which all seemed like great adventures , but to us it was like they were never away other than they all seemed a bit bigger. It was great to see them all back and as eager as ever.

We greeted four new players to the squad Adam, Luke, Ruaidhrí and Sean as luck would have it we also got an extra pair of hands to help with the coaching of the team as Sean’s dad Jim joined the coaching team.

Our pre-season got under way as all of these changes were being made we played Cabinteely FC twice in friendly winning both games with style. We had so many players for one of the games that we fielded two different teams in each half and thank Cabo for their understanding and cooperating during that game. When the squad was eventually finalised our first game was a friendly away to a Cabinteely A team, none of us knew what to expect from our lads with what was essentially a new team. But we knew we were in for a tough game, bearing in mind his was the lads first real game together as a team, we lost 7:1 but we seen something in them that day to make me believe this steam was a bit special. The next friendly game was away to Ardmore’s A team in Bray. We won 2:1 Captain for the day Corey scoring the winner in the last minute (which was especially good for him as a lot of the Ardmore team were his classmates). Things were looking up

We started the season away to Esker Celtic, there was a nice buzz coming from the lads and we could see they were starting to bond as a team and get used to each other. We started well in the game but somehow found ourselves 2:0 down, we couldn’t believe it but as I have said before on many occasions our teams just never give up, we fought our way back into the game with a man of the match performance from centre back Luke and goals from Ultan and Sean earning us a well deserved draw, not to bad a start. Next game was away to Marks Celtic and wow did the lads turn it on that day. They came out of traps at 100 miles an hour and comfortably won the game 7:0 with hat trick hero Sean earning a well deserved man of the match award, two goal s from Ultan and one each from Hughie and Cory completing the scoring.

The next game was away to Stella Maris and showed us two sides of our team we were comfortably 3:1 up at half time and seemingly cruising, but we somehow managed to turn that lead into a 5:4 defeat, all credit must go Stella for a spirited comeback, two goals from Sean one each for Adam and Corey. We had some work to do before our next game.

Our first home game of the season was up next, after three away games on the bounce. We played Jobstown Neil started the scoring with his first goal of the season with Ultan getting another and Corey getting a hat trick and not to out done Sean getting four, which was a remarkable achievement as he was in goal for the first half. There was no stopping the lads on the day. By a strange quirk in the fixture list our next game was away to Jobstown a game we won 4:0 Goals from Neil, Sean and two for Corey. I think Jobstown were glad to see the back of us.

Next up the rematch with Stella Maris we worked hard in training and expected a tight match, we didn’t need to remind the lads of the narrow defeat we suffered in the away match. The game started out quite cagey. We asked the lads to concentrate and keep it tight at the back, but these guys had a different game plan. They took the game to the opposition form the start and they played some super football, Cory　got the first one, and from a well delivered corner by Adam Neil drove in　to the box make a tackle on the opposition line to make it 2:0 and this was capped by a wonder goal from Sean, I lost count of how many players he went by before he hit a shot from outside the box which nearly burst the net. Neil and Sean both went on to get Hat tricks on the day with Ultan coolly slotting home a penalty to wrap up the scoring 8:1 it finished. I for one couldn’t believe how good they were. We shouldn’t forget our defenders among all these goals if it wasn’t for Ruaidhrí, Hughie, Ciaran and Luke tireless work at the back none of the free flowing football we like to play would be possible

We went away for our next game to play Sheriff FC; word was out about our last result as the Sheriff Coach quizzed us on the score when we arrived. This game for me typifies what this team is all about and although we didn’t win the game we were 2:0 down with about ten minutes to play and fought back to 2:2 Corey finished off a great run and cross from Luke and Adam scored a wonderful free kick. We missed an opportunity to win it at the death but this was a very tough match and perhaps their biggest test to date.

Next up league leaders Esker Celtic at home, the game plan was similar to the Stella game keep it tight and use our pace up front, Ruaidhrí started up front and got his first two goals of the season early on, and with those goals the game plan went out the window, as usual the lads had their own idea and won 10:4 the other goals were from Corey and Sean (4 each). As luck would have it this turned out to be our last game before Christmas, with weather conspiring against us to have our last two games called off.

The lad’s efforts have not gone unnoticed and as a result of all their hard work they have been promoted to B1 which is a great achievement in its self. The lads have all become great friends which is great to see, and are progressing into a great team. Their achievements this season should not be underestimated

We had some great times this year and a big thanks goes to all the parents who give up their time and got the lads to training and matches on time, their help is very much appreciated. The guys behaviour both on and off the pitch has been magnificent and Jim, Adrian and I are very proud to be their managers. I for one am looking forward to the second half of the season with a great sense of excitement.

I would particularly like to thanks Fearghal for his match reports and very witty headlines which are on our page on the web site and always worth a read.

Derek, Adrian & Jim