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Esker-lent play keeps the U8's in contention for the league title
 
Shankill FC 10 - Esker Celtic 4
Sun 7 Nov 2010, Shanganagh Park
 
With Hughie as captain, the lads were looking to maintain their winning form against the in form league leaders Esker Celtic, a team they had drawn against earlier in the season.
 
The opening exchanges were very tense with both teams playing some great football and putting together great passing moves. Each side looked a match for each other. Then Shankill got the breakthrough and scored first and with their tails up quickly added another two

They were a while coming but this match marked man of the match Ruaidhrí first and second goals of the season. The first came after a great pass from Hughie to Ruaidhrí and Ruaidhrí rounded the defender to score. The second came after Seán put a great ball into space and Ruaidhrí ran on to it to score and put Shankill 2-0 ahead.
 
Shortly after Ruaidhrí returned the favour and put a ball through to Seán, who put Shankill 3-0 ahead. Great teamwork all around! Following a corner, Esker got a goal back to make it 3-1. Game on now it was getting very tense and the coaches were starting to feel nervous. Esker put together some great moves to put Shankill under pressure, but the lads true to form rallied and  it wasn't long until Shankill pulled further ahead. Cory got his first goal of the match after he broke from mid-field and scored. His second came after a great one-two between himself and Seán.
 
At half-time Shankill were 5-1 ahead. But by no means was this match over we tried to tell the lads that they were up against a very good team and that they wouldn’t lie down easy. We told them there were more goals in this game and we were only half way and boy were we right.

Ruaidhrí went into goal for the second half and he was like a man possessed. he gave it is all and only for him this would have been a much closer score line. Ciaran, Luke and Hughie combined at the back to keep Esker at bay, they also played their way out of trouble on many an occasion. Neil and Adam put a massive effort into breaking up the play and creating chance after chance for the forwards who were only too happy to accept the opportunities Ultan showed great skill on the left side of midfield after playing the first half in goal. Cory and Sean were the beneficiaries of the teams hard work each scoring 4 goals by the end of the game. One of Cory’s goals showed great skill as be guided the ball in using his back after Adam floated in a superb free kick, did he mean it? of course he did! Great credit must be given to Esker their lads play the game in the right spirit, moving the ball around and playing the game the way it should be played and they never gave up the game and pulled back three late goals to keep us on our toes. This game was by no means a walk in the park.

Fearghal/Derek

Note first half account ghost written by Fearghal with the assistance of Ruaidhrí who quote “just couldn’t remember the rest of the game there were 14 goals after all”

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U8's earn their badges with draw against the Sheriff
 
Sheriff YC 2, Shankill FC 2 Fairview Park, Sun 24 October 2010
(Attendance 27)
 
Captained by Ciarán, who had a great game in defence, this was probably the U8's toughest game so far this season. But yet again, the lads didn't give up on the game, even when they were two-nil down late into the game.
 
The first 10 minutes of the game saw the play go from end to end but neither side were able to score in this period. The lads were on the receiving end of some hard tackles. On one occasion, as Seán skipped passed one of their defenders, he was taken out by a late lunge. Seán had to be substituted as a result. On a couple of occasions Adam almost scored from free kicks arising from these tackles but unfortunately they were blocked or went over the bar.
 
At the other end, Hughie pulled off a couple of great saves to make sure Shankill stayed in the game.
 
However, Sheriff went ahead after their centre forward controlled the ball well in front of Shankill's box and scored. A well deserved goal.
 
At half-time Sheriff were in the lead by 1-0.
 
For the second half, Ruaidhrí replaced Hughie in goal. To Shankill's credit, the lads weren't put off by Sheriff's hard tackles and they started the second half very strongly. Cory almost scored from an early second half attack.
 
However, shortly afterwards Sheriff counter-attacked down the right wing and they scored a second goal as a result.
 
A tough game just got tougher.
 
Sheriff seemed to be getting the upper hand at this point and another attack by them saw Ruaidhrí make a great save and concede a corner as the ball goes wide off the post.
 
Shankill then started their come-back. A fantastic run by Luke down the right from deep defence pushed Shankill close to Sheriff's box. Cory, being where every good striker should be, connected with Luke's brilliant cross to put the score at 2-1 to Sheriff.
 
With about 5 minutes to go, Sheriff finally got punished where it hurt for their hard tackles. After being awarded a free, Adam scored one of his trademark goals - direct from a free kick - from outside Sheriff's box. It was really only a matter of time before Adam would score like this.
 
A strong mid-field of Neil and Ultan made sure that Sheriff didn't make a come back and the game finished at 2-all.
 
It really was a well deserved point for Shankill. It showed that the lads could concentrate on their game and maintain their discipline despite the mayhem around them.
 
With three games remaining, the U8's are well placed to contend for the title.

Fearghal

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SHANKILL FC- Match Report V Stella Maris 17-10-10
Shankill stars put Maris to sea

Shankill FC 8 Stella Maris 1

(For the season that's in it, this week's article was ghost written by Fearghal...boo!)

Another great week for the U8's as the lads take crucial points from Stella Maris.
An all-round fantastic performance by the team resulted in two hat-tricks, one by this week's captain Neil and the second by Seán. Cory also added to his season's tally by scoring one and Ultan converted from the penalty spot after a handball in Stella's box. Besides the goal scorers, the rest of the team had a brilliant game to make sure that Stella only scored one. Adam and Ciarán (just back from winter training in Sardinia), kept Shankill's midfield strong.  Ruaidhrí and Luke were just as good in goal and defence respectively. Hughie was absent today (he was on winter training in Co Clare).

Fearghal

Note from the Coaches

After a tough defeat to Stella Maris a few week ago we all wondered how we would fare out this time around, a tough match was expected. Stella Maris is a very strong skilful team and we knew we were in for a tough mornings work. We prepared the lads as best as we could and concentrated on our recent good form, and a recent training match against the under 9 team (which I think Shay wants to forget).

But as I have said before on many occasions this bunch of players are made of sterner stiff than I sometimes think we give them credit for. We tried to tell the lads to keep it tight and concentrate on not conceding and using the ball well when we had possession. The idea was to use the wings and the pace we have in abundance up front. But our lads had a different idea they went on the attack straight from the start. The early exchanges were very tense for us on the sidelines but once the lads got into their rhythm there was no stopping them,  they played some super football , Cory  is such a natural finisher and when he got the chance he didn’t miss, Neil then didn’t give up after a super corner from Adam and drove in  to 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 which nearly burst the net. This was all made possible by the hard work in the middle of the park from Adam he was immense today he didn’t miss a thing or put a foot wrong all day. The two lads at the back Luke and Ruaidhrí were as solid as a rock with Ruaidhrí making some super runs out of defence. Let’s not forget Ultan in goal he made a good save early on and mopped up behind the defenders when needed.  Ciaran came on midfield for Neil and played very well getting in some crunching tackles and making some great runs from midfield.

So half time and we are 3:0 up, we reminded the lads that we were 3:1 up in the away fixture earlier in the season and lost 5:4 this game was by no means over.

We reshaped slightly for the second half, Ruaidhrí fresh from goalie training the day before went into nets Ciaran and Ultan formed the back line and the three amigos went into midfield ,Sean, Neil and Adam with Corey up front, we gave Luke a rest for the start of the first half. An early injury to Corey meant a bit of a reshuffle, Luke went back on (he didn’t get much of a rest) with Ultan pushed up front. After that it’s all a bit of blur our defenders Luke and Ciaran were magnificent and Ruaidhrí made a world class save to keep Stella out.  I don’t think our midfield took to kindy to being on the back foot.  And they decided they’d had enough, Adam took the game by the scuff of the neck, and was wining every loose ball in midfield and not only that he was distributing the ball like a pro, Sean and Neil were the beneficiaries of his hard work with both lads completing hat tricks. Stella pulled one back late on but our guys were not going to let this one slip. Sean and Neil played the wide role very well both of them going on runs and ghosting by players like they weren’t there. Ultan decided he wanted to get in on the act and went on a mazy run through the middle which resulted in Stella conceding a penalty, which he bravely stepped up and converted.  Luke commanded the back line like a veteran and didn’t miss a trick. There were some long range efforts from Ciaran and Adam which went narrowly wide.  The lads came off at the end to a massive round of applause from the supporters and proud parents and well deserved it was. The lolly pops Adrian had in his pocket were a bit of a bonus too.

Now how do you pick a man of the match from all that it’s just impossible every one of them deserved it, we like to give the award to someone each week so with two hat trick heroes in the team I decided to spilt it this week and let Sean and Neil share the accolade.

I can t begin to tell you how proud we are to have the privilege to coach this bunch of kids, they give their all every week and more importantly they enjoy the game and play with a smile on their faces which I hope you can see from some of the photos.

I would like to thank Fearghal for the effort he puts in to his weekly match reports which he even manages to get done when he is not able to make it to the game, I don’t know how he comes up with the headlines but they are brilliant.
Heres looking forward to next week

Derek, Adrian and Jim

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Shankill V Stella Part 1

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Shankill V Stella Part 2

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U8's don't lie down on the Job(stown)

Jobstown 0 Shankill FC 4

A reverse of last week's fixture sees us play Jobstown again but this time it's an away game.

Having won comprehensively last week, it was going to be interesting to see how both teams played.

After a couple of early attacks, Cory puts Shankill one nil ahead.

Ruaidhrí then had a good shot saved by their goalkeeper but it wasn't long until Shankill were two nil ahead after Cory scored again.

The usual excellent defending by Luke and Hughie made sure that all Jobstown attacks were cleared. Neil is also showing how good in goal he is with some great stops.

With the strong breeze favouring Jobstown in the first half, they try a long shot but it's too strong and goes wide.

At half time, the score is Jobstown 0 Shankill 2.

A switch at half time means Ruaidhrí replaces Neil in goal. Little does Ruaidhrí know it, but he won't get another touch of the ball as Shankill's midfield of Adam and Ultan and our defence make sure that a clean sheet is maintained.

After some great ball control, Neil puts Shankill three nil ahead early in the second half. At this stage it's looking good for Shankill.

A disallowed goal would have put Shankill further ahead but the referee awarded Jobstown a free out.

Seán wraps up the game at four nil with a great goal near the end.

So ends another game and win for Shankill and it looks like the winter hats and coats need to be worn from now on.....

Fearghal (10-10-10)

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Job done as U8s go to town on Jobstown

Shankill FC 9 Jobstown 1

After last week's tough defeat to Stella Maris, the U8's were looking to get their season back on track with their first home game of the season.

The game was dominated by some great passing moves out of deep defence, which resulted in at least 6 of Shankill's 9 goals. The coaches have been emphasising passing moves during training and its great to see the lads putting some of that coaching into practice on match days.

Shankill score early after a good passing move from Ciarán to Ruaidhrí to Cory. Cory shoots and scores: Shankill 1, Jobstown 0. The goal is quickly followed up by a great shot from Ultan which was blocked by Jobstown's defenders.

Even at this early stage, its clear that Shankill intend on dominating the game.

However, Jobstown do manage to build up an attack but more great defence from Ciarán and Luke sets up another opportunity. Shankill are definitely in charge.

Cory then scores his and Shankill's second goal after another great passing move involving Adam through the midfield: Shankill 2, Jobstown 0.

From the tip off, Jobstown shoot and Seán saves a high shot - it was a great save considering the sun was shining directly into Seán's eyes.

Some more great defending from Luke and Ciarán keep the pressure off Shankill's goal.

The referee awards Shankill a free kick after Ultan is fouled. Adam's shot rebounds off Jobstown's defenders and Ultan gets on the end of the loose ball to score Shankill's third goal: Shankill 3, Jobstown 0.

10 minutes in and Shankill make two substitutes: Neil comes on for Ruaidhrí and Hughie comes on for Luke.

The first corner of the match goes to Jobstown but the ball is cleared. Jobstown seem to be in a purple patch but Seán pulls off another great save and, after another passing move by Shankill out of
defence, Neil scores Shankill's fourth goal.

When half-time arrives, Shankill are 4 nil ahead.

A change at half-time sees Seán changing goalie jersey with Luke. Ruaidhrí goes into centre-forward in place of Cory and shortly
afterwards, a shot from distance from Ruaidhrí goes wide. Ruaidhrí is still looking for his first goal of the season.

Seán hits the post shortly after and forces Shankill's first corner but this is cleared by Jobstown. This clearance sets up, what turns out to be Jobstown's only goal of the game: Shankill 4, Jobstown 1.

Cory then replaces the injured Ruaidhrí and shortly after Seán scores Shankill's fifth goal.

At this point, Ciarán is substituted because he has to fly to Sardinia....lucky him. But its well deserved because he had a fantastic game. If only the coaches would send us all off on holidays if the boys play well....

Some great defending by Hughie sets up another great passing move and Seán scores his second and Shankill's sixth to put Shankill ahead 6-1. Seán is now heading for his hat-trick and within a few minutes he gets it and Shankill are ahead 7-1.

Cory is also on for his hat-trick and he gets it as well to put Shankill ahead 8-1; and Seán just can't stop scoring as he makes it 9-1.

Throughout this scoring spree, Ruaidhrí and Neil had other chances without success. Shankill kept Jobstown to just one goal by great play by Ultan, Luke and Hughie. On top of this, while Adam and Ruaidhrí didn't manage to get on this week's scoresheet, both set up goals with some great passing.

For this performance, every one of the lads deserved to win the man of the match award and I need to sign off now to make tomorrow's sandwiches.....

Fearghal (03-10-10)

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"Stella-r" performance but Shankill U8's unlucky

(Stella Maris 5 Shankill FC 4)

Despite the threats, the ladies did not succumb to the temptation of
Ikea on the way over. Maybe it was because they knew they'd have to
jump out of a moving car.....

The team had a new goalie today with Cory starting in the nets for the
first half. Within the first minute a midfield clash gives Shankill an
opportunity from a free kick. Adam recovers from the foul to score
high into the net from a long distance. Shankill are 1-nil ahead very
early.

However, it doesn't take long for Stella Maris to equalise and they
score within a couple of minutes of our goal. Stella Maris 1, Shankill
1.

After more strong midfield and forward play, Ultan does very well to
get past a couple of players and end up in Stella's box. The referree
incorrectly awards Shankill a free, and not a penalty, after Ultan
was fouled in the box. But Shankill got their reward after Sean scored
after shooting low when he got on the end of the deflected free kick.
Shankill back in front at 2-1.

Hughie is called on to replace the injured Adam after 10 mins. Some
great defence from Ciaran, Luke and Hughie, and some good saves from
Cory, means that Shankill manage to hold Stella Maris out and not let
them score. Well played lads!

During one of these pressure periods, Ruaidhrí replaces Ultan at
centre forward. A superb and sleek counter-attack, with some excellent
passing, from deep within Shankill's goal mouth, sets up Sean to score
a brilliant third goal for Shankill. Shankill are now ahead 3 - 1.

The end of the first half sees Stella Maris put more pressure on
Shankill. Right on the stroke of half-time Stella Maris shoot, but
luckily for Shankill, they hit the cross bar and Neil does very well
to clear the ball away from the danger zone.

As the referree blows the half time whistle, Shankill deserve to be in
the lead by 3 goals to one.

Derek's and Adrian's half-time team talk sets the lads up for the
second half. As the team walk onto the pitch, Ruaidhrí raises a very
important point with the coaches: the sleeves on the goalie's jersey
are too long...

A goal-mouth scuffle results in Stella Maris pulling a goal back and
narrowing Shankill's lead to 3 - 2. More Stella Maris pressure means
that they pull level at 3-all after an attack from within their own
half.

More attacks from Stella but this time, some great tackles from Hughie
and saves from Ruaidhrí prevent Stella from taking the lead for the
first time.

Stella continue their attacks and within a couple of minutes, Stella
score two goals to go 5 - 3 ahead. But, as usual the Shankill lads do
not give up and they believe that they can still win.

Shankill's determination to score pays off and late in the second
half, Neil passes a great ball to Cory and he did very well to slot
the ball by their goalie to make it 5 goals to 4 for Stella.

Shankill still believe that they can get the draw but they run out of
time when the referree blows up for full time. Stella win 5 goals to 4
and Shankill lose for the first time this season.

Now, the only question is: who stopped in Ikea on the way home??!

Fearghal (26-10-10)

Under 8C Versus Stella Maris 26-09-10

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