Boys Under 14

Managers: Michael Kelsey (086-8193643) Gary Swan (087-7752480)

Training: Every Wednesday evening in Gortnaglough from 5:45 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

SCHEDULE 2008/9

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MATCH REPORTS

Sat, Sept 17th - Wilton Utd 4- 2 Ballinhassig

Having been rained off for the previous game, the under 14 team opened their season against old foes Wilton Utd. in the Lee Road. Despite a resilient Ballinhassig defense, a strong Wilton side took the lead after 15 minutes and extended this again 10 minutes later with some cutting moves from mid-field. Kevin Veale and Adam Palmer worked tirelessly to deal with speedy wingers who were constantly trying to get behind the Ballinhassig defense. With 5 minutes remaining before half time Ballinhassig reduced the deficit with a well taken goal. The second half found the Ballinhassig team tiring and conceded two more goals before a lovely cross from Dominic O'Shea along the left wing was well met by David Walsh with a firm header back across the keeper into the the Wilton net. While it was not enough to save the game, it was a positive start against strong opposition.

Sat, Oct 4th - Ballinhassig 2- 0 Corinthians B

Sat 4th October saw us hosting Corinthians B for our first home game. With two players missing, the team had the bare 11 players so all were looking forward to a full game. Corinthians were also under strength due to other sporting commitments and so were relatively small in stature. Ballinhassig were on top from the start and the majority of the play was in the Corinthians half. A frustrating 15 minutes passed before the break finally came with a strong shot from Cian McCarthy from outside the box was flicked by the keeper but not sufficiently to prevent it from finding the back of the net. One - nil to Ballinhassig. With confidence high Ballinhassig pushed on and it was not long before a chance fell to David Walsh who was able to slide the ball into the corner. Corinthians however were making inroads into the Ballinhassig defense and some strong defense by Darragh Kelsey and Eric Curry kept the scoreline unchanged. A bold decision was taken to swap the defense and mid-field completely in the second half to allow new coach Michael Ahern assess the capabilities of all players. Despite some good attacking moves, no more goals were scored and Ballinhassig went home happy with all 3 points.

Sat, Oct 27th - Ballinhassig 0 - 4 Temple Utd.

Ballinhassig met a very strong Temple Utd team in a re-fixed game. Unbeaten in the league to date, Temple were big and determined. Ballinhassig's defense were under pressure from the start and none more so than James Crowley in goal. It took Temple 25 minutes of relentless pressure before they were finally able to put the ball in the net. Another followed five minutes later with crosses from the right wing being teed up for their in-running midfield players. The pattern continued in the second half with two more for what was clearly the strongest opposition yet.

Sun, Nov 2nd - Richmond 5- 0 Ballinhassig

This game with local rivals proved to be a dissapointing performance. The noteable exception was a very brave performance from James Crowley in goal. Missing a couple of regular starters, the team formation had, by necessity, a defensive look. This meant very little opportunity to the attack to run at Richmond. Two goals in the first half and three in the second half flattered Richmond, but in truth they deserved the win.

Sun, Nov 16th - Ballincollig B 2- 3 Ballinhassig

After two losses in a row, the team were lacking a little confidence. This combined with three players being missing forother sports left us with the minimum numbers to field a team. Some positional changes meant that Cian McCarthy took up duties as sweeper alongside Colin Reynolds in central defense. This proved to be a formidable combination with great work from Adam Palmer and Kevin Veal in the full-back positions. Ballinhassig were causing difficulties with their control around the centre of the pitch and some good off the ball moves. Ballincollig's attacks were being dealt with until after 15 minutes James Crowley brought down the striker inside the box, giving a penalty to the home side. This was duly dispatched to the net and we found ourselves one down. The mid-field kept the pressure on and won a corner with 10 minutes remaining. The Ballincollig defenders failed to clear the ball and Darragh Kelsey pounced to score. The teams remained level until half time. The second half saw a renewed confidence among the players. Robbie and Chris Reynolds continued to control the middle of the park, placing balls for Gary and David Walsh to run along the wings. Eric Curry was putting pressure on the central defence. After 10 minutes another Ballinhassig corner was parried only as far as the waiting Cian McCarthy who duly despatched it to the corner of the net. With three points now available the team dug in and a few minutes later a mix-up between the Ballincollig keeper and defense resulted in a spilled ball and a simple tap-in for Robbie. Ballincollig did not give up. They threw everything at Ballinhassig and it required solid play from the back four to repel them. With 3 minutes remaining they did manage to breach the Ballinhassig rearguard. All players dug deep to prevent any scores and came away with a deserved win.