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Special Match Report
Portmarnock V Ballyfermot Utd. - DDSL U14 Major
On Saturday (October 1, 2005) Portmarnock AFC's Under 14s enjoyed a superb victory over Ballyfermot Utd at Carrickhill. It was as exciting as it was unexpected. The result reflected the supreme effort that all of the team put into the match.
Portmarnock started off playing 5 across the middle - Tadhg Mc Carthy, Johnny Boyle, Paddy Egan, John Lenihan and Brian Murray in front of a back 4 of Alan Murray, Stevie Rusk, Morgan O'Reilly and Stephen Tier, in an effort to limit the goal chances of the opposition. The defence was well marshalled by the goalkeeper, Eoin O'Connor, who played his by now customary blinder in goal. Jamie Travers, up front ran himself into the ground in an effort to relieve the pressure on the midfield defence.
With 10 minutes to go in the first half Paddy Egan timed a hard tackle to perfection on a Ballier midfielder which rattled his very bones. It was just the reminder that this team will not give up easily.
Kevin O'Brien and Jamie Walsh (up front) replaced John Lenihan and Brian Murray in the second half as Portmarnock went for the win. Kevin soon got into his stride hitting long balls for Jamie Walsh to run on to. With 20 minutes to go Jamie Travers made way for Niall Sullivan who smashed the ball to the net with virtually his first touch.
With 15 minutes to go Johnny Boyle was only fit to collapse having covered every inch of the pitch and was replaced by Shane Brady who continued to hold possession to relieve an overburdened defence. Jamie Walsh then hit a post in one of the break outs from defence.
With backs to the wall we were afraid to hope for a draw never mind a win, but Eoin O'Connor, Ruskie and O'Reilly are made of stern stuff. Alan Murray was under severe pressure but although he creaked like an old door he never yielded. Ballyfermot had to fight very hard for every ball in every position as Portmarnock held on. There was 3 minutes of injury time according to the referee but it seemed like he played 10. In the very last minute of the game he awarded an indirect free kick for time-wasting inside the penalty area. A wall was quickly formed and the free was defended at the expense of a corner. Ballyfermot’s keeper and all were inside our penalty area. 3 corners later the siege was lifted and the final whistle was sounded. A match that had everything was over. Ballyfermot had arrived with full points from 4 games but left pointless.
This win marks a giant step for this Portmarnock team.
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