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It was billed as a friendly between the Under 9 NAVY against the Under 10G. However the schoolyard banter ensured that the players were taking this very seriously indeed. "5-Nil" came the shout from the strong running Under 9 NAVY centre forward. No chance, said the midfield maestro for the Under 10s as they left school together. And so began the start of a great nights entertainment in Porterstown. A super turnout from both teams with only one player missing from both squads on the night. The Under 10s were thinking of the bright lights of Dalymount which awaits them on Friday night while the Under 9 NAVY were relishing taking on the big boys and playing the 7-a-side format for near enough the first time.
The match ebbed and flowed with the Under 10s starting brightly, passing the ball to good effect. However they were a bit like Liverpool yesterday, shot shy! The Under 9s started to grow into the game, quickly realising that they don't get as much time on the ball and the players at Under 10 are a bit stronger and some of them a little bit bigger. But it was not long until they figured that if they pass and move they can get past the physically stronger players. And so they did with some good link up play and fine corners fired in by Reese. Jesse in goal kept the 9s at bay with some fantastic saves. Castleknock were composed on the ball with Neil playing a stormer in defense, comfortable playing the ball out and breaking into the midfield when required. The strong link up play was coming down both wings from both teams with the midfield sometimes crowded. When it did go to midfield Matthew was on hand for the Under 9s to break up play. The Referee, ah bless him!!!! missed a few dodgy shirt pulls and tackles from both sides but that was because he had one eye on the Under 12s in the distance, preparing to face the Referees Under 12 side in the Cup Final next week…. focus ref, focus., keep your eyes on the prize!!!
So nil-nil at half time and a round of applause from all spectators present and a well earned drink for both sets of warriors. A quick team talk and the Under 10s knew they were in a game, all sweating and catching their breath after a whirlwind first half. So, onto the second half and the Under 10s started the brighter playing down the hill. The Under 9s were still giving as good as they got but it was the Under 10s who took advantage with a goal from Dylan C., firing past the keeper who had initially made a good save but could not keep the ball out, too hot to handle. 1-0 and bragging rights on the street, right there, between two opposing players who shall remain unnamed. The Under 9s were now creating some good overloads in the midfield with David and Callum providing the energy to get their team moving forward. It was only the last pass which let the Under 9s down on a few occasions as they created some nice overloads in attack. However a free outside the box allowed Under 10s Dylan C. size up the goal and a super free kick came off the cross bar and fell nicely to Owen who finished smartly. The Under 10s were enjoying some good pressure and Dylan C finished his teams scoring with an arrow into the keepers bottom right hand corner.
But this match was far from finished, the Under 9 NAVY now becoming quicker around the box and Jesse proving very hard to beat with some great saves. Reece gave a nice shimmy's to create space and beat his marker and finished off a free flowing move. 3-1 and the Under 9s could sense a few more goals. Alas, it was not to be and the game finished 3-1, the Under 10 defence standing strong. The difference was a 10 minute period where the Under 10s got on top and took their chances. With some better luck in front of goal the Under 9s would have scored a few more. But a year at that age is a big difference and, a bit like Man City, you have to take your chances when they come along!!!!
So, Rodgers and Pellegrini were happy with a good run out for their charges. The players and spectators enjoyed the match and it was an even contest which bodes well for both teams into the future as both tried to play a passing game which is always good to see, and not a parked bus in sight. Stay tuned for the next installment!
