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The talk on the way down was Ireland v Germany. Rumour has it Martin O’Neill and Roy Keane were in Porterstown last week to watch this teams commitment with and without the ball. “They could be sponsored by Woodies, they have it in spades” said Martin. “That’s right boy, that’s right, but they can play a bit too Martin” said Roy as he finished the video to bring back and show the Irish players at the Team Hotel of last weeks 1-0 win. Recently this team has played like Germany but with the spirit of Ireland. Dawide was welcomed back into the matchday squad as an outfield player (much to the surprise of Bradley and Dylan O). So Bradley C in goal, Jake R, Lee C, Dylan T and Adam G defending, Cian DaC, Dylan C, Ethan O’R, Dawide B & Nkemjika O in midfield and Josh H, Evan R and Dylan O in attack.
A good warm up and ready to go. Captain Cian DaC leading the team out. The long grass and the heavy ball seemed to be working against Castleknock as their control and passing was not going to plan. Too loose too often and they gave the initiative to Ardmore. And sure enough with their first attack Ardmore got in behind the defence and Bradley C, not expecting to play in goal, was unfortunate with his save which squirmed under his body and rolled into the net. But Bradley C, cool as you like, took it in his stride and was making sure the goals did not fall down as he was leaning against the post for the rest of the half, literally. When Castleknock did make connections with their passes, they played right through Ardmore. A couple of overlaps in the first half were creating all sorts of trouble. Josh H started well and was setting up play nicely but was taken out with a crunching tackle. Game over for Josh H. Ardmore had one more attack with Bradley C making a fine save. All huff and puff in the middle third and 1-0 it ended at half time.
Regroup and find the space out wide fellas, lets get at them. And what a second half. Bradley C playing left back led the charge with slick passing and supporting runs. Dylan C, Ethan O’R and Dawide B now commanding midfield. The commitment was matched with the movement. One moment in the second half summed it up, Dawide B sprinting to win a free, every muscle used, even the ones in his neck, like a thoroughbred, fantastic. With Ardmore rattled and Bradley C dominating from left back Castleknock got the inevitable equaliser. And it could only be Bradley C with a cool as you like outside the boot finish. 1-1 and heads up. Jake R, Lee C and Dylan T never gave Ardmore a kick of the ball in the second half. Nkemjika and Cian taking up great positions but unlucky not to get more ball. Dylan C and Adam G were moving the ball around with great composure and Ardmore were tiring. A slick passing move later and the ball made its was to Bradley who slipped Evan in with a reverse pass and Evan drilled it home at the near post 2-1 and Happy Days. Ardmore threw everything at Castleknock but could not find a breakthrough. Dylan O had one save to make in the second half. A key factor in this was because Lee C was communicating with his players, telling them to mark and who is free. Great stuff all-round. With 34 minutes on the clock Adam G went down like Robbie Brady, but only after a coach seemed to copy the great Martin O’Neill himself, pointing to the ground…….. Under 12 is serious stuff these days!!!
So, game over and another great performance. On the way home the coaches got a call from Martin and Roy asking how the lads did. "2-1 away from home Martin, and some fine play aswell. "Thanks lads, can you send me the video for the players on Sunday against Poland”. Its in the post Martin, see you in Euro 2016! In the mean time we fancy Ireland to win 2-1 on Sunday, Ireland copying the 12A team results. I will see uncle Paddy tomorrow and he may be supporting a trip to France next summer for the parents…… Meanwhile back at the ranch Man of the Match. Again some great candidates and in true BPL style they are:
Dylan Randolphee Osborne 8
Adam Bradyee Geraghty 8
Lee O’Sheaee Canavan 9
Dylan Keoghee Thompson 8
Jake Christieee Rice 8
Ethan McCarthyee O’Reilly 8
Dylan Hooloohanee Coyne 9
Cian Waltersee DaCosta 8
Dawide Wardee Biernat 9
Nkemjika Myleree Onwemreh 8
Josh Hendrickee Holland 8
Evan Murphyee Ryan 8
Bradley Longee Creighton 9.5
So well done Bradleyee, outstanding today. Practice TUESDAY 6-7 NAC
