St Gall’s Under 10 Boys Football Tournament – Match Report
Bank Holiday Monday saw the Carryduff under 10 boys attend the St Gall’s Tournament. Under glorious sunshine the boys shone playing superbly against some much older teams and in the end lost out to a talented St Gall’s team in the Cup quarter final.
The day was kicked off with 2 impressive wins against Davitt’s and Bellaghy. Fluent attacking play from Eoin O’Connor and Owen McHugh resulted in a host of terrific scores from Ciaran O’Neill and Liam Blaney, both displaying the rare ability at this age to score with both feet.
The last group game culminated in a midfield battle with a more physical St Paul’s team. Cillian Ennis and James Napier worked tirelessly up and down the pitch with Dominik Krusche and Aodhan McEvoy repeatedly breaking up St Paul’s attacks. Unfortunately, we were unable to fully penetrate a stronger St Paul’s defence. Oisin Lyons fought his heart out up front against much older opposition but St Paul’s ran out winners by 2 points and ended up group winners.
Finishing second in our group, we were drawn to play the host club, St Gall’s, in the Cup quarter final. The excitement mounted with both side-lines packed with supporters! Carryduff set about their task with confidence. Jude Dixon showed excellent defending skills limiting St Gall’s star performer to one score from a free. Oscar Illand defended magnificently from the front and Danny Knight’s positional sense and decision making in defence belied his age. Jack McDowell, in goals, made some amazing full length diving saves keeping the scoreboard in check for Carryduff and coupled with his precision kick outs, set up constant Carryduff attacks. Although still very much in the game at half time, it was not to be, with the impressive St Gall’s team pulling away in the second half to secure a semi-final spot.
The Carryduff boys walked off with their heads held high and appreciated the host club supporters’ acknowledgement of their fantastic effort. For many this was their first competitive tournament experience in a Carryduff jersey and the coaching team and parents could only be very proud of them all! Such a determined and resolute performance. Thanks again go to St Gall’s for hosting a well organised and enjoyable tournament.
