On a rare soccer-free weekend with no competitive games scheduled, our U13 girls took part in a friendly against unbeaten Premier league lynchpins Craughwell. Manager Tara Roberts reports on yesterday’s proceedings.
It was a day of many firsts on a cold, fresh, windy Saturday in November. The First U13 Girls match played, first time to play 11 a side, first time to play a full sized pitch; the first time for Tara Roberts to manage and report on a game and the first Colemanstown soccer match EVER for some of our girls! A few slightly nervous faces before kick off, but as usual, this good natured bunch of soccer players got stuck in from the off with a strong start against Craughwell .
Our team, led by Captain Niamh Kennedy, started well despite persistent attack from the opposition. Aided by her fellow midfielders Annalise Doran and Keva Hynes, they executed some fluent passes up the pitch to create some attacking chances for the strikeforce. Some nice breaks and team work from Ella Carroll, Lily Blade and Edel Egan inched our side nearer and nearer to the Craughwell goal.
The defence was crucial, with Craughwell, despite exerting continuous pressure, being unable to breach our rock solid back line of Alma Hynes, Libby Kennedy, Ally Nutley and Lilly Mannion. They chased and fought hard for every ball and made some crucial clearances and tackles. All of this coupled with a relentless work rate. Niamh Kennedy went down, but not for long! She recovered quickly, won the ball in midfield and went on to score the first goal!!!
Our lead was not to last as Craughwell found the back of the net twice in reply. Colemanstown fought hard to score but the experienced opposition proved hard to get past.
Towards the end of first half there was a ricochet of saves and strikes between the Colemanstown keeper Lucy Roberts and the determined Craughwell strikers. Colemanstown emerged triumphant from that battle clearing the ball successfully up the wing. Half time whistle gave our girls time to catch their breath after a tough first half
The second half proved more of a challenge as Craughwell, an experienced U13 side, found their rhythm and were relentless in their attack of the Colemanstown goal. There were a few nicely timed breaks from Colemanstown unfortunately none reached the target. The score line did not reflect the huge effort put in by our players who fought for every ball till the end. The communication between the Colemanstown players was heard from the sideline, the encouragement and praise for good passes and clearances, their determination and their genuine concern for each other and the opposing team must be mentioned and commended. It was a tough first match for all the first timers but it can’t detract from the team spirit and fun that these super bunch of girls give and get from the game. Well done ladies & well done Tara. Pictured below are the U13 girls, many of whom have entered the archive books for years to come.
Back Row: L to R: Keva Hynes, Alma Hynes, Lily Blade, Lucy Roberts, Ally Nutley, Lily Mannion.
Front Row: L to R: Ella Carroll, Niamh Kennedy, Edel Egan, Libby Kennedy, Annalise Doran.
