It was a cold, wet and blustery enough day in Colemanstown which made playing conditions a bit tricky as our under 6’s, under 9’s and under 11’s took on neighbours St. Bernards in a mini blitz played in Colemanstown on Saturday morning. Everyone got a game and that’s what’s most important at this early age. These type of training/playing sessions have an emphasis on basic skills and team play; always focusing on children having a portion of the session with the ball at their feet in a fun and enjoyable atmosphere. Utmost and foremost we want all children to enjoy themselves and it is important that we use football to encourage children to make friends (given our large catchment area) and learn about basic ball skills, basic rules of football, team play and encourage a healthy lifestyle. In this regard, we extend thanks to Andy Concannon, Eddie Concannon, Sean Moran & Gary Broderick who are always available to help out at these age groups. All three matches took place simultaneously so some parents were a bit cross-eyed trying to keep tabs on 2 or even 3 games. First up our under 6’s…..
Our u6 soccer tots made a spirited fightback as they were beaten by a more superior St. Bernard’s outfit but they never really came close to snatching something from the game. Sean Moran’s charges took a while to get going and were a few goals down by half time before Kyle Concannon registered on the score sheet. Another big soccer name Darren Moran got 2 more to put some respect on the score line. There was a change in keepers early on due to a little bit of trouble experienced in defending a strong and resolute St Bernards outfit. Kyle Concannon was a classy performer and was conspicuous in his touches and strong running throughout the game.
Panel; Shane Quirke, Sean Kelly, Darren Moran, Leona McHugh, Kyle Concannon, Ryan Concannon, Darren Quirke, Cian Cleary, Martin & Aidan Ruane.
Next up were our u9’s who won 12-2. Early exchanges saw Colemanstown penetrate down the right and left flanks with David ‘Fitzy’ Walsh and Adam Cleary in top form knocking the ball about to good effect. Jonah Donnellan marshalled the central midfield area and did plenty of running tracking back to assist the defence and scoring 4 goals when he drove forward. Colemanstown were quick to score within the first few minutes through Adam Cleary when he took his chance well. Indeed he got behind the oppositions defence on 3 more occasions to bring his goal tally to 4 for the day. Ross Lally was cracking in goals, albeit a bit cold, as he had little to do given Colemanstown’s dominance but moved out to a roaming position mid-way through the first half for the remainder of the game. Cian Burke cleared plenty of ball in defence and was assisted by Nathan McGuire-Greaney and Kalum Concannon . ‘Fitzy’ Walsh also had 4 goals to his credit, one a smasher which struck the bottom right corner just inside the post while another goal was assisted by Fionn Flattery who also had a roaming role. Adam O’Neill had plenty of opportunities and pace up front and was instrumental in some of the goals.
Panel: Ross Lally, David Walsh, Adam Cleary, Adam O’Neill, Nathan McGuire-Greaney, Fionn Flattery, Calum Concannon, Jonah Donnellan, Cian Burke.
Last but not least were our u11’s…..
These youngsters went on the pitch with great determination and this showed from the outset as Thomas Mellody opened this 10-1rout within 5 minutes when he cut in from the right to beat the keeper from close range. Sean Hansberry converted a penalty minutes later with his size 9/10 boots (at 10 years of age) after a hand ball on the goal line. Things got more comfortable as Sean Hansberry smashed in another 3, Eoin Concannon 2, Josh McGuire- Greaney 1, Conor Moran 1 and Michael Flattery 1. Darragh Roche made some exceptional saves and showed great flexibility as he spread himself well and could not be faulted for the goal conceded. Darragh Hansberry, Michael Flattery and Conor Moran gave their best in defence and worked hard. Mark Donnellan linked up well with Sean Hansberry on plenty of occasions; Thomas Mellody showed plenty of his mother’s traits as he was full of running and attacked whenever possible. Oran Burke did some dinky runs on the left wing while up front Eoin Concannon, Josh McGuire-Greaney & Sean Hansberry showed great flashes of skill. Michael Concannon, Cian Ruane & Conor Kelly gave their teammates plenty of options while Micheal Ward & Cian McHugh played with great authority as manager Eddie Concannon tried out his new formation 1-7-1, ‘crowd out midfield and you’ll surely get results’
Panel: Darragh Roche, Conor Moran, Michael Flattery, Darragh Hansberry, Thomas Mellody, Mark Donnellan, Eoin Concannon, Oran Burke, Sean Hansberry, Josh McGuire-Greaney, Michael Concannon, Micheal Ward, Cian Ruane, Conor Kelly & Cian McHugh.
Registration for all underage players takes place next Saturday. Details regarding same will be forwarded in managers texts during the week.