28th February 2013
The game saw both sides aiming to close the gap on leaders Leeds and the winner of the game knowing that all three points were vital. Both teams played well with CIT dominating the possession but not creating clear opening chances and when the found themselves breaking down a resilient Bandon defence they just didn’t have the time or space to make any great connections with Bandon keeper Brendan Hurley tested on occasion but mainly from distance. There were times that CIT pinned Bandon back and there were some hectic scrambles to clear there lines but the best chances fell to Bandon and to Richard Holland. The first saw league debutant Gavin Shields finding Holland with a deft pass and Holland calmly pushed the ball narrowly wide, the next again fell to Holland after some excellent work from Brendan Cullen but Holland’s effort was off target but third time lucky and when Jerry Lynch passed the ball to Keith Holden who did superbly to deliver a quality ball into the box Holland was there to drive the ball on the volley into the back of the net. It was a lead that Bandon deserved and work tirelessly to hold onto especially when they were reduced to ten men after Sean Lordan received two yellow cards which was harsh in most peoples eyes but this didn’t phase Bandon they stood to there plan and allowed the students possession in their own half and restricted space through their shape and pressed as a unit, it wasn’t pretty but it worked a charm and Bandon countered at pace and were unlucky not to add a second.
The game finished with Bandon defending deep as CIT pressed for the equaliser but Bandon defended superbly well and held on for the vital three points. It was a huge result after dropping points at home at the weekend but it moves Bandon up to second and keeps the promotion hopes alive. In top form for Bandon were the defence from Hurley in goal with a brilliant clean sheet, the back four of brothers Benny and Jerry lynch, Darren Cullen and man of the match Shane Barry, with midfielder and captain Sean Holland immense, along excellent work from John Sullivan. Gavin Shields , Keith Holden, Brendan Cullen and substitutes Audie Dunlea and Sean Lordan. Richard Holland lead the line superbly and worked tirelessly, and got the vital goal. It was a huge team performance and result for Bandon.
Man of Match: Shane Barry the birthday boy was outstanding making his senior debut in League football and every aspect of his game stood up to the task and he was outstanding in possession and defending excellently without possession.
Goal: Richard Holland
Team: 1. Brendan Hurley, 2. Jerry Lynch, 3. Shane Barry, 4. Darren Cullen, 5. Benny Lynch, 6. John Sullivan, 7. Gavin Shields, 8. Sean Holland, 9. Brendan Cullen, 10. Richard Holland, 11. Keith Holden
Subs Used: Audie Dunlea for Gavin Shields and Sean Lordan for Keith Holden
Match report submitted by Niall O’Regan
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