Match Photos here – https://www.bandonafc.ie/photos/wppaspec/oc1/lnen/cv0/ab463#wppa-container-1
Bandon have enjoyed quite a good start to the season with some comprehensive victories. Confidence was high within the club that they could add another 3 points today.
They started today’s game with great energy and took the lead after 5 minutes. The goal came from star striker David Whelton. His low finish was too much for the away keeper to handle.
15 minutes in and the home side doubled their advantage. Ball in from the right by Whelton. Alan Buttimer turned and struck the ball on the half volley. His powerful strike was rifled into the bottom corner. 2-0 and Bandon were looking comfortable.
Nearing the end of the first half, Youghal began to look a bit more dangerous but with no clear cut chances to show for it.
At half time Bandon were certainly the better side. 2-0 being a dangerous score though, they came out in the second half looking to kill the game. They had a corner within 30 seconds but Youghal defended well.
A clearance was blocked down by the Youghal striker, and their pacey no. 13 nearly broke through but Coen Crowley defended superbly. Minutes later and Youghal were through again. What looked like a certain goal was thwarted by Gearóid Murphy. This would prove to be a pivotal moment in the encounter as one minute later, Cillian O Mahony won a free kick 25 yards out. Whelton stepped up and placed the ball into the top corner of the net. 3-0 when a minute before hand, it could easily have been 2-1.
Youghal were understandably deflated after this and the home side took advantage. A corner was cleared and it fell to Luke Griffin, his low drive was too powerful and although the keeper got a hand on it, it hit the bottom corner. 4-0.
Youghal tried hard to make a contest of it but Bandon’s backline of Murphy, Crowley, Claesson, Hathaway and Landy were very solid. Bandon continued to create chances and this was thanks to hard working performance from players like Golden, Barry, Cullinane and Kelly. The running carried out by these lads was superb.
Bandon were looking dangerous from corners and deservedly made it 5-0 with 20 min to go. Center half Eric Claesson stuck it away for his second of the season.
John Buckley was in goal for Bandon and wasn’t called into action too often but he was so with 10 minutes remaining. He used his box well and made a great save to keep his clean sheet intact.
In the closing stages, Youghal who had also played well in spells pushed on but got caught on the break and Bandon added to their tally with great finishes from the goal scorers. One goal in particular stood out. A superb delivery from the on form Whelton was expertly put away by center half Claesson. Reminded me of Rooney’s finish against City in 2011.
Overall Bandon were very much the stronger side but Youghal were also unlucky to score one or two. The home side played super football throughout and were well directed by Aidan Whelton and Darren Crowley on the side line.
PLAYER OF THE WEEK: David Whelton – This player looked dangerous throughout the tie. His effort and desire never stopped until the final whistle. He finished the game with 2 goals and 3 assists. Well done David.
Squad: John Buckley, Ben Hathaway, Coen Crowley, Eric Claesson, Sean Landy, Adam Kelly, Rory Golden, Alan Buttimer, Cillian O’Mahony, David Whelton, Adam Barry, Jack Cullinane, Luke Griffin, Gearoid Murphy.
Goalscorers: D Whelton, Cillian O’Mahony, Luke Griffin, Eric Claesson, Alan Buttimer
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