Kilreen Celtic 0-4 Bandon – 5th October 2014

U16 Division 1 – Cork Schoolboys League

Ballyphehane Park has always been a tough place to take three points and Bandon knew this game would be no different. It was a wet and windy morning in Cork and the ball was going to travel fast around the pitch. Bandon had the best of the opening chances getting in behind the Celtic defence particularly on the right where Fernandez and O’ Driscoll were linking up well but chances were not taken and the score line remained 0-0. 25 minutes in and Manning finally emerged from his slumber and got into the game. He made an enterprising run down the left and was played through by Dewey but his shot flew past the far post and wide. 2 minutes later and Manning was causing problems again. His low and fast cross was spilled by the home keeper. After a scramble, the ball fell to Dewey and from 6 yards out, he skied it. A big chance missed. With 35 minutes played, it looked as if the game would be a stalemate at half time but out of nothing, Captain Callanan burst forward and played a lob pass to put Fernandez in. He coolly finished on the half volley. 1-0 and a deserved lead for the away side. Just before half time, Fernandez found himself inside the box again. He brushed it passed the defender who clung the Bandon striker. It was a horrendous tackle, however the ball fell to Callanan who finished and the referee allowed the goal to stand.

At half time, despite being 2-0 up, Bandon were aware this game was far from over and that they would need to kill the game off. As expected, Kilreen came out battling but Bandon’s passing ability and pace was too much for the Celtic team to handle and the away side made it 3-0 after 48 minutes. Manning was now causing all sorts of problems on the left. He went on a mazy run and was upended desperately in the Kilreen box. A penalty was awarded and the Kilreen player was rightfully dismissed. Callanan slotted it home for his second of the game. On the 60th minute, Manning hit the down bar. With 10 minutes remaining, a free kick from the left led to a scramble in the home team’s box and sub Lowney stabbed it home to make it 4-0. Kilreen relied too much on the long ball and Bandon’s passing game won out.

Next up for Bandon is Passage away Sunday morning at 10.30am. A huge game!

Man Of The Match:
Ciarán McCarthy – McCarthy was vocal throughout the game and ensured his back four were well organised. He made some important claims and saves, showing great bravery as he has done for many years. It was a second league clean sheet in a row. Long may they continue.

Match Report by Richard O’ Regan