U16 Division 1 – Cork Schoolboys League
Park United had always proved to be tough opposition for the home side in the past and Bandon were well aware that this game was going to be no different. The first 15 minutes were end to end with both sides using the ball well when in possession. However both sides were under pressure in defence and it felt at that stage that it was going to be a case of who would crack first? Bandon’s defence began to settle and were coping more efficiently with the Park attack; however the Park United players continued to create some half chances right throughout the opening half. They always looked dangerous coming through midfield but this could be put down to poor communication on the Bandon side because every time they lost a header from a goal kick, there was no Bandon player to go for the second ball. Bandon battled hard to take control of midfield and took the lead with a composed finish from Daniel Fernandez, who was up front for the first time this season. A long kick from keeper McCarthy was not dealt with by the Park defence, mainly due to the pressure by Dewey which resulted in the ball sailing through to Fernandez who slotted home low to the right. 1-0 and now Bandon were truly in control of the tie.
Bandon added to their lead in the first half with some fantastic goals. Paul Lang, playing in central midfield for the first time scored a screamer from thirty yards out. It was a goal that Paul Scholes would have been impressed with. Good attacking pressure led to Bandon’s third goal as Fernandez finished well from a difficult angle. Bandon made it 4-0 just before half time. Peter Callanan had a go and although not the cleanest of strikes, it hit the back of the net. It was now a tough mountain for any team to climb. The second half was a much more subdued half. Park United came out fighting and were obviously eager to give a better account of themselves which they did. They caught out the Bandon defence twice and were unlucky not to score but for two good saves from Bandon keeper Ciaran McCarthy. Bandon made it 5-0 after 65 minutes. A scramble in the box led to Manning who had another fantastic match on the wing finishing with his right foot. 5-0 and game over. A Comprehensive victory, clean sheet and top of the league table after 4 games. A good start to the season. Next up for the lads is Corinthians B away in the national cup next Sunday at 10.30am.
Man Of The Match: Aaron Daly/Daniel Fernandez – It was too hard to decide between these two. Aaron was moved back for the first time in over a year and did excellently well. He swept up brilliantly and his tough tackles and good clearances were key to Bandon keeping their first clean sheet of the season. Daniel played up front for the first time, scoring two well taken goals and was a constant threat to the Park defence. It is so difficult to retrieve the ball from this player.
Match Report by Richard O’ Regan
You must be logged in to post a comment Login