It was an early start for both players and coaches considering all had watched the Toy Show until late Friday night. In spite of the lack of sleep all the players were ready and raring to go when we met at Christy Leahy Park for our return trip to Killarney to take on Celtic. Unlike the previous day that we played, the weather behaved itself and the conditions were perfect for football.
With 3 games taking place on the impressive all-weather surface in Killarney the pitch was tight and the boys were going to have to bring their best passing game.
First Half
The game started as we expected with Park getting the ball down and playing some nice crisp passes. It wasn’t long before Parks midfield of Danny, Josh and Cianan were seeing plenty of the ball and beginning to create a threat on the attack. The opening goal however came from a great move which began with Eddie and Jack at the back who played the ball wide to birthday boy Darragh who crossed to Colin who took a touch away from the defender before placing the ball beyond the reach of the Celtic goalie to the net. One nil up and playing a possession game high up the pitch. When called upon, the defence, particularly Sean and keeper Liam were equal to everything that was coming their way.
The Park lads were continuing to press and it looked like another goal was on the cards. This time the goal came not from a great move but from a Killarney Celtic free kick which was cut out by Colin before he clinically finished to get his and Parks second of the day. It is a testament to the strength of the squad that when changes are made the team performance doesn’t dip and generally improves with fresh legs. David, Adam and Conor came into midfield and Ben into defence. Another period of good football resulted in the ball breaking to Cianan at the edge of the box and with a left foot shot he finished expertly to the bottom corner of the net for the third goal of the game. This period of the game was really strong from the boys and the fourth goal came from what was possibly the best move of the day. Some great play in the middle of the field from Danny got the ball to Josh on the left who beat his player with skill and pace before playing a great cross to the front post which was controlled by Colin with his right and lifted over the keeper with his left. 4 – 0 to Park and a hat-trick for Colin.
HT: Park FC U11 A 4 – 0 Killarney Celtic A
Second Half
The second half started with Cian in goals who replaced Liam who played very well in the first half. Cillian and Fionan were now playing as a two pronged attack. The game was more competitive in the second half with Killarney Celtic having some more possession around the Park area but the midfielders and defence and Cian worked really hard to keep a clean sheet. A number of times we maybe contributed a little to some of the problems by losing a bit of shape as the game went on. The boys were still capable, as always, of creating chances though and in the second half the best chances seem to come from set pieces and in particular from corners. The deliveries were good and it was pleasing to see the players attacking the ball on each occasion. It was not surprising that the only goal of the second half came from a corner which was attacked by Conor before the ball fell to Adam at the edge of the area and he continued the quality finishing on the day to bury the ball in the corner for the fifth and last goal of the day.
FT: Park FC U11 A 5 – 0 Killarney Celtic A
Another excellent result from a generally good performance. The boys know there are many more things to learn and develop through the ongoing hard work at training which continues on Wednesdays and Fridays as usual. It is nice to win of course and important to enjoy winning but remember its really about improving individually and as a team. Well done boys.