This game was another first for this u11 squad as it represented their first game at home. After a great performance in their first outing against Dynamos it was going to be interesting for the coaches to see if the boys had continued to learn and develop as players since then. The opposition was another powerhouse of Kerry Schoolboys soccer in the shape of Killarney Celtic.

To illustrate the strength of the squad, 6 of the starting lineup was changed from our first game and the team looked as strong as ever. As the game started it was evident that the Killarney boys had the advantage over the Park in terms of physicality but that did not deter the Park from being brave in possession, keeping the ball on the ground and making themselves available at all times to take a pass from their teammates. For the first ten minutes the Park controlled the ball all over the pitch and were playing some outstanding football from back to front. The back line of Jack, Edward, Ben and Sean were expertly playing the ball through the midfield of David and Conor  to our starting front players of Fionan and Cillian. It was important that this opening period of domination would result in a goal or two and that is what happened. Some great team play resulted in Fionan finishing expertly, not once but twice to give the Park a deserved 2-0 lead. At this stage the game was very much in the Parks favour but Celtic had started to come back into it. Cian in goals was called into action a number of times and was equal to the challenge making some really great saves. However it looked like a goal was on the cards for Celtic and so it came to pass when they shot to the corner giving Cian no chance. It looked like some of our starters were beginning to tire a little as the weather conditions had started to deteriorate dramatically with the rain coming down in droves. Cianan, Josh , Danny, Colin and Darragh were brought on from the bench but almost immediately Celtic scored again to make the level at 2-2. This was the second time in two games that we had lost a 2-0 lead in two games, maybe a scoreline that we don’t like…. However, this seemed to spark the team into life and the free flowing football returned and the team scored three more goals before half time while laying siege to the Celtic goals. Cianan, Josh and Danny were the scorers in quick succession to give the Park a deserved lead at half-time.

HT: Park FC 5 – 2 Killarney Celtic

Unfortunately the weather didn’t improve during the half time interval. It is a great credit to the lads that even though at times a long ball is the easy option in those conditions they continued to play the ball on the ground “high and wide” at all available opportunities. Chances were less plentiful in the second half but it was the Park that were creating almost all of them and when Celtic were on the attach Liam who replaced Cian in goal at half-time was equal to it. As we’ve come to expect, some excellent moves were put together and one of these resulted in Fionan finishing from close range to complete his well-deserved hat-trick. After some nice control Colin finished off the post to make the score 7-2 and then Cillian got his goal with a well hit shot from the edge of the box to make it 8-2. At this stage there just about time for Killarney Celtic to score a consolation.

FT: Park FC 8 – 3 Killarney Celtic.

Well done to all the boys on an excellent performance yet again. We can see that they are taking what they are learning in training out onto the pitch which is great to see but it is also really encouraging that they are bringing their own personalities as well and at times playing football beyond what they have been coached. As always training is really important and we will see you all their again next week.

COME ON THE PARK,

 

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Contact

Club Secretary: Colm Mc Loughlin
Phone: + 353 87 934 8441
Email: info@stbrendansparkfc.com
Address: St.Brendans Park FC, Buntalloon, Tralee, Co. Kerry

Eircode: V92 V250