Its fair to say that one of the toughest games this current Park squad played last season as u11’s was the semi-final of the Kerry Cup. The game went all the way to penalties and was played against a very competitive Listowel Celtic side. We knew then that there was going to be no easy start to this new season as u12’s as the lads started the new campaign against familiar foes.
The commitment to training and in the warm-up games that we had played suggested that we were ready but we expected a tough test none the less and that is how it played out.
It was a lovely evening for a game with a stiff breeze and a pitch that was in good condition. The opening exchanges were a bit helter-skelter with a lot of the game being played out in the middle of the pitch while both teams got to grips with each other. Even at this stage the Park were keeping the ball on the floor, passing well and creating one or two half chances and getting a couple of corners early on but no real scoring opportunities were coming at this stage. At the back Liam was marshalling the back four on front of him and looking really confident with his kick outs as he did for the whole game. This allowed us to take control of possession right from the back four of Jack, Sean, Ben and Josh. With a couple of new positions for some of the back four the defending was extremely assured which was limiting Listowel Celtic to speculative efforts from distance. In midfield, Conor was working really hard as the main defensive cover as Listowel were playing an attacking formation in the first half. David was busy as always and providing the link between the defence and attack really well. Cianan at the front of our midfield three was linking up really well with Colin up front and they created a number of opportunities for each other as the half progressed although a combination of excellent saves and near misses meant that the Listowel Celtic goal was not breached in the first half.
With a strong bench in place the team was freshened up with Daragh and Samuel coming into the back four, Cillian up front while Danny and Venice slotted in to midfield. The team continued to control much of the possession but with a goal still not coming for Park a breakaway by Listowel caused problems for our defence resulting in a goal close to half-time. A little tough on the lads but 0-1 to Listowel at the break.
The second half had a similar look to it as the first half with Park playing some lovely football against what is a talented and physical Listowel side. At times early in the half it looked like we were creating some more space and that it was going to be a matter of time before a goal would come. There was some excellent passing and moving which had Listowel in trouble on many occasions but no finish. However, as can happen in games it was almost 0-2 to Listowel except for a good save from Liam which kept us in the game. The rotation of the bench continued and it was two of the players that had fresh legs that combined to get the goal they deserved. Cianan played a great pass to Colin who had peeled away from the defender before controlling the pass and beating the keeper to make it 1-1. It was no more than Park deserved and now momentum and confidence was high and the Park went in search of a winner and it wasn’t long before it came with Cianan finishing off a great move, 2-1. With time running out Colin was fouled on the edge of the box in a dangerous position. Cianan stood up to take the free through a crowded penalty area to the bottom corner for his second of the match and Parks third.
Full-Time: Park A 3 Listowel Celtic 1
It was a very entertaining game of football played at pace and with no small amount of skill. The luck of the draw means that these two teams will also meet in the National Cup 1st round so definitely one worth coming to see. Training continues Friday at 5pm with our friendly Saturday at 11.45am against Declan and Danny’s team.
Match Report by Pat Doody , Picture by Tommy Naughton .
