The weather conditions were perfect in Ballyhar for the first game of the division 1 league of the under 13s, sunny and dry with a slight breeze. The game between Ballyhar and Park B got under way at 12 O clock. It took Park about 5 minutes to settle and when they did they controlled play with lots of forward movement and attacking. After about 7 minutes some lovely play down the right wing linking with mid field saw Adam Walker find the net to put park in front. 10 minutes later good attacking play through midfield provided a great chance for Matt Healy, last years top scorer, which he took making it 2-0 to Park.
Shortly after that good movement from the left back position involving Gavin Parker and Mark Brick feeding the ball down the wing to Danny fisher saw Danny move in on goal and take a shot which hit the back of the net. Just before half time Ballyhar caught Parks goal keeper out of position and got a goal back. Half time score Ballyhar 1 Park 3.
The second half was a different story with Ballyhar having most of the play. There were some good attacks by Park which saw David (Tiny) Callaghan having two near misses. There were some good performances from the Park defence where Adam Sheehy had a great game and keeper Huge Emmerson pulled off some fine saves, however with 10 minutes to go and the score still at 1-3 the park defence switched off and Ballyhar pulled back two goals making the final score 3-3.
Park did well to get an away point but it felt like a defeat as they were so close to taking all 3 points. Lessons learned.
Match report by Greg Malone .
