Under xx Match Report - Aquinas v
DEPLETED RED STAR EXCEL
SBYL U16 LEAGUE
SATURDAY 12 SEPTEMBER 2009
Carryduff Colts 1 Red Star 0
Red Star commenced their league campaign at Ashfield on a bright sunny morning with only eleven players in their squad as a result of two key forwards being unavailable and the defection of defensive stalwart O’Rourke to Rosario.
Red Star opted for a 4 5 1 formation with Gildea up front on his own with Finnegan and Scholtyssek asked to push up from midfield. Carryduff had a considerable height advantage over their Red Star counterparts who were encouraged to keep the ball on the ground.
Carryduff had the better of the first fifteen minutes without unduly troubling the Red Star defence which was being superbly marshalled by captain Michael White with Ryan McCullough looking confident in goals. At this stage Carryduff nearly scored when a header came back off a post to a forward who was six yards out and looked certain to score but White threw himself in front of the shot to prevent the goal.
From a free kick several minutes later Carryduff got the ball in the net but the referee spotted the push on Finnegan and correctly disallowed the goal. Shortly after this Finnegan was badly hurt by a rash challenge and had to leave the field for eight minutes for treatment. During this period, in spite of being down to ten men, Henvey played a superb through ball between the two Carryduff central defenders and Gildea ran on to it and looked destined to score but Overend made a fine save, diverting the ball round the post. Finnegan had just come back on when Carryduff scored a fortuitous goal as the ball rebounded from the post to an unmarked forward three yards from goal.
The second half began with Red Star seeking to maintain their momentum, all the more difficult as they had no players on the bench to replace tiring legs. They continued however to keep their shape with midfield being tightly contested and White always in control when the ball came into the Red Star box. McCullough also looked comfortable in dealing with several shots from long range and Henvey was having a fine game in keeping dangerman Murray very quiet, in spite of conceding a considerable height advantage.
With five minutes left and the result still in the balance, Red Star, in spite of being exhausted, (Carryduff had by this stage brought on four substitutes) pushed Cassidy up front to combine with Gildea in search of an equaliser. No sooner had this change happened than a misplaced backpass presented Carryduff with a golden opportunity to double their lead but McCullough was quickly off his line to smother the danger. The last few minutes were spent in the Carryduff half but Red Star couldn’t conjure up an equaliser.
In fairness Carryduff were deserved winners on the basis of goalscoring chances created but Red Star deserve great credit for their hard work and never say die attitude. Michael White never missed a tackle or clearance the entire match and was easily the best player on the pitch. He was ably assisted by Ryan McCullough who made saves at critical times to keep his team in the match and also Gerard Henvey at left back who looked solid throughout. Mention must also be made of Rory Finnegan who bravely came back on in spite of being injured.
Finally, credit to referee Tommy Rossi who gave a masterclass in the art of refereeing and contributed greatly to a fine freeflowing game.
TEAM: McCullough, McKeague Kennedy White (c) Henvey, Reid Cassidy Smyth Finnegan Scholtyssek, Gildea.
Subs: None!
