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Portmarnock AFC under 17's sealed a deserved league win in style with a comprehensive win away to local rivals Malahide United in the Castle.
After a slightly nervy opening 15 mins the Portmarnock possession based passing game began to take over. After about 25 mins some neat one and two touch football set striker Ross away down the inside left channel and his pass along the 6 yard line was met by Skipper Adam Moran who burst into the box and slotted the ball through the keeper’s legs to open the scoring and settle any nerves. One nil at half time was the least the Porto lads deserved.
The second half saw the away team continue to dominate the ball and it was no surprise when the second goal arrived. This time it was Conor Ryan who was released down the left. He burst past the full back and squared the ball for the in rushing right winger Stevie Mooney to crash it into the roof of the net. Shortly after that it was 3-0 after the home team failed to clear the ball, Ross Waters picked it up and calmly finished from 8 yards. And it was Ross again who rounded off the scoring after latching onto a short back pass and clipping the ball past the stranded keeper.
But it wasn’t just about the goals it was the manner of the performance that impressed. Keeper Mark Devereux, who has spent the season doubling up with the Seniors had another solid if under worked game, making the one save he had to make and tidying up behind the back four. In front of him, Adam Grouse, Dylan Davis, Adam Moran and Evan Millerick all defended well but also supported the play when we had the ball. And defensive subs Alan Daly and Steven James slotted in seamlessly when required. The midfield marshalled by skipper Adam controlled the tempo and tone of the game. He was ably supported by Rory Walsh and Gavin Johnson. All three hunted the ball down, won their share of challenges and then used it well when we had it. This allowed our front three of Ross, flanked by Stevie and Conor to go and play with pace and flair. Substitutes Liam Mullin and Jack O’Leary also added to a great team performance. All of this meant that the injured duo of Zak Woods-Oliver and Thomas Grumley were not missed on the day, despite being regular starters through the season.
And so we end the season as champions and did so playing a brand of football that has been a pleasure to watch. Like all community teams we have had our challenges with other sports and a squad of players of differing abilities but all tried to play the right way and all worked hard. Special memories include passing Raheny off the park with just 9 players, beating Dona Carney away despite having reserve keeper Alan sent off after just 30 mins and the two wins against Malahide. I have nothing against our near neighbours but in both games we put in the work to earn the right to play and then we played very well.
It was a great season with a great bunch of lads who were a credit to themselves and the club. It could not have been done without the work of coach Derek Moran.
