- OUR PARTNERS
U13 A DDSL Saturday
Portmarnock 2 Manortown Utd 2
Porto dominated possession from the off, with Captain Joey K, Ian M, Ian G and Adam G winning the
midfield battle. The wide pastures of Paddy’s Hill Pitch 2 offered plenty of space for our energetic wing
backs and our first chance came from a free kick taken short to James R who calmly advanced into the
space afforded to him and slotted over a dangerous cross. Next up the lively Joey K fired a shot goal
wards. A peach of a cross from our left saw Dylan B’s quick reactions in the 6 yards box, get a shot goal-
wards, that Jack L tried to deflect into the net, but the pernicious referee ruled it offside.
Then against the run of play the opposition won second phase ball from a long kick out. We failed to put
enough pressure on their ball carrier and he was able to look up and pick out a pass to their forward to
open the scoring.
Over the last few games as a team we have struggled from our own kick out’s but a large part
of Friday’s session the night before was on this topic and on the evidence of this game we can certainly say
the players took this on board. It was a joy to watch the ball being passed out from the back, from keeper to
defenders through to midfield, with Porto not only retaining possession, but creating attacking chances from
same.
From one such move the ball found its way to Ian G on the left wing, he picked a peach of a pass that was
only matched by Dylan B’s finish to get us back into the game.There were a few tasty challenges around the middle of the park, but our crew not only stood up to them but continued to play our passing football which was the best reply possible. Just before half time another cross this time from Emmet F was volleyed 1st time into the net by Dylan B, a contender for goal of the
season.
The returning strength in depth of the squad was shown with players of the calibre of Liam L and Sean K
being held in reserve until the second half which we again Porto dominated. Some lovely flowing football
several times picking apart the opposition, Sean K had two good goal efforts , Ian M had a decent shoot
and the lively Emmet F also got in on the act . Liam L provided some good crosses and Jack L alternated
between Ronaldo style layoffs to his wingers, to simple hold up and lay backs.
Fitness came into play as we entered the final stages of the match, we did not pressure the players in
possession to the level we should have and in so doing allowed them to pick perfect passes, that cut
though us to score. You can sense that it’s still a bit raw to be so close to getting the win we deserved only
to be denied at the end.
When you look people favourites for the World Cup, you see a common trend through all the nominees,
they have a strong defence, made up of winners that will do what is required to get the result. In Archie D
and Max S in defence with Mattie G between the sticks, we had that foundation today. Communicating with
each other, being physical when required and getting the all-important blocks in and in so doing bring
confidence to those around them to play football. Mattie G’s timings on kick out ball release and precession
on the kick outs was a big factor for us.
I have no doubt this was our best performance of the season by a long distance, so we should take great
encouragement from it and build upon it. We need to remember, the hard work on the training ground that
brought us this and that good teams do this week in week out, as we set our target for next week.
Man of the Match : Dylan B (watch out Ronaldo for that Golden Boot!!)
