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Portmarnock U15 3 : Artane 1 - NED BEHAN CUP FINAL
To win a cup is an absolutely brilliant achievement, you only have to ask those that have played for many years and never achieved such an honour. I am sure the John Motsons out there can point to many a household name in the football world that has never achieved the same.
It is only when you think about all the things that have to come together on a continuous basis to win a cup, that you get, understand and truly appreciate the achievement. You have to: win a number of games in a row spread over the course of the season, against opposition from several leagues; you have to contend with player availability; player state of mind; weather conditions; pitch conditions; referee decisions; let alone the quality of the opposition...amongst many other things.
So today was the last step in a journey that started a few months back. It is a day that would not have materialised without the contribution of every single player in the squad. Today in my mind is not about the 11 that the football rules limit us to put on the pitch at the one time, it's about the contribution of everyone of the 17 in the squad and the coaching staff that brought us to here.
So to the game! What can I say...it started with a bang - well certainly for the Artane right wing - who got introduced to James. The next thump was a Harry header that said "you are not entering our half!". Next up Ben S, with a strong ball win in midfield, followed by a feed to Fermin whose lob was unlucky not to go in. However Ben S, who had followed up, saw it over the line thanks to some help from his backside! Porto were one up and Alen Simone was smiling...am I the only one that gets worried when he does that?!
Porto had control...Tyler fed Matt down the right, Matt burnt up the ground and the opposition players before cutting the ball across the front of the goal, which Fermin duly picked up back post and was then flattened by the keeper - how it was not a peno I don't know. Mr Simone stopped smiling and normal service was resumed with hand waving and helpful advice being dispersed .
The game was flowing and Artane were slightly getting the rub of the green on the decision front, but Porto were winning the battles elsewhere. Cain H and Evan introduced themselves to the Artane forwards with decisive ball wins and plays up field. Danny was twisting and turning and sniffing for the break., he soon had a free kick hit the crossbar. On the fourth free in a row for Artane the referee brandished a card to Porto, which was more of a team card to say "I am in charge and no more of these". On the big pitch energy levels struggled and as half time approached, Porto were like Ali on the ropes, taking the punches before getting ready to sting like a bee. 1 : 0 at half time.
Thanks to the rest Porto retook control at the start of the second half. Fermin had an effort blocked by the keeper and Danny hit the post following a blinder on a cross from Cian h. Evan had an effort from a corner cleared off the line. Next Ben picked out Danny in midfield and he used his pace to great effect to burn two defenders, cut in and finish. The opposition were on the ropes and the Porto bees were stinging.....I mean singing..
Diego went one on one with the keeper, the rebound fell to Danny who finished...3:0 Portmarnock!
Porto took the foot off the gas and the opposition scored the goal of the game, a fine individual effort down the right wing. Then the game took a round turn, when Harry S kicked the ball away in frustration following a harsh free being given against Porto. The ref had no option but to flash the yellow - unfortunately it was his second card - so like Kevin Moran, he took the long walk off and Porto were down to 10 players, with 20 minutes to run on the clock.
Team spirit came into play and led by Evan, Cian H and Ben S, Porto dug in and every player ran their hearts out to close the opposition down. Fresh legs were called for and the strength of the squad showed, with Scott and Ben Sh coming on to make telling contributions. Even when the opposition got through on goal, Ewan pulled off a number of brilliant saves to ensure the Cup came home to Portmarnock.
With bunting on the cars, the team convoy announced the victory through the village before heading to the PSLC for more detailed discussions on the meaning of the game...or in truth how f******g great the team has been since Christmas!
Squad Photo Back row left to right
Ewan Ramage, Scott Kane, Cian Hughes, Diego Zubeldia, David Dennehy, Ben Savage, Fermin Clemente, Matt Copeland, Aria Sabetnia
Front row left to right
Harry MacKeogh, Harry Stanley, Daniel Byrne, Evan Murray, James O Connell, Cian Bowers, Tyler McComiskie
NOT PICTURED : Ben Sheahan
