Playing only their third competitive game of the season in the middle of November due to walkovers, cancellations and idle weeks the u12 A team were eager to take to the pitch again.

Starting a little slow, Carrigtwohill looked a little rusty for the first five minutes while getting back into the competitive arena allowing Avondale too much of the ball.

Carrigtwohill then got back into the swing of things winning possession and moving the ball quickly in quite tricky underfoot conditions. 

Ronan Doyle, Ajus Lepeska, Mati Majchrzak and Frank Krysiak started moving the ball around midfield which led to a breaking through the Avondale defence and a good save from the goalkeeper prevented Ajus from opening the scoring.

Lorcan Thornhill up front was working tirelessly closing the Avondale defenders and making a nuisance of himself. This led to another chance falling to Frank Krysiak which was well blocked by the Avondale defender.

The defence of Klaidas Dedela, Rian McGovern and Charley O’ Sullivan with Colm Ó Murchú behind them were very well organised leaving no spaces and dealing very well with any attack that Avondale threw at them.

Another dangerous run from Ronan Doyle up the left wing got the ball turned across to Ajus and he in turn found Mati who narrowly shot wide.

Carrigtwohill’s pressure eventually told when Frank found Ajus with the ball and his initial shot was saved by the Avondale goalkeeper, but he made no mistake with the follow up finding the bottom corner.

Amazingly, given the heavy underfoot conditions Carrigtwohill continued playing some great passing and moving football. Oscar Connolly and Anthony Kadula were playing the ball out well from defence with John Buckley and Ariel Lembelembe providing good width and options.

Carrigtwohill kept possession of the ball for most of the rest of the half especially in the middle with Ronan Doyle and Cesc Matarin as well as Oscar Mazur dropping well from up front to link up play.

Halftime: Carrigtwohill United A 1 Avondale United A 0

Avondale started the second half well and really pinned the lads back with constant pressure. It was during these 10 minutes that the defence showed what they are made of with Klaidas, Charley and especially Rian stopping each attack. Every ball through the centre was won by Rian with some good clearances he was as solid as a rock. The defence really stood up well to Avondale’s purple patch.

Avondale made one opportunity from a corner across the box but Colm Ó Murchú was well up to the task saving well.

Carrigtwohill’s second came when John Buckley made a great run down the right-hand side, he cut inside and played an intelligent ball to Cesc who in turn made an early pass to Frank on the edge of the box. Frank took his chance finishing first time and giving the lads some deserved breathing room. Some excellent football and decision making from such a young group.

Overall, a very good performance with some positive signs especially the work rate, desire to help each other and some good football. The effort and togetherness of the group is a pleasure to see and will stand to them for years to come.

Team:

Colm Ó Murchú, Antoni Kadula, Klaidas Dedela, Rian McGovern, Oscar Connolly, Charley O’ Sullivan, Ronan Doyle, John Buckley, Mati Majchrzak, Frank Krysiak, Ariel Lembelembe, Cesc Matarin, Ajus Lepeska (C), Oscar Mazur, Lorcan Thornhill.

Goals: Ajus Lepeska, Frank Krysiak.

Assists: Frank Krysiak, Cesc Matarin.

Man of the match: Rian McGovern.