Saturday saw the first round of the National Cup, with Carrigtwohill facing the tough challenge of a strong Castleview side.

Carrig started the game brightly, putting together some excellent passages of play and taking control of possession. The lads worked hard all over the pitch, getting a foot on the ball and showing plenty of creativity going forward. We were very unlucky not to take the lead after just 10 minutes when James did brilliantly to get down the right and deliver a great ball across for Fergal. He came very close to putting Carrig ahead, but the Castleview goalkeeper produced a fantastic double save to keep the scores level.

The game continued in a similar fashion, with Carrig playing some good football and looking dangerous. However, Castleview took the lead following a rebound after David had made a save in the Carrig goal. Almost immediately, Castleview doubled their advantage when they got in behind the defence and finished well. A third goal, a header, followed before half-time to leave Carrig 3–0 down at the break. The scoreline didn't really reflect the balance of the game, but football can be like that at times.

Carrig came out after half-time looking for the next goal and continued to work hard, but unfortunately Castleview added a fourth and then a fifth to put the game beyond reach. To the lads' credit, they never stopped fighting. Fionn Cullinanewas rewarded for the effort with a superb goal, finding the net with a great strike to give Carrig something to celebrate.

Castleview added a sixth late on, with the game finishing 6–1.

While the result wasn't what we wanted, there were plenty of positives in the way the lads played, particularly in the opening stages. The focus now turns back to the league, with another game coming up in two weeks' time and an opportunity to respond.

Well done to the lads for their effort and commitment throughout. 💙💛