A 10-goal thriller in Carrigaline under lights on Saturday night saw Carrigtwohill come out on top in what can be described as a game for the neutrals! We came out of the blocks at a blistering pace and looked dangerous going forward. Ryan Barry, who was a force in midfield, opened the scoring with a rocket of a shot into the bottom corner. Rian, Eoin Lombard, Milosz and JP were causing havoc up front. Charlie held down the middle, keeping everything ticking over. Thanks to excellent positioning and defending, our back four of Oisin, Callan, Eoghan and Jack were comfortable. Luke’s distribution in goal was excellent, as usual.

Two more goals followed from JP, with assists from Eoin Lombard and Charlie. Three-nil at the break, but the game was far from over. Early in the second half, we added a fourth when JP sent a pinpoint cross in for Milosz to guide into the bottom corner with his head. Four-nil up.

Carrigaline, to their credit, never gave up and started a more direct approach, which caused us problems. Before we knew it, the score was 4–3. The lads, to their credit, dug in, with Ryan Matthew, Paulie, Roger, Odhran and Alex coming on to steady us. Another goal by Eoin Lombard, after great work from Milosz, made it 5–3, but again Carrigaline responded to make it the minimum difference. Up stepped Milosz to drive at their defence, where he was taken down for a penalty. Oisin, as he has done in previous seasons, stepped up to slot the penalty away and allow us to breathe again.

The first 60 minutes were some of the best football the lads have played this year, scoring four great goals. But what was equally impressive was the manner in which they all dug in and came together when their backs were to the wall.

Some great performances by each and every player. A mention to JP and Rian, who started the game with injuries that would eventually see them come off, but not before making great contributions. But Milosz was electric. With his work rate, a goal and two assists, he was just too much for Carrigaline on the night.