After four weeks off from competitive football, Carrigtwohill A travelled to Douglas Hall to play the first round of the Local Cup.

This was a great opportunity for the lads, with Douglas Hall playing in the third division of the CSL, three divisions higer than us.

The first half was very evenly matched, with both sides limited in their chances, mainly due to both sides' impressive back fours. Carrig were very impressive with Dylan, Kuba, Rian, Glen, Paudie and Leo across the back line.

Any chances that did fall to Douglas were dealt with brilliantly by Julian, such a good shot-stopper who plays with no fear.

One thing Carrig have is work rate and speed. Across the midfield line, we worked so hard. Ciaran and Liam just don't stop on the wings, while Filip, Krystian, Tom O and Tom P are workhorses, with the impressive Alonzo, Josh and Scott up front.

Although the sides were evenly matched, Douglas did take the lead 10 minutes before half-time. After an initial save by Julian, Douglas were quicker to react and calmly finished.

That really rattled us, but our response was brilliant. Some great team play followed, and a great chance fell to Josh, who, after a great run, saw his shot skim the post.

Half-time:
Douglas Hall 1–0 Carrigtwohill A

The second half was relentless from Carrigtwohill, who dominated possession from the off.

Glen and Liam were outstanding on the left, linking brilliantly together with Tom O supporting. Scott held up play brilliantly. It was just outstanding from everyone, putting Douglas under sustained pressure.

The pressure eventually paid off. Following more great play from Liam, he found Tom O, who volleyed the ball into the bottom corner from just outside the box for a well-deserved equaliser.

Carrigtwohill continued to press, but against the run of play, and following a ball that should have been cleared quicker, Douglas scored. Julian was again so unlucky with how the ball fell after a brilliant save, while Glen burst a lung trying to track back and clear it off the line.

Carrigtwohill rallied again, with Ciaran making a fine run into the box. Josh got the shot away, but it was saved. Chances also fell to Rian and Josh, but we just could not find that equaliser.

An outstanding performance from the lads today, and they should be very proud of their efforts. Douglas Hall knew they had got away with one today and, in the words of their coach, "Yee had us on the ropes for most of the second half."

Final score:
Douglas Hall 2–1 Carrigtwohill A

Some great displays, especially from Liam and Glen, who linked up brilliantly, but the joint Man of the Match awards go to Kuba and Alonzo!

Two great performances at either end of the pitch, with Kuba so solid throughout in the back line and Alonzo working so hard up front throughout the game. 👏