Carryduff 08’s started the season with a fine win over Braniel at Knockbreda despite the best efforts of an absolutely unbelievable goalkeeping performance from the Braniel keeper!!
The effort from the boys was fantastic from the offset with some lovely football on display but the commitment, hunger to win and team work was top class!
Luke Sidebottom was rarely troubled in nets by Braniel throughout the game but when he was called upon towards the end of the game during a period of pressure he stood firm and made a few great saves. His cool distribution of the ball to his defenders was also great.
Danny and Ben were fantastic in defence and Braniel didn’t have a shot on target until the third period with the boys standing firm against the Braniel attack.
Ben’s speed and anticipation of the game was superb, often breaking up Braniel attacks and setting up the Carryduff midfield to break forward. And he scored a great goal with a trademark thunderbolt shot!
Danny was a rock in defence as always but the highlight was his mazy run from defence, skipping past 3 Braniel players and unleashing a shot which the Braniel goalkeeper somehow saved!
Our midfield was brilliant today!! Owen ran the show from midfield with a real box to box performance – defending and attacking, passing and moving – his hunger to win the ball and drive forward was top class! And his technical ability is second to none – his control, composure on the ball and passing is a joy to watch.
Jack had a great game in centre midfield – he defended with real energy today and drove forward in attack. In the third period when he was playing centre forward he ran the length of the pitch to track back when Braniel broke away past our defence and as their striker was about to shoot he intercepted and prevented the goal – real team commitment.
Ciaran had a superb game and thrived in his role on both wings – the energy he displayed running up and down the wings at pace was awesome and his passing / crossing to team mates for our goals was brilliant. Ciaran also tracked back on every Braniel attack to help our defence and kept Braniels best player quiet for most of the game!
Liam was on fire with a few goals and a lovely assist for Rhys. His power and strength allowed him to run at the Braniel defence and score past an unbelievable goalkeeper!
Rhys also got on the scoresheet today after a lovely 3 way passing move between Jack, Liam and Rhys. The boys carved open the Braniel defence and Rhys finished off in style. He also worked tirelessly in defending from the front today which was superb!
Overall, a great start to the new season by the boys !!!
Man of the match – Owen
