A beautiful Autumn morning, as Carryduff Colts got the defence of their League title underway. Disappointing that our GAA Colleagues had a Memorial Tournament on the same morning, resulting in only 11 players able to start the game with no subs availaible.
Carryduff Colts got the game off to a great start with some excellent passing and play making. Ben had a great shot from distance saved. Curtis played a great ball through to Callum on the right wing and he showed great pace and determination to open the scoring striking the ball hard to score. Colinvalley equalised quickly with a long ball over the top and the Collinvalley striker running through and equalising. Some great passing again from us resulted in Mark Hewitt making it 2-1 with a calm hard shot. Colinvalley hit back with another long ball to their pacey striker. 2-2. Another goal followed quickly afterwards with another long ball 2-3. Callum linked up well with Ben and Ted to side step the keeper and slot a classy left footer into the net. 3-3. We worked well with some good midfield work from Niall and John to set Mark up for a brilliant goal into the top of the net. 4-3. We were very unlucky not to be given a penalty with Niall showing great composure to skillfully ride tackles and he found himself in the box, ready to shoot only to be fouled. If he had have gone down a certain penalty, but he stayed on his feet. No pen. Unlucky.
The second half started like the first with us playing great football and creating some superb chances. Dan , John, Declan and James were solid at the back and Conor made some great interceptions. Midfield worked hard with Niall playing some smart passes through to Curtis and Callum but who were unlucky not to score. A lapse of concentration lead to another Colinvalley goal 4-4. We had been working hard on corners in training and our hard work paid off with a great headed goal from Niall. Jumping high, he connected with his head and scored a great goal. Truly deserved. 5-4. Some great work again from John and Dan resulted in another corner and this time Curtis opened his account with a smart finish from the edge of the box.6-4. Callum hit the cross bar. Unlucky. By now our pace and effort was beginning to tell but with no subs the boys had to continue. Tiredness was now showing and we conceded two very late goals. 6-6. We still had chances to win the game but had to make do with a draw. The Colinvalley Coaches were delighted that they had got something from the game.
I am sure if we had at least one sub we would have held on. Ref said it was one of the best games he has officiated in. Thank God none of us coaches have heart problems as heart rates were off the scale. A great game for the neutral, but Carryduff were unlucky. Roll on Aquinus!!!!
Carryduff Colts Team:
Conor O’Brian, James White, John Cullen, Dan Lowry , Declan, Ted Hughes (capt),
Nial White, Ben Johnston, Callum Savage, Curtis, Mark Hewitt.
MOM: The Whole Team