On Monday, 9th of January the u19s boys football team faced off St Benildus Community College in a home game in the shield. The lads were hoping to make it all the way to the final which would make it two finals they got the opportunity to play in this year. Collinstown started on the front foot and put constant pressure on Benildus’ back four. It was windy so a lot of the passes did not make it to the player, long balls did not work as the wind held up the ball.
Collinstown had a great chance early on but the keeper came out and smothered the ball. Soon after it was followed by a chance from a corner when Cian Sommers put in a great free kick met by an Alex O’Callaghan header that just went over the bar. Collinstown continued the high pressure and had chance after chance but couldn't find the back of the net. St Benildus had their moments on top and had some chances. Against the run of play St Benildus counter attacked Collinstown and found themselves 1-0 up.
Collinstown had plenty of attacks in the final third but just could not finish, hitting the woodwork twice. This saw out the first half and it ended 1-0 at the half-time break this saw out the scrappy first half.
Collinstown started off the second half with more desire and heart to win the game, the lads got stuck in and played some nice football. They created a few half chances but nothing came from them. They had a great chance one on one with the keeper but unfortunately it wasn’t finished off. The lads kept going and went all out attacking, nobody covered for the player out of position and it was booted over the top to their striker who took it around the keeper and finished off the game. It was unlucky and a hard blow to take for the lads who left everything out on the pitch, now it’s time to focus on the final and try to bring home a trophy!
Cian Burke & Alex O’Callaghan - TY Press
