On Wednesday, 22nd August, our under 15 boys' football team travelled to Firhouse Community College to get their league campaign underway. Having played Firhouse last year, the team knew that it would be a difficult match.
There wasn't a lot between the teams in the opening minutes of the match. Both sides had possession of the ball for spells, but a moment of magic in the middle saw a fantastic through-ball played into the path of Leighton Carroll who dribbled into the box from the right hand side and calmly struck the ball into the bottom left-hand corner of the net. Having scored, and brimming with confidence, the Collinstown Park team started to assert their dominance. Shortly afterwards, another through-ball saw Jakub Wargala receive the ball just inside the Firhouse half. He took the ball towards the Firhouse goal when he was taken down from by behind by a desperate last ditch tackle. The fact that the defender was the last man, and that he prevented a goal-scoring opportunity, left the referee with no other option but to send him off. Collinstown went 0-2 up from the resulting free kick as Jakub Wargala struck the free into the bottom corner. It was to remain that score until half time.
Shortly into the second half, Firhouse were given a lifeline when, assisted by the strong wind, they scored from a long range free kick. But the Collinstown team remained calm and restored their two goal advantage through a tidy finish from Seán Nolan. Having played Firhouse last year, the team knew that the game was far from over and that proved to be the case when Firhouse pulled another goal back to make it 2-3, despite goalkeeper, Daniel Farrell's, best efforts to keep it out. As the minutes ticked by the Collinstown team re-asserted themselves and took a hold of the game to see out the victory, although there were a few nervy moments towards the end. Leighton Carroll's goal line clearance from a free kick was one such moment.
Overall, the Collinstown team deserved their victory in a very entertaining and competitive match. Next up for the under 15s is St. Michael's.
Team: Daniel Farrell, Connor Rogers, Seán Crilly, Brody Murray, Adam O'Reilly, Lorcan Plunkett, Leighton Carroll, Jamie Gallagher, Blake McNamara, Seán Nolan, Jakub Wargala, Brody Collins, Shane Beatley, Cillian White, Karl Whelan McManus and Lennon Forte.
Thank to Mr Cassidy for the excellent match report.