Our U12s bowed out of the cup competition on Saturday morning but not without putting it up to Killorglin A, one of the top U12 premier teams.
Ballyhar started the first half well, putting the visitors under pressure and not allowing them to settle. Every player in blue was working hard and spreading the ball around beautifully as Ballyhar dominated the first 35 mins. The visitors never underestimated Ballyhar, and with some good players all over the pitch, they made it a right good battle. Luke Bartlett anchored the midfield brilliantly, allowing Killian O'Sullivan and Callum Templeman to raid down either side, supporting Patrick O'Connor, Adam Fleming, and the hard working Alex Finn. As expected in a tight game, chances were at a premium. Finn headed over from a corner, with Templemann & O'Connor trying their luck from distance. Fionn Clifford and Dathi Allen were excellent at the back with Noah Browne pulling off 2 great saves at the end of the half to keep it 0-0 at the break.
Killorglin ramped it up in the 2nd half and came flying out of the blocks. A change up front gave them a big threat going forward, and unfortunately, 5 mins in, they worked the ball well out to the left, swung in a dangerous cross that was guided home between 2 defenders. Ballyhar had to keep the heads and go back to basics to stay in the game. They slowly got back into it but the Killorglin changes started to give them more possession. The lads battled hard with Fleming and O'Sullivan doing great work down the right. Ballyhars best chance to equalise came on 55 mins when a cross from the right looked to perfectly fall to Finn at the back post, but his effort was just kept out by a combination of the keeper and a defender. Despite great efforts off the bench from some of our U11s and all over the park, it just wasn't to be for the lads, who conceded a 2nd goal 5 mins from time to kill off the tie. F/T 0-2
No one performance can be picked out above the rest, as every one of the lads contributed to a fantastic game and display of soccer. They did themselves and the club proud. Best of luck to Killorglin in the next round.