U12 Division 1: Ballyhar 1 - Camp A 3

In a very evenly contested match, Camp A just came out on top, on a day when the goalkeepers really shone.

The first half was really exciting, with chances at both ends. Ballyhar excellently worked their short kick-out routines, with Ollie Kirwan receiving the ball in the right back position on multiple occasions, drawing in the attacker, before getting the ball up the line to Brian McMahon on the right wing. With Jack Duggan making the running on the inside, Josh Nelligan was available to take the forward pass, time and again.

On the other side, Elliot Lyne was playing some beautiful through balls to Nelligan and Darragh McLaughlin, who were thwarted time and again by the excellent Camp goalkeeper.

During a spell when Ballyhar were exerting sustained pressure on the Camp defense, Lyne guided a header from a dangerous McMahon corner just wide of the post. Another header, destined for the bottom corner was clawed out by the Camp keeper.

Camp were always dangerous on the counter attack, with Ewan Myers and Diarmuid Fitzgerald keeping Camp out. Adam Quirke needed to be alert in the Ballyhar goal to win a number of one-on-ones to keep the score at 0-0.

Finally, the deadlock was broken after a mix-up in the defense, leaving the Camp striker with an easy tap-in. 0-1.

From the tip-off, Ballyhar got on the scoresheet almost immediately. A Lyne through ball to McLaughlin, and he dispatched the ball into the net.  1-1

Soon after, Nelligan was put through, and he did everything right... getting the ball under control, holding off the defender and arrowing a shot into the bottom corner, only for the Camp keeper again to get across and save.

Half Time 1-1

The second half continued with chances at either end.

Rian Comerford, playing up front for the 2nd half, swivelled and shot against the post with his weaker left foot.

At the other end, Nelligan, now playing in goals, dived full stretch to keep out a free kick that came over the wall and was heading for the roof of the net.

In midfield, Tiarnan Scanlon and Reuben O Leary Griffin were working really hard, and driving Ballyhar forward.

In the 4th quarter, Camp were the ones to make the breakthrough, when a shot flew into the top corner, flying passed the outstretched fingers of Lyne, goalie for the final quarter. 1-2

Ballyhar continued to push forward, and following excellent attacking team play, O Leary Griffin unleashed a bullet with the left foot, heading for the top corner. Out of nowhere, the Camp keeper lept across pushing the ball around the post.

Despite their best efforts, Ballyhar started to tire, and in going for the equaliser, gaps started to appear. Despite the best defensive efforts of Ciaran Ferris, Benedict Didenka and co, Camp were the team to get the decisive 3rd goal. 1-3

Thanks to Camp for being great opponents in such an exciting game. We look forward to meeting you again.