The home team was right to feel hard done by the final whistle, as a share of the spoils may have been the fairer result for 2 battling teams, but it was our U12s that came away with a very lucky 3 points on Saturday morning. It was an tight end to end game from a neutral point of view, but it was quite frustrating from a Ballyhar viewpoint. The rust from nearly 5 weeks between matches and little training was evident, as the lads never really got going against a very energetic and well organised Castleisland team. Alex Finn produced 1 good shot in the 1st half with the Keeper doing very well to push it out for a corner. The back 3 of Daithi Allen, Fionn Clifford and Callum Templeman were kept busy but Noah Browne only had 1 save in the first half. H-T 0-0

The lads started better in the 2nd half, applying pressure to the young Castleisland side, which pushed the tempo of the game. But the Home defence held firm and nearly caught us out on the break 15 mins into the half, when Noah Browne had to make a fantastic save when called upon to keep it deadlocked. Adam Fleming and Killian O'Sullivan kept Castleisland on the backfoot, but still created no real clear-cut chances.

Then, with 5 mins to go, Fleming went on a magical run down the left, along the endline, which resulted in a corner. Patrick O'Connor swung in a great cross into the box, which ricocheted off 2 Castleisland defenders and into their own net. Ballyhar took that rub of green and held on for a very hard fought 3 points. It was an important victory that keeps the lads top of Division 1, and they know they can play better than today, but a win is a win. Massive credit to Castleisland B for a very sporting and hard fought game.