In the battle of the 3rd and 4th placed teams in Division 2, our Ballyhar U13s welcomed the north Kerry team to Murt Scott Park.

Ballyhar continue their hot streak with another comprehensive win in Div 2 north. Ballyhar were up for this game knowing how important playing the team just below them in the table was.

A physically strong Listowel team pressed from the start but the well drilled and well marshalled defence stood strong. Full backs Diarmuid Fitzgerald and Lachlan Leslie  were in excellent form as they withstood all attacks and set up countless attacks on the flanks. Throw specialist Fitzgerald using his throw to great effect on the right hand side.
The centre backs Ewan Myers and Dermot Nealon looking rock solid and assured on the ball.

It was the midfield quartet of Jack Sheehy, Paddy Hurley and (not sure if this can be done but …) joint players of the match Jack Cooper and Euan Costelloe that decided this game with nothing short of a phenomenal work rate. Costelloe was electric on the right wing with flicks and trick and pace leaving the Listowel defenders in a daze.
Centrally Cooper and Hurley were imperious and pulled every string possible to dominate the game. The left foot of Sheehy was on song as well, as he mesmerised the Listowel players. Up front Tadhg Fitzgerald and Rian Comerford were pressing the ball and creating chances.

The first goal came on 20mins when T Fitzgerald was through on goal only to be cynically taken down by the last defender. The resulting penalty was superbly slotted home to the top right corner by Jack Cooper.

Next up on 23 mins was Jack Sheehy who’s left foot powered home from a Comerford assist. Cooper struck again on 36mins with a nicely struck shot.

The 4th came from an unfortunate OG as the ball was crossed into the box only for the back tracking Listowel defender to put through his own net.

At 4-0 Ballyhar were cruising along but needed on form keeper Evan Greensmyth to pull two top drawer saves out of his bag to prevent a come back. The second of which was Schmeichel like ( Peter not Kasper) as Greensmyth sprinted from his line and spread himself bravely getting a strong hand on the shot to stop a certain goal.
 
Elliot Lyne and Sean Evans came on in attack as Ballyhar looked for more goals and Evans delivered when his alertness paid off as he pounced on a poor kick out to blast the ball neatly into the left hand side of the Listowel net leaving the keeper helpless. F/T 5-0

Another outstanding performance from the boys as their great season continues.

Best on the day: Jack Cooper, Euan Costello, Paddy Hurley and Evan Greensmyth.