It was an early start for our U13s on Saturday morning as they made their way to Kenmare for their final league game before the split.
Played on a heavy and well used pitch, as Kenmare's new Astro is still a few weeks from being ready, Ballyhar set about trying to make their mark on the game down the wings. Early on, Callum Templeman, Ruben O'Leary Griffin and Patrick O'Connor found some joy down the left, with Daniel Ryan unlucky to not hit the target following a good cross. Both teams found the going tough as they came to terms with the playing surface which meant shots from distance were a real struggle. Alex Finn ran the line well and linked up with O'Connor on a few occasions, even flirting with a possible penalty shout that was not entertained by the referee. Kenmare had the best chance of the half when a mistake by the Ballyhar defence near the halfway line, put their forward straight through, only for a fantastic last gasp tackle from Killian O'Sullivan who raced back to cover and snuff out the chance. H/T 0-0
Ballyhar began to control the game in the 2nd half with Luke Bartlett, Daithi Allen and substitute Callum O'Connor all coming into the game well. Finn and O'Connor were industrious all game and kept probing for a clear cut shot at goal. Kenmare defended well with their keeper making some outstanding saves. As the half wore on the game got more stretched, with Killian O'Sullivan now pushing to support the front men down the right. Jack Duggan, who was introduced at half time made a few great runs down the middle but Ballyhar still couldn't find the goal their play deserved. Then with 10 mins left, everyone watching was convinced that Ballyhar had earned a penalty when a great move by Finn found himself taken down in the box by the keeper for a stonewall penalty...Only for the ref to wave play on, much to the disbelief of both sidelines. Fueled by that disappointment Ballyhar dug in deeper and won a corner with around 7 mins remaining. O'Connor put in a great cross from the right which managed to find Finn 8 yards out, who volleyed it into the ground and up over the keeper into the Kenmare net. Kenmare would be disappointed that they couldn't hold on for the draw, but the Ballyhar lads had given it everything and deserved to come away with the 3 points.
This was a hard fought and well deserved win for our U13s who needed a result following a disheartening display last time out. Best for Ballyhar were Luke Bartlett, Killian O'Sullivan, Alex Finn and Man of the Match Patrick O'Connor.
Thanks to Kenmare for a tough sporting contest and we look forward to playing them again on their new astro pitch in the near future.