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Match Report · Joined: 25 Oct 2006 Posts: 131

U-14 v 2nd Annalong
27/12/2008
(Northern Ireland Cup, 1st Round)

The Knocknamuckley U-14 football side travelled to Annalong for the first round of the Junior Northern Ireland Cup. Knocknamuckley had a disadvantage going into the game, as they were only able to field 6 players for the 7-a-side match, due to illness and prior engagements. Still having exited at the first round last year, Muckley were still determined to put up a fight and try and sneak a win.

The match began with the play being relatively even, generally played out in the middle of the pitch. However, Annalong soon began to make their numerical advantage show as they began to exert pressure on the Muckley defence. A thunderous shot from just inside the box was well saved by Peter Stewart, who did well to react to regather the ball at the feet of a striker who was following in. Soon after Joe Lavery made an excellent last ditch tackle. Annalong soon managed to fashion a good chance, but the attacker scuffed his shot with the goal at his mercy. The pressure continued to mount as an Annalong midfielder surged into the box and narrowly missed the top corner with his attempt at goal. Muckley were now just trying to hold on, but were unable to when a mazy run by an Annalong player took him past a number of Knocknamuckley defenders, into the box, and he completed the run with a coal finish to give his side the lead. The lead was nearly doubled moments later when a cross across the face of the Muckley goal, just needed a touch, but a string of Annalong players failed to get their foot to the ball.

Knocknamuckley began to show more adventure in an attempt to get back on level terms. A good run by Ian Irwin got him in behind the Annalong defence, but the ball just strayed out before he was able to cut it back. Unfortunately, pushing forward left Muckley more open at the back, and Stewart was needed to save a one-on-one.

A lovely bit of skill saw Irwin flick the ball over the defenders head, allowing him to turn the defender and run onto the ball in the box, but was unlucky to hit the side netting with his left footed effort.

Unfortunately for the visiting side the game was soon put beyond their reach with two goals in quick succession. Muckley continued to fight though, and Irwin had a shot saved after winning the ball high up the pitch. Again, Stewart was needed to save a one-on-one, and just before half time Annalong forced a series of corners. Knocknamuckley made a series of blocks as the ball rebounded around the Muckley penalty area, but failed to clear the ball, and were punished for this, as Annalong got another goal, this one just before half time, going through Stewart's legs at the near post.

Half time 2nd Annalong 4 v 0 1st Knocknamuckley

Knocknamuckley faced an uphill task in the second half,but didn't shirk from the challenge as they applied the early pressure. The pressure paid off, as a good passing move, involving John Uprichard and Thomas Adamson resulted in Irwin showing great determination to slide in in order to get to the ball first and slide it past the keeper in one movement.

Annalong nearly replied, but they're shot just flashed wide. At the other end, a long pass from Irwin played Adamson in, but the keeper did well to come out quickly and block at GT's feet.

The hosts began to turn the screw again, using their man advantage to good effect. Annalong forward gained possession down the right hand side, and cut in, hitting a powerful shot which produced a marvellous save from Stewart, who had to react quickly to shoot out a leg to divert the ball for a corner. Annalong were then guilty of a terrible miss when they had three attackers, to Muckley's one defender and goalkeeper. A good interception by Lavery prevented another clear chance, and a narrow miss from a good cross provided Knocknamuckley with another let off. However, Annalong did eventually register their first goal of the half, with a volleyed finish from a right wing cross.

Annalong continued to pressure, forcing Stewart to save a powerful shot, and also having an effort come back off the post. But it was pressure from Knocknamuckley which led to Annalong's sixth goal. As Muckley attempted to push forward they won a corner. The corner was cleared allowing Annalong the chance to break, which they took effectively, resulting in a goal. Annalong had a chance to further stretch their lead when two players were picked out unmarked at the back post, but strangely neither got a shot away.

At the death it Knocknamuckley who could have nicked a goal. A quick free kick from Andrew Connolly picked out GT, who smartly laid the ball back to Irwin, allowing him to cross to Uprichard, who got his toe to the ball and poked it towards goal, but the Annalong goalkepper got lucky with a fortunate save.

This was always going to a nearly impossible task for Knocknamuckley, travelling with only 6 players, as the numerical advantage was crucial. Having said this the 6 boys who took to the field all gave it their all, and the score-line could have been worse if it wasn't for some excellent defending from John Uprichard, strong tackling from Joe Lavery and some good saves from peter Stewart. The other lads all ran their hearts out, and Ian Irwin was particularly impressive with his industry.

Full Time 2nd Annalong 6 v 1 1st Knocknamuckley

Team: Stewart; Lavery, Uprichard, T.Adamson; I.Irwin, Connolly.

Goals: I.Irwin.