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Match Report · Joined: 25 Oct 2006 Posts: 128

U-14 v Maraghlin
(7-a-side, Quarter Final)
03/03/2009

Having beaten 4th Portadown in a play-off Knocknamuckley were drawn against Maragahlin in the quarter final of the Lurgan BBOB Sevens. Maraghlin have had a strong side in the group stages of this competition for that last number of years at U-14 level, but have never made a huge impression in the knock-out stages, while Knocknamuckley finished as runners-up to 1st Lurgan last year.Knocknamuckley were up against from before the match kicked off, as they were missing both of their two first choice goalkeepers, and were only able to field a total of six players.

Maraghlin got off to a good start and took an early lead. Despite the numerical disadvantage Knocknamuckley were playing well, and defending well in front of Ian Irwin who was playing in the unfamiliar goalkeeper position. Muckley’s commitment paid off when they drew level through a goal from Andrew Connolly, whose strike took a deflection on its way past the keeper.

Half time 1st Knocknamuckley 1 v 1 Maraghlin

The game was very even at the beginning of the second half as the game could have swung either way. As the second half progressed it was Maraghlin who made the breakthrough. As the Muckley legs tired, playing against the extra man, Maraghlin grabbed a third goal.

Unfortunately for Muckley the third Maraghlin goal effectively sealed the match and signalled a collapse, as Muckley were unable to stem the flow of goals, as Maraghlin stretched their lead to 6-1.

Despite the emphatic final score, this was a much closer game than the score suggests and the Knocknamuckley boys put in a great effort with a man less, and playing without a recognised goalkeeper.

Full time 1st Knocknamuckley 1 v 6 Maraghlin

Team: I.Irwin; Davison, Black, Chambers; Uprichard; Connolly.

Goal: Connolly.