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Match Report · Joined: 25 Oct 2006 Posts: 64

U-18 v Tartarahagn
(7-a-side, Semi Final)
03/04/2006

Having reached the semi final in the Lurgan BBOB 7-a-side competition for the second occasion Knocknamuckley were hoping to go one step further than 2 seasons ago and reach the final at Mourneview Park for the first time. Tartarahagn, winners of the competition (along with Annaghmore) in its inaugural season, 2 years ago were hoping to get one stage closer to having their name on the trophy for the second time.

The earlier than normal kick-off was delayed as Tartarahagn arrived later than expected. Muckley, unchanged from their narrow victory in the Quarter Final, began brightly, hoping to take advantage of the fact that they had had more time to prepare for the start of the game.

Knocknamuckley were looking sharp, as they played a more expansive game and were looking dangerous. Two excellent corners from the left by John Henderson picked out Drew Gardiner at the backpost, who despite two good contacts was unable to steer the ball into the goal. On both occasions the ball landed on the edge of the area to Andrew Irwin, who caught the ball on the half volley but saw both his shots fly past the post.

Muckley continued their good start and were playing the ball around confidently and at pace. Andrew Irwin had assumed another good position and received a ball into his feet from the midfield. Irwin did well to turn and strike the ball with his left foot and the keeper made a good save.

The lanky striker, Irwin, was involved in the opening goal of the game. The defender bundled the ball away from him as he tried to gain control and have a shot. The ball spun away across the face of the goal, a Tartarahagn defender seemed to have it covered but Gregg Harrison, who had worked tirelessly all half managed to get his foot to the ball through the legs of the defender to put Muckley infront.

Immediately after the restart Knocknamuckley managed to win back possession and Gardiner found room to have a shot. His long range strike flew past the goalie and inside his post, for Muckley's second goal in under a minute.

These two goals really seemed to lift the Tartarahagn team who looked a much more dangerous side. For the remaining 10 minutes of the half Tartarahagn really pinned Knocknamuckley back as they attacked and looked dangerous every time they were on the ball. The closest they came to a goal came when their striker caught a shot from 5-6 yards out and drilled it at the Muckley goal. The shot caught Muckley keeper, Seth Mathers squarely in the face, knocking him of his feet. The ball rebounded straight to the feet of another Tartarahagn forward, who from three yards out was bound to score, considering that the goalie had just been thumped in the face. Amazingly Mathers immediately clambered to his feet and threw himself at the strikers feet, knocking the ball out of his path before he was able to get his shot away.

Knocknamuckley were denied a third goal when from a goal kick Gardiner played the ball up into the opposition goal mouth. The ball seemed to deceive the Tartarahagn goalkeeper as it drifted over his head. As the ball was crossing the line Harrison leaped to try and flick the ball on (as goal-kicks cannot be scored from directly), despite being certain that he had got a touch to the ball, it appeared to have just missed his head and the referee awarded a goal-kick

The half finished with the scoreline still at 2-0, thanks to some very solid defending, especially from Andy Calvert, who had an excellent half, reading the game very well and cutting out any danger, and Gregg Harrison who was working back tirelessly from midfield.

Half time 1st Knocknamuckley 2 v 0 Tartarahagn

Knocknamuckley went into the second half with a two goal lead to protect, but had to be careful not to get caught sitting back too much and just trying to defend.

The opening minutes of the half were fairly even, with both teams giving their all, although Tartarahagn had probably the better of the play. Muckley also had their chances as they tried to find the balance between holding on to their lead and going for “the kill”.

Tartarahagn managed to pull the first goal back quite early on, giving them enough time to complete the comeback. It was a good goal, as the striker found himself in space, he was able to fire the ball with enough pace to give the goalie little chance.

After this goal Muckley were able to tighten up more. Graham Jardine was looking more effective once moved into a central role in midfield, and Colly Irwin was adding an extra dimension to the counter attack on the left.

Tartarahagn were trying their luck with a number of long rage attempts, but from the resulting goal-kicks Gardiner was still looking for the flick-on from his increasingly well judged long balls. As the clock ticked down Tartarahagn were looking to hit Muckley on the break when the ball was headed clear from these set pieces. This plan worked and proved a big blow for Knocknamuckley, as on one of these breaks the Tartarahagn player carried the ball upfield and scored with an excellent finish, sliding the ball past Mathers inside the far post to leave the scores level after Muckley had led for most of the game.

Fortunately there is plenty of spirit in this Knocknamuckley side who were determined to not let this opportunity slip. With penalties looming, Muckley looked the most likely team to win the game in normal time. After a few half chances another Gardiner goal-kick caused the Tartarahagn defence problems. They were unable to deal with the ball which fell in the box to Andrew Irwin who managed to make contact with the ball which just managed to creep across the line, for the goal which he deserved.

This was Irwin's last action of the game, as he was replaced by Kris Duprey as Knocknamuckley switched to a 3-2-1 formation in order to defend their lead, with Colly Irwin moving into the centre forward position. This was very quickly rewarded, as another Gardiner goal-kick dropped in the box and Colly managed to get the perfect flick-on which beat the keeper and dropped under the cross bar for the killer blow.

With only a few minutes of the match left Tartarahagn did manage to pull a goal back, but didn't have the time required to go in search of the equaliser.

Another very entertaining game ended with Knocknamuckley again winning in the dying moments of the match to deservedly progress into the final of this competition for the first time. They will have to await Thursday's other semi final to find out who they meet, but with this group of nine players, who in the last two games have shown such grit, determination and skill to come out on top, they should be a match for any side they come up against and do their company proud.

Full time 1st Knocknamuckley 4 v 3 Tartarahagn

Team- Mathers; Gardiner, A.Calvert; Harrison, Henderson, Jardine; A. Irwin: Duprey, C.Irwin.

Goals- Harrison, Gardiner, A.Irwin, C.Irwin.

Match Report · Joined: 25 Oct 2006 Posts: 64

LBBOB 7-a-side Semi Final Result

Bluestone 2 v 2* 7th Portadown
(* won 2-0 on penalties)

Final to be played at Mourneview Park with a 5:30pm Kick Off

gregg · Joined: 05 Apr 2007 Posts: 14

So we are playing Methodist in the final?? Or is it Bluestone because it said 2-0 but the * was beside 7th Portadown...

Parks · Joined: 24 Oct 2006 Posts: 14

Didn't realise it needed ta be simpleton proof!!!! The final will be between the might of Muckley and 7th Portadown (Methodist)

gregg · Joined: 05 Apr 2007 Posts: 14

Yeeoooo, we beat them Methodist scum bags Very Happy

Get the report on the final up Parksey!!! Cool

Parks · Joined: 24 Oct 2006 Posts: 14

Flip me boy!! Give me a chance would ya! I do have one or two other things ta do ya kno!!