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Match Report · Joined: 25 Oct 2006 Posts: 63

U-18 v Ahorey
(7-a-side, League Stage)
16/09/2007

Knocknamuckley will have started as favourites for this match despite having rotated their squad, and handing débuts to five players; Matthew Lamont, Stuart Campbell, Andrew Poole, Nathan Muhaffey and James Moneypenny.

The match started off at quite a frantic pace with neither side having any sustained possession, or carving out any chances. Muckley were defending well, but not getting on the ball enough at the back, or retaining it when in possession.

The best chance of the first 10 minutes fell Knocknamuckley’s way, when Gregg Harrison drilled a shot across the goal, missing the far post by a matter of inches.

Ahorey nearly took the lead when a free kick was given on the edge of the box for a push in the back by Kris Duprey. The ball was drilled in, somehow making its way through the Muckley wall, only for Seth Mathers to pull off a great save with his legs.

It was then Muckley’s turn to come close, when a Colin Irwin header from a long ball was flicked on, only to rebound of the cross bar. Stuart Campbell got to the rebound first, and stretched to reach the ball with his left foot, but his effort came off the bar again.

It was Ahorey who managed to get the only goal of the half. An Ahorey corner was played into the box, in a difficult area for the goalkeeper. Mathers managed to get to the ball, but was unable to grab hold of it under a challenge by the Ahorey attacker. The Ahorey player got his head to the ball to open the scoring, despite protests from the Knocknamuckley defence.

Half time 1st Knocknamuckley 0 v 1 Ahorey

For the second game in a row Knocknamuckley were going to have to come from behind at half time if they were going to win the match. Despite starting at a high tempo and not giving away any chances at the back, the Knocknamuckley side were not creating anything, and looked slightly disjointed.

Andrew Poole, on his début, looked like the Muckley player most likely to create something. It was therefore no surprise that it was an excellent turn and shot from young Pooley, that led to the goal. Poole was unlucky to see his well struck shot hit the post. The rebound rolled across the face of the goal to Muhaffey who was lurking to tap in and level the game.

There only looked like being one winner in the closing ten minutes of the game, as the goal lifted Knocknamuckley and they were finally starting to play.

Harrison cut in from the left and managed to open up a bit of space. His effort sailed wide, when if he had been a little more alert he may have played in Poole for a simpler chance.

Johnny Mawhinney, picked up the ball in defence. A simple ball down the middle to Harrison which would have cut out the entire defence and put Gregg clean through on goal. Unfortunately, Mawhinney didn't spot the pass and carried the ball up the park, which allowed a defender to pick up Harrison, and the chance was gone.

A moment of magic nearly allowed Knocknamuckley to claim the win, when Mawhinney played a beautiful driven pass to the back post, slicing the entire defence in half, the ball was met perfectly, first time by Harrison, only for this well struck shot to remarkably rebound of the keeper for a wonder save.

Despite this late pressure from Knocknamuckley, it was Ahorey who came away with all three points, when a low, long range effort found the back of the Muckley goal, off the inside of the post in the final minute.

Despite narrowly missing out on the win, Knocknamuckley will definitely have to improve in future matches. Although overall the performance was poor, the last 10 minutes show what this side are capable of, and there were positives in some individual performances, and there are still a few important players to be reintroduced to the squad.

Full time 1st Knocknamuckley 1 v 2 Ahorey

Team- Mathers; Lamont, Duprey; Campbell, Mawhinney, Harrison; C. Irwin: Poole, Muhaffey, Moneypenny.

Goal- Muhaffey.

gregg · Joined: 05 Apr 2007 Posts: 14

when a low, long range effort found the back of the Muckley goal, off the inside of the post in the final minute.

Did u watch the same match?? It was a 2 yarder thru Seth's legs!!
Also harsh on that one with Pooley, I dunno wether he was free but I ddnt exactly have mch time aftr I beat the men

Parks · Joined: 24 Oct 2006 Posts: 14

You have to take into account that I was still hurting, deeply from the result!! It definetly went in off the post, thought it was long range-ish but, know ya mention it- it wasn't really.

I didn't actually see the pass ta Pooley, to be honest, I was waitin for ya to shoot, but Mad Dog said that he was in a better position...so, yea, the report might have been a bit harsh there. Thats the press for ya....always looking to make a good story!!