St.Marys under 16’s - St Mary's 3 – 3 Glentoran
The opening match of the season and our U16,s, with John Bannon stepping out of the shadow of Jimmy Donaldson ably assisted by his youthful backroom staff Barry McNicholl and tactics genius Micky McDaid begin well. After a fairly even start the Glens scored a fine opener from a well delivered corner. Typically St Mary's fought back well with Michael Lynch showing at the back post for several great free kicks by Ryan McNic. With the blistering pace of Niall McCourt up front and the busy Kenny Eagleson we began to put the glens under some serious pressure and they didn't like it. Skipper Mark Wilson made the right back earn his wage, with some of his trademark runs, one of which almost leading to the equaliser from an exquisite cross. It was only a matter of time, with yet another great through ball Niall was through on the keeper as the ball broke the keeper tripped Kenny to give away a penalty which was finely struck home by Niall McCourt. By now we were on the front foot and the pressure was too much for the Glens. Enter stage left, the magnificent Ciaran Mooney with what can only be described as a wonder strike. The Glens defence cleared the ball forty yards from goal but that wasn't enough, young Mooney ran on to it and lashed it straight back into the roof of their net giving the keeper no chance. By now we were on a roll, we were coming at them from all angles. Unsurprisingly the third was not long in coming and it too was worth waiting for. Another break down the left saw Niall run onto a lovely pass from Mark Wilson and coolly lob it over the oncoming keeper. We were in total control.
With what can only be described as over exuberant tackling the Glens fought their way back into the game. Steve Brennan and Michael Donaldson both receiving early Christmas presents from the Glens. It was shortly after receiving one of these presents young Donaldson slipped allowing the Glens left winger in on goal, one of the only times he did and for which he paid a heavy price. The normally reliable Conor Smyth was beaten by a fine shot. The lads battled well under some intense pressure but sadly due to one of the most scrappiest goals seen in a long time the Glens equalised with only five minutes remaining. For those next five minutes both teams battled hard to find the winner but to no avail. When the ref blew for full time both teams shook hands and left the pitch knowing they had been in a tough game. If the lads continue with performances like this I have no doubt they will do well. Special thanks should go to the subs whose attitude whether they played or not was superb.
Team
Conor Smyth, Michael Donaldson, Ryan McNicholl, Michael(Big Mick)Rea, John Mulholland, Michael Lynch, Steve Brennan, Ciaran Mooney, Mark Wilson(Capt),Niall McCourt, Kenny Eagleson
Subs
Thomas Bannon, Jordan (Elvis) Preston, Paul Rice, Ryan Campbell, Peter Lee, Rory Walsh, Chris Steele