Result
Sun Sept 10th
U13 Division 6
Ringmahon Rangers A 3 Lakewood Athletic B 2
This teams great start to the season came to an end, but only on scoreline, today at Ringmahon Park. We knew this would be a tough game, both teams had a 100% record so far in the season, and so it turned out to be. A tough first half had Lakewood with the majority of chances but only been kept at bay by a large fast full back and active keeper. A bit of switching on the wings with increased pressure on the opposite wing increased the chances but Lakewood just couldn’t hit the back of the net. All the time Ringmahon looked like they could break as the Lakewood defensive line parked itself too high up the pitch once more. As half time approached Ringmahon took the lead as their striker managed to head the ball into the top of the net out of reach of Luke in goal. Increased pressure from Lakewood in the second half had Ringmahon scrambling to maintain the lead which resulted in a Lakewood free-kick just outside the area. Paul expertly dispatched the ball into the top right corner much to the delight of the travelling team and supporters. All level and everything to play for in this enthralling encounter. Minutes later Lakewood conceded a dubious penalty when Owen made one of a number of great last ditch tackles only for Karma to decide the correct outcome as the Ringmahon player shot well over the bar. The Lakewood defensive line was breached once more which left a Ringmahon striker one on one with Luke in the Lakewood goal and the ball was hit high into the roof of the net beyond his reach. This Lakewood team does not give in easy and fought back to level the match once more soon after. Paul made a darting run down the right wing and fired the ball across the goal into the net with the Ringmahon keeper unable to calm the rasping shot. With this action over Karma was seen leaving Ringmahon on the 202 bus as it appeared a draw was going to be the ‘correct’ result with only 1 minute remaining. However no sooner had the bus gone, but Ringmahon’s last actions of the game lead to a heart breaking goal. A tough result to accept but the Lakewood players behaved honourably in defeat but were also looking forward to the return match.
Strong team performance throughout but stand out performances from Paul for his defensive power and transition into attack, plus a couple of goals; Owen for doing more sweeping than seen in Mary Poppins; Sean for continual battling down the wings and releasing the ball early to other players and Ronan, team captain, for his strong positional awareness and undying belief that the ball would get to him out wide.
Good game lads, well proud of ye.
