Riverstown F.C.

Under 14 Division 5

Riverstown FC 5 – Douglas Hall A 2

On a lovely mild and sunny morning at Knockraha, Riverstown claimed their third win of the season to maintain their title challenge. However, for long periods it seemed that the early start didn’t suit the home side as they looked like they had not gotten out of bed. Riverstown were very slow to start as Douglas Hall exerted all the early pressure and were duly rewarded with a goal after five minutes. It this was the shock Riverstown needed, it wasn’t showing as Douglas piled on even more pressure. Riverstown had a few half chances with Kevin Barry coming closest with a long range shot.

Half time couldn’t come quick enough and Riverstown could count themselves lucky to reach the interval with just one goal conceded. The second half was a different game entirely with Riverstown showing the hunger and drive that they had shown all season. A quick break after five minutes saw a sustained period of pressure on the Douglas goal and a half clearance fell to right back, Barry Twohig, who drove from twenty yards and found the net. The Douglas goalie who was brilliant all day was stranded. This signaled a revival from the home side. After ten minutes Riverstown were awarded a corner and a perfect delivery from Paul Carroll found Eoghan Gilroy at the back post. Gilroy quickly converted and the home side were ahead. The flood gates were now about to open with Riverstown continually pushing forward. David Barry and Eric Daly were particularly impressive while Paul Carroll was finding lots of space on the right wing. Another corner, another fabulous delivery from Carroll again found Gilroy who doubled his tally.

Kevin Barry on the right wing was a constant threat to the Douglas goal. He collected the ball out on the wing and after a dizzying run at the heart of the Douglas defense found himself one on one with the Douglas keeper. He still had a lot of work to do as the keeper closed the angles but Barry was coolness itself and slipped a perfectly weighted ball under the advancing goalie.

Douglas weren’t about to throw in the towel just yet and a speculative ball out of defense led to a long range shot which deceived the Riverstown keeper and brought the game back to four two. But Riverstown were now completely assertive and the hard working Carroll on the left wing, whose pace was troubling the Douglas defense all day finished off a fine move with a low shot which went in with the aid of the post.

This five two win sees Riverstown with three wins and a draw so far and places them nicely towards the top of the division. Nineteen goals in four games is a good return and the lads can now enjoy Christmas and look forward to more success in the New Year.

Dylan Keohane, Niall McCarthy, Jack Tracey, Barry Twohig, Shay Buckley, Eric Daly, Paul Condon, Paul Carroll, Kevin Barry, David Barry, Eoghan Gilroy.

Subs Dan Hoare for Paul Condon.

Scored; Eoghan Gilroy (2), Barry Twohig, Kevin Barry, Paul Carroll.

Under 14 Division 5

Carrigaline United A 5 – Riverstown FC 7

With a score that would not be unusual in a rugby match, this was more a goalfest than a soccer match. Carrigaline boys must surely be disappointed to score 5 goals and still find themselves on the losing side. But Riverstown were worth the win.

Goal to goal action was the order of the day, with Riverstown quickly out of the blocks. Within five minutes Eoghan Gilroy put Riverstown ahead with a good first touch that took him past the Carrigaline centre and a low drive that gave the goalie no chance. This was after good work by Eric Daly in midfield and a clever pass from striker David Barry.

This was just the start we were looking for but it didn’t last long. Carrigaline were awarded a corner and a super header left the Riverstown defense and keeper stranded. One all with six minutes gone hinted at what was to come.

Riverstown were dominant at midfield with Paul Condon breaking up every Carrigaline attempt to string some passes together, while the hard working Eric Daly was superb all day. Kevin Barry on the wing was a constant menace while Eddie Byrne pushed forward as often as possible. In an almost identical move David Barry again beat his man and put a great ball through to Gilroy. With a lot of work to do, Gilroy again found the net after some deft footwork.

But Carrigaline were not going to let this one slip without a fight and following a throw in, the ball somehow found its way into the Riverstown net. Danny Hoare and Niall McCarthy played some early ball out of defense, through mid field and Eric Daly found the hungry Gilroy with a great ball. Gilroy was on for a hat trick and wasn’t going home without one. Fancy footwork again brought him one to one with the goalie and Carrigaline were picking the ball out of the net again. From the restart, Riverstown exerted pressure and the teak tough Paul Condon let fly from about thirty yards. The ball passed through a forest of defenders and the unsighted keeper was stuck. This was a great goal and similar to the one Paul scored in the last match.

Barry Twohig playing a right back was like a wall while sweeper Jack Tracey was rock solid as well. Much to everyone’s dismay, a Carrigaline corner, just after half time was headed into the Riverstown net – a carbon copy of their first goal.

Riverstown upped their play immediately and were quickly rewarded when the fleet footed David Barry got his due reward with a great goal. Barry was on hand again to add to his tally within five minutes with beautiful work and a great chip over the advancing goalie.

Carrigaline were awarded a penalty and converted it to keep the match interesting. While Gilroy, on fire all day, added a final goal to end up with 4 on the day.

In truth Riverstown were in control of this game from the start and deserved to come away with all 3 points.

Dylan Keohane, Niall McCarthy, Danny Hoare, Barry Twohig, Jack Tracey, Paul Condon, Eric Daly, Kevin Barry, Eddie Byrne, Eoghan Gilroy, David Barry.

Paul Carroll for Eddie Byrne, Daniel Sheehan for Paul Condon, Peter Greenslade for Niall McCarthy, Luke Heslin for David Barry.