Skryne 2 – 6
Ardcath 0 -9
Skryne’s third team, playing in the B league division 5, got off to a very good start when they accounted for a strong Ardcath team in Ardcath on Monday (03 March). Played under lights on what was a very poor sod, this was anything but an easy fixture. Indeed Ardcath were first of the mark with two fine points before Sean Cassidy got Skryne on the scoreboard with a well taken point. Both sides missed some gilt edged chances to raise a green flag before Felim O’Rourke eventually found the net and followed up with a further point. Alan Carty then posted another point to leave the half time score at Skryne 1 – 2, Ardcath 0 – 3.
Brian Smyth added a further goal early in the second half. O’ Rourke posted two further points with Alan Carty also contributing another minor making the score with forty minutes gone Skryne 2 – 5, Ardcath 0 – 3. However from there until the end it was Ardcath who were in the ascendancy as they reeled off six points in succession. With the game almost up Ardcath were awarded a thirty five meter free and chose to launch the ball into the square. However the ever-safe Adrian Doyle, in the Skryne goals, fielded well and from the ensuing clearance the ball was worked up the field and put over the bar again by O’Rourke, making the full time score Skryne 2 – 6; Ardcath 0 -9
The team for this competition in 2013 was more often than not picked from a total of thirteen players. On Monday night we had 26 players who made the effort and togged out. It was a joy to see a number of minors turn up and equally a considerably number of players who have in previous years featured on more senior teams but who are still willing to help younger players get into adult football. However, with so many togging out it is impossible to give everyone a starting place or even a run on the night. The black card also makes matters more difficult as the management was forced to reserve at least one sub just for cover in case a further black card was issued. The starting team included one minor who had featured in every game in 2013 and who was taken off at half time in order to give another player a run. A second minor was introduced well into the first half as a replacement for a black card. Only one player on the field had played any football this year.
The management of this team is delighted to see the enthusiasm for football of those who turned up and will be endeavouring to give every player as much game time as possible. Players should also join in on the excellent training that is being provided by the club. The evenings are now getting long and more clement and all our players are welcome at the training.
Skryne: A. Doyle, P. Murphy, D. Brennan, P O’Leary, J. Conroy, D. Lynch, V. Reilly, A. Carty, J. Looby, D. McAvinney, J. Quinn, N. Morley, S. Cassidy, B. Smyth, F. O’Rourke.
Subs:T Lennon for O’Reilly (21), C. Lynch for Cassidy (H/T) K. Burke for Murphy (43), S Cunningham (50), E Greally for Cunningham (55)
