Academy
- Monday February 4th, 2008 @ 13:19
FAI YOUTH CUP MATCH REPORT
Having travelled down on Saturday night not all went well for our 18's on the eve of their FAI Youth Cup tie.
The recommended hotel had a nightclub and the noise kept some of them awake until 3am.
Then on Sunday morning Andy Haran drank sour milk and it was touch and go if he would play. Add that to the state of the pitch.
The game's officials ignored the protests that there was too much surface water. If none of that unsettled the squad then nothing would and so it proved.
The Saints started well but Brendan's set out their stall early on with a two-footed challenge on O'Connor which resulted in a free-kick but no card.
When Haran closed down the keeper and then squared for Keenan to score it was no more than Pat's deserved. The home team now chasing the game started to put some pressure on the Saint's back 4 which resulted in numerous corners. But they could find no-way through.
On 30 minutes Haran tucked away goal number 2 as Fagan rose highest to superbly knock the ball into the striker's path.
Rain turning to sleet and a driving wind in the 2nd half made it hard for both sides to find any rhythm. Chances still came the Saints way with Haran twice denied by good saves.
With 10 minutes to go Brendan's had their best chance but Pats keeper Gibbons proved he was equal to the stinging shot and kept his goal intact.
As the game neared its end, an off the ball incident saw centre half Dowling felled with a suspected broken nose. It marred what had been a sporting contest.
Saints Captain McCann made sure his side kept their cool and were not intimidated as the they ran out comfortable winners.
Finally some words of thanks the lads were a credit to themselves and the club for their impeccable behavior.
Thanks to Brian Dalton, for the professional organization of the trip.
Also thanks to Ken Fagan and Dave Dowling, guys like these get no praise but we would be lost without them, and finally a note of thanks to Brain Kerr for his support and advice throughout the weekend.
U18 manager Alan Ryan
