The Academy U10s were largely made up of U9s in preperation for their first entry in next seasons U9s Coleraine District Youth League. Todays game was a friendly with Coleraine Alexander to give the players some additional experience. It was also the last game of the season in this league (though the Acadermy have a busy summer schedule being developed).
The ‘Castle team played Feargal McKiernan in goal, who continues to improve with every match, three at the back in Lewis McKiernan, Aiden Lillis and Jack Kane, two in midfield with Corrick McFetridge and Tiagh Donnely, Finn Larsen as sole striker. Ryan Watt, Jack McGowan and Caolin O’Connor started on the bench.
It took both teams a while to settle each getting a corner in the first few minutes though with no real pressure being placed on either keeper. The first goal came via Jack Kane who to be fair was punting the goal downfield from midfield but its accuracy beat the Coleraine defenders and keeper. It was fortunate, but accurate! Indeed, even Jack looked surprised, if delighted, at the ball finding the back of the Coleraine net. One nil to the ‘Castle.
The Academy played some nice two touch pass and move football but failed to finish accurately on a number of occasions. Coleraine rarely threatened in the first half, Ballycastle dominating play, enjoying the lions share of possession but one nil to the Academy it remained at half time.
Quickly after the restart, Corrick McFetridge poked in a scrambled clearance from Coleraine, the ball bobbling across the Coleraine box, Corrick making no mistake with the follow through. Two nil to thr Academy.
A number of substituions were made in quick succession, Caolin on for Tigh, Jack McGowan on for Jack Kane, Ryan on for Corrick.
The bulk of the possession remained with the Academy who continued to dominate, most of the play being undertaken in the Coleraine half . Despite a number of attempts, the Academy failed to increase their lead. Ryan tried a number of powerful long range shots which went wide. Finn caused them all kinds of problems pinging the ball across the box but despite a number of near misses, no one able to finsish. The Academy received four corners in quick succession but again failed to finsish.
Final score, two nil to the Academy. All in all a very good performance by the Academy on a lovely sunny day, perfect for a game of soccer. It was far removed from some of the wet and windy days these boys have played in during the cold winter months but a fitting end to the season. The Coleraine coach picked out Lewis McKiernan as his man of the match. Paddy McFetridge, Academy coach, singled out Finn Larsen as his man of the match.
