U10
There are a number of summer events being planned by Academy staff including :-
Olympic Torch celebrations – This will involve U12, U10 and U8s
Inter club competition – Academy, IFA and Moyle Council Organised inter club friendly tournament involving 16 clubs.
Summer Soccer School.
Range of friendlies.
Inter schools friendly tournament.
Ongoing training as normal.
Further details to follow.
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.
This had been a much anticipated match by the Ballycastle Academy U10s team who had spent much time training in preperation for the fixture against Coleraine U10s in thye North West District Youth League Cup semi. Excitement had been high in the weeks prior to the fixture so there was a sense of relief within the Ballycastle camp by kick off time on Saturday.
Ballycastle played a three two one formation and held Coleraine initially, indeed, the first corner being awarded to Ballycastle. The Academy thwarted initial attempts from Coleraine, the defensive trio of Danny Connor, Aaron Faloona and Eoin Maybin working hard, closing down well and holding their own. Coleraine played long, accurate passes, frequently switching play but the ‘Castle lads held their own and bravely battled in defence, feeding the ball whenever possible to midfielders Jack Eagen and Jack Kane. A few chances did fall to Academy striker Ryan Watt who clearly could outpace the defender chosen to mark him out, but unfortunately, was unable to capitilise on the few chances that came his way. To be fair, he often found himself battling two defenders.
‘Castle goalkeeper Fergal McKiernan pulled some great saves but couldn’t prevent Coleraines first goal which was a great strike deservedly finding the net. 1 – 0 to Coleraine which remained the scoreline at half time.
There was no doubt that Ballycastle had matched Coleraine in the first half but the scoreline was a fair one. The early part of the second half saw Ryan Watt have two chances but good defending prevented Ryan having a clear shot on goal, Coleraine hitting ‘Castle on the break, 2 – 0 Coleraine. Briefly losing concentration, a defensive error by the Academy, the ball being passed across the box, gifted Coleraine a third.
Despite playing with heart and passion, the Academy conceded a further two goals, eventually losing 5 – 0, a scoreline which flattered Coleraine and doesn’t reflect the standard of football displayed by the ‘Castle team.
The Academy had needed a bit of fortune in this match, favourites clearly being Coleraine prior to kick off, however, lady luck hadn’t smiled upon the Academy today. However, to reach the semis can be seen as an achievement in itself and the good number of people from Ballycastle who turned up to support the Academy did see a team who has improved much in their first season in competitive football.
