Baile Talún v Geraldines: U17 Divison 1 League semifinal.
The Gers assembled a large squad at Glyde Rangers grounds in Tallanstown for the Division 1 semi-final against Baile Talún.
The nervous energy was apparent for both supporters, mentors and players and the delayed throw-in didn’t help, but the Geraldines coaching group kept the team focused and ready. The Geraldines started well and showed they had the skills and ability to create scoring opportunities and after a couple of wides, Maciek Dobros hit a beautiful point from wide on the right for the first score of the night.
But Baile Talún hit back with some quick counter-attacking moves to score 1-1, putting Gers on the back foot, but they gathered themselves and worked back into the game with some fine forward play with Cian Spaight, Jamie Soroghan, Maciek Dobros and Aodhain Gibbons combining well to create the scoring opportunities. The move of the half was a goal from Cian Spaight after a delightful through ball from Jack Greene.
Aided by the tireless work from midfield and a very solid-looking defence, the Gers got ahead with a halftime score of 1-8 against Baile Talún's early scores of 1-1.
The second half started with a few Baile Talun scores, but the Gers kept the scoreboard ticking over including an important goal from Finn Madine - following up on a long-range effort that wasn’t dealt with by the Baile Talun keeper. An impressive and composed Jack Greene continued to link defence and attack well and the Gers got into their rhythm. A pivotal moment of the match occurred after 10 minutes; when a rare slip in defence, gave Baile Talún a gilt edge goal scoring opportunity but keeper Jacob Perkowski pulled off a phenomenal point-blank save to deny the score and halt the Baile Talun momentum.
After that the Gers dominated possession and Baile Talún struggled with the variety of attacking options that the Gers had and they showed no mercy with relentless attacks. Two more fine goals from Jamie Soroghan and Conor Withmarsh to settle the contest. The final score was Gers 4-11 to Baile Tuan 1-07 for an impressive semi-final win delivered via a strong team display. A final against St Mary’s Ardee.
