Our u14 boys played a challenge game with N.Mairtin on a warm Saturday evening In McGeough Park.
Even with a couple of key players missing and some players not able to arrive until after the throw in, the Gers got off to a great start against the wind with a rocket of a goal from 30 yards by Shea Neary that gave the keeper no chance. With the help of a strong breeze, the Monasterboice lads hit back with 1-1 in the next 10 minutes. A defensive mix up led to another goal for the opposition and they used the wind well to tag on a few more points. Some good kicking out from Ryan McCutcheon and hard running and good passing from midfield duo David Clune and Shane Mullany put the Gers into some great attacking positions. However, shooting from too far out against the wind and not playing the ball to free players in better positions and a few wides meant the Gers didn't add to their tally. Suraj Akhal, Matthew Messin and Aaron Lynch did some great work in marking and ball winning in the half back line to deny further scores and Oliver Begley was in commanding form at full back.
With the wind advantage in 2nd half the Gers were much more on the front foot with three well taken points in a row from Suraj Akhal, Alex O'Kane and Oliver Begley who had now switched to full forward. The Gers had a very dominant period and the versatile Ryan McCutcheon winning aerial ball in midfield and rampaging through to score 2 points that could easily have been goals as they skimmed the bar. Ralph Tinsley scored an opportunist goal after a great ball in from Alex OKane. The Gers really should have added more scores but for some wayward shooting and opting for difficult attempts when there were team mates in better positions.
The Martins took control around the middle and got a couple of points followed up with 2 goals. The Gers defended desperately and Eoghan O Brien worked hard in the middle while Shane Mullany, Padraig Corcoran worked tirelessly and Ryan Kellehan and Eoin Rodgers marked tightly and fought hard on the left side.
Our newest recruit, Ralph Tinsley scored a stunning goal to add to his earlier one. Joshua king, Cillian Forrester and Evan Hoey Rogers continue to improve with every outing and Evyn OCallaghan pulled off some great saves.
Cormac Broe arrived late after returning from holidays and looked impressive before getting injured and Darragh Kenny did his usual reliable job at corner back.
Thanks to Cathal O'Brien who expertly refereed the match and thanks to an impressive N.Mairtín team for a great game.
Final score: Gers 3-6 N.Mairtín 4-8.
Geraldines - Where Everyone Plays
