Boys Under 13 football

U13 Match Report – Paul Brady
Naomh Olaf’s U13 footballers had a great 3-9 to 1-4 victory over Naomh Barrog in the semi-final of the C shield championship on Saturday. Naomh Barrog struck first with a well-taken goal in the early stages of the match. Olafs playing against the wind in the first half, picked off two points followed by a goal to take a lead, which was not surrendered for the rest of the game.

The Olafs defence was very strong. James Alexander was outstanding and showed his bravery by making many terrific diving blocks. Matthew Roughneen was very effective in sweeping up the breaking ball and clearing his lines. James Harris was excellent also ably assisted by Ronan Brady, Ross Ó Banainn and Andrew Kyne-Delaney who all performed solidly throughout the game. Jason Nolan also performed well as a first half sub for the injured Ó Banainn. Kevin Power-Kelly played captain’s role in midfield with John McCarthy who contributed a goal and some well-taken points.

Naomh Barrog had a significant height advantage across the pitch, particularly at midfield but Olafs more than made up for their lack of inches by sticking closely to their men often drawing fouls for over-carrying by Naomh Barrog.

The Olaf’s attack worked well as a unit finding their men with well-placed passes. Keith Noonan scored a great goal and Jamie O’Malley and Christy Connors kept the Barrog defence busy in the full-forward line. Barra Brennan and Sean O’Halloran were a handful out wide on the half forward line using their speed to good effect with goal scorer Con O’Sullivan posing a constant threat in the centre and linking effectively with the midfield.

The man of the match performance came from Dave Peacock in the Olafs goal. He dealt very well with the high ball in the windy conditions, racing out of defence to clear his lines. His distribution and kick outs were excellent and his crowning moment came in the second-half when he made a spectacular diving penalty save to deny Naomh Barrog a certain goal at a time when they were beginning to come back into the game.

The squad is now looking forward to the final!