SBYL under 12 first division
Sat 16th March 2013 – Billy Neill 9.00 ko - Opposition – Carryduff report by Robert Morrow
Another early morning kick-off and a match eagerly anticipated. If the 2-2 game earlier in the season between these two old foes was anything to go by we knew we’d be in for a cracker. Holywood arrived for the game with an understrength squad. Absent were centre back Paddy Crookshanks, Goal-keeper Josh Johnston and winger Jack McNeill. This didn’t appear to affect the boys at all as the boys took the game to Carryduff from the first whistle. We played some really nice passing football. Niall and geo seemed to have all the time in the world in centre mid to dictate things and play was intelligently switched on numerous occasions to good effect. Dozie on the right and Tom Wilson on the left found themselves in space time and time again. The good link-up play with Jamie and Tom Mc up front didn’t always pay off however the boys were relentless and that pressure paid off in the 18th minute when Niall found himself in space around the penalty spot to hammer the ball past the keeper to give us the lead. Dozie was brought off for Euan and Tom Mc switched to right wing. This change was needed as we were not retaining possession up front as much as we’d like. Carryduff’s best chance came when their dangerous number 9 – always a threat every time we play them – skied a great chance to equalize. That seemed to wake us up again and we saw out the first half in control.
Half-time : Holywood 1 , Carryduff 0.
Carryduff came into the game a bit more in the second half as expected but our back four of Ben, Adam, Cameron and Josh B played out of their skins. They just seemed to deal with everything thrown at them. After a shaky opening 10 mins of the game from Ben at right back, he played brilliantly after that. Another great option to have at right back!! The next change was made when Tongai came on for Tom Mc on the right wing. Not a position Tongai is used to but he was so solid out there and gave us his usual battling performance. The game really opened up towards the end of the game. Carryduff going for an equalizer and Holywood going close a couple of times on the counter-attack. Another change was made with the tiring Tom Wilson making way for Dozie. The second goal proved elusive and after a nervy final couple of minutes the game ended with a deserved 1-0 victory for Holywood. Final mention goes to Thomas who deputized in goals for the injured Josh. He did really well. He pulled off one save in the second half from a shot that seemed destined for the top corner, palming it away to safety. His kicking was excellent too.
Goal scorer – Niall(18).
MOTM - Geo. Great vision from him to switch the play and for his composure on the ball.
Squad – Josh Burford, Tom Mc Illhatton, George Moore, Adam Collins, Cameron Alexander, Ben Murray, Dozie Ajeh, Niall Grimley, Thomas Wilson, Jamie Owens, Euan Morrow, Tom Wilson, Tongai Watson.
