Match Reports – 19/10/24

After a straightforward win last week  against Markethill Swifts in the Mid Ulster Youth League the u17s welcomed table toppers Fivemiletown United to Musa knowing that getting a win was going to be much more difficult than the previous week.

Cookstown started the game really well putting the Fivemiletown defense under pressure with the direct running from forwards Talbot and Gibson.  Cookstowns wing backs Ferguson and Price were finding lots of space down the channels and continued to get forward at every opportunity winning a few corners in quick succession but credit to their defense who were equal to everything.  A lovely weighted pass from Wilson found Talbot who timed his run beautifully between their two Centre halfs bearing down on goal and he calmly dispatched his shot giving the gk no chance 1-0. Fivemiletown started to slowly come into the game with Donnelly and Mota having a physical battle in midfield.

Mcelhatton was called into action with a fine save getting down low and saving well from their striker. Talbot was causing all sorts of problems and found himself bearing down on goal again but was called off side this time. A poor clearance allowed their winger to collect the ball 20 years out and drive into the box and he gave Mcelhatton no chance 1-1. Mcmurdie had a half chance from a corner just before the ref blew for half-time 1-1. The message was simple just keep the ball moving quickly and for everyone to raise their game by 10%. Fivemiletown probably started the better without creating too many chances and then out of nowhere their winger ghosted into the box and duly scored to make it 2-1.

To be fair to the 17s their heads never dropped,  Cassidy replaced the injured Wilson and Patterson replaced Ferguson to freshen things up and it wasn’t long before honors were even with the impressive Talbot once again getting between the two Centre halfs and finishing well under pressure,  game on 2-2 .

At this stage the game opened up with both teams going for it ,Fivemiletown had chances and Cookstown had chances but both teams failing to find the net . Fivemiletown were then reduced to 10 men and Cookstown didn’t need an invitation to go for the win … Cookstown got what they deserved on the day with prob their best team work goal of the season so far with several players working the ball from defense to attack and finally Gibson finding Patterson in space on the right and his first time ball into the box found Cassidy who composed himself well to slot the ball into the net to the delight of the players ,Coaches and Supporters .With just five minutes left Cookstown were able to see the game out and take the points after a good competitive game between the both teams.

A good win for the 17s against a good side in Fivemiletown inflicting their first defeat of the season. Lots of positives to take from the game and lots to work on in training as well.

Squad: Mcelhatton  , Russo ,Mcmurdie  , Ferson

Price ,Ferguson  , Donnelly  ,Mota , Wilson  , Gibson , Talbot , Patterson  , Cassidy