Match Reports – 29/03/25

CYFC U13’s 2-0 Armagh

This weeks game was our biggest of the season so far. A semi final of the knockout Cup against Armagh. We played them a few weeks ago and although we won 3 nil, it was fair to say Armagh were the better side for large parts of the game, so we knew it was going to be a tough game.
Both sides showed a few early nerves which was to be expected but our boys settled quicker and started to pick some good passes. Armagh grew in confidence too and had a few chances themselves but both goalkeepers were doing their jobs well and kept the score nil-nil at the break.

We knew we would have to be clinical upfront and take any chance we could get and 3 minutes into the second half we finally got our chance. Some good play by Jamie seen him go past the defender using his strength and knock it over the keeper to make it 1 nil.
For weeks now our midfield and defence have been rock solid and tonight was no different, Cillian and Zack in the middle of the park weren’t letting much through, and the back 4 of Reece, Keegan, Riley and Liam were strong in the tackle and calm passing out. Cameron and Noah were both busy on the wings, up and down all night both showing some good skill.
Kyle broke away from the defence and slotted home to make it 2 nil on the 44th minute, hes been red hot this last 4 weeks scoring in every game. Not getting too excited the boys knew there was still time for Armagh to come at us, but our lads stayed strong and showed that fighting spirit which has won us so many times this season. Big shout out to all the subs that came on and got stuck in too, Caiden, Danny K, Connor, Cathal and Josh, brilliant team effort. But our man of the match goes to goalkeeper Daniel Pavel! Daniel has kept 7 clean sheets from beginning of January, and hasn’t conceded a goal in this competition!
We now face our dear friends from Portadown, St Mary’s, in what will be a repeat of last years final. Hopefully we can go one better this year.
Thanks to the parents and supporters who came and cheered us on!

Squad: D. Pavel R. Hughes K. Kelly R. Donnell L. Montgomery N. Young C. Conway Z. Nellins C. Donnelly K. Kilgore J. Loughran C. Devlin C. Sherman C. Ohagan D. Kelly J. Donnelly