Thrilling encounter in Ashgrove this afternoon and an enormous response from the team after being beaten 7–1 by Carrick last week. Better preparation and a few training ground routines seen this bunch come so close to 3 pts today which they only deserved. Carrick were awarded a penalty early in the game which they converted and went 2-0 up with a well worked goal shortly after. A tactical change by introducing Diego Blanco Ibanez seen us turn into a different animal and we matched the Carrick engine and upped it we were by far the better side for the majority of the game and just before half time Lee Freyne responded with a cracking free kick. Minutes after Sam Hartwell converted to Equalize. The momentum was still there after the oranges and Jaffa cakes and with plenty of vitamin C on board we upped it again. Sam converted another great goal but our midfield was on fire at this stage. Adam Conway, Sean Lennon, Alex Bailey and Lee. Liam Hogan played a lovely holding role to be involved in everything. Dylan Conway at right back and Dennis Kinsella at left back turned in great games to where Carrick are at their strongest. Mikey Cronin was solid and made way for Diego in what was a tactical change Alex stepped back in his place and added great composure to the defence. Tom Conway came off injured in the second half and it seemed to upset our momentum and the Carrick forwards took advantage to see out the game with two goals. Ciara O’Keeffe came on in the second half and played a great game. Jonah O’Toole made some great saves and is settling in well since his move from Piltown. Stephen Foran and Matthew Morahan were our substitutes. The squad should be proud of today and we will march on to a great season ahead. Hard luck on the day but a proud performance.