Monday night football was a very tense affair from the kick off this evening.

The lads were up against a physical Carrick side and it wasn’t until late in the first half when a moment of sheer class from Captain Fantasic broke the deadlock. As the ball fell to Billy just inside his own half he struck a long range shot that the keeper could only admire as it looped over his head.

Mooncoin grew into the game after this but Carrick scrambled an equaliser on the break against the run of play. There were few clear cut chances in the second half but 15 minutes in and a cleared ball to the edge of the box fell to the marauding right back Tadhg who struck a sweet half-volley into the bottom corner. It looked as if we’d cruise to victory but Carrick were awarded a late penalty for a handball which was well put away.

At that point it seemed as if the game might end a draw but Oisín was having none of it. The midfield enforcer picked the ball up on the half way line and made a drive for goal past a couple of defenders before striking low and hard for the winner.

Special mention must also go to TJ today on the goal for some excellent saves in the first half particularly.
A hard fought game with a few missing and a few injuries picked up but on we go to play second placed Villa at home next week.

It was always going to be a tough game against league leaders St Joseph’s but the lads made it hard for themselves straight away when they conceded 2 in the first 2 minutes.

After an underwhelming display in the first half they were determined to try and get something out of the game when Pete Dunphy scored a screamer just past the half way line.

Fair play to all the lads today for a great second half performance and keeping their heads up throughout the game. It is also a valuable lesson to the squad to not treat any team with too much respect or they will get punished for it.

Ryan Sutton ran riot in the first 12 minutes this evening with 4 quick fire goals to put the game to bed early after great work by his team mates.

Evan O’Brien knocked in the 5th before half time. Crystal to their credit came out in the second half and dominated and went close on a number of occasions. Good squad performance.

Our young ladies side came very close this morning to causing a little upset.

A very tight game was edged out in the last few minutes after a right ding doing battle. A soft effort resulted in an early lead for Carrick but our girls stuck to their task and forced a defensive mistake and an OG to pull level. 1 all at half time.

We took an early lead in the second half through the excellent Laura Power knocking home after a scramble in defence. From here we battled away holding carrick out and also creating numerous chances throughout the second half. A corner was to result in Carrick’s equaliser being knocked home with 6 minutes left and within minutes they broke away to knock home the winner after we went close ourselves.

A cruel end to an entertaining game where all our girls gave everything. Pick of the bunch today were Becky Connaughton, Sarah Corcoran and Laura Power.

The weather has been poor with many weeks with little or no action taking place, but we can tell you tomorrow that we have two fixtures in Suir Crescent taking place.

11am kick off for our Ladies team in the FAI Shield Preliminary round against Carrick United, while at 3.30 our youths will host Villa in their first league outing since the leagues split and they will hope to start with a win.
Fine weather is forecast so please get out and support our teams tomorrow.

It was great to get back on home soil for a game after a long run of away games, and also back to winning ways for our u14 white team.

The girls played their best game of the season from a passing perspective, controlling the game from start to finish. Four brilliant moves finished off by Lexi Walsh with 2, Sophie Phelan and Anna Reddy.

Our defence and keeper held concentration throughout to keep a clean sheet at the other end. Well done girls.