The St Brendan’s u12 boys picked up their first ever league victory today, in only their second league game, in a windy Longmeadows. The game was delayed due to some traffic congestion in the area and Coach Mark F worked some miracles getting the players to the pitch on time. 

After the recent spell of good weather the boys had to contend with a different set of conditions but their shooting practice at training last week (see photo below) stood them in good stead as they raced into a commanding lead in the first half of the game. 

Lucan Sarsfields were the opposition today and St Brendan’s started the game playing with the aid of a strong breeze. The boys made use of the wind to pin their opposition back and they picked off some great scores. Daniel started off with a well taken goal in the first few minutes which was quickly followed by another from John. George added a couple of points from distance and the forwards were all working well as a unit. 

Some long balls into the penalty box caused havoc in the Lucan defense and Michael was on hand to capitalize on a goalkeeping mistake to score his second goal in as many games. Daniel also added his second to build up a big lead heading towards the end of the half. 

It wasn’t all one way traffic and the defenders had to work hard at times too but anything that came their way they handled with ease. Taha had some great clearances, Milosz and Jake some great interceptions and kick outs from Jack were finding a St Brendan’s player every time. 

Lucan had the wind advantage in the second half and it was always going to be more difficult for the team. Everyone worked really hard to protect the lead they had built up with Taha making several more booming clearances to frustrate the Lucan attackers. When Lucan did get in on goal, they could not get the ball past Jack who was having a great game in goal. One save in particular was outstanding and even the great Lev Yashin would have been proud of that one. 

A feature of the second half was some great team passing from defense to attack with PJ, Seamus, George, Barthosz and John, in particular, linking well to set up scoring opportunities for the forwards. We had some near misses with Lucas and Billy going close to scoring and one great assist from Billy set up George for the only score of the second half for St Brendan’s. 

Lucan did register a couple of points in the second half but it wasn’t enough and St Brendan’s ran out winners with a score of St Brendans 4-3 (15) to Lucan 0-2. 

On a day when the forwards made hay, Taha stood out in defence and he deservedly picks up the Player of the Week award. 

Team: Jack, Milosz, Taha, Seamus, Barthosz, Jake, John, George, PJ, Daniel, Billy, Lucas, Michael

Scores: Daniel (2-0), John (1-0), Michael (1-0), George (0-3)