Date:          04.03.2023

Match:        Borora Juniors vs Navan Town Cosmos

Kick-off:      11:30

Venue:        Moynalty 

Borora Juniors players:

1. Oisin McInerney 

2. Oisin Sheridan 

3. Liam Brady

4. Cillian Ryan

5. Rocco Genockey

6. Jack Moore

7. Lochlann Reilly

8. Keelan Sheridan

9. Eoin Murphy (C)

12. Cameron McGarry

15. Drew Donaghy

Substitutes:

10. Kevin Fitzpatrick (Unused)

11. Joseph McGarry (Unused)

13. Callum Teixeira (Unused)

14. Aaron McGivern

16. Matthew Morris (Unused)

Players absent:

Leo Fitzgerald

Eoin Fitzgerald

1st Half:

GOAL! JUST 15 SECONDS INTO THE GAME! The home team were shocked to be 0-1 down in the opening seconds of this highly competitive game. The goal came about after Goalkeeper Oisin McInerney made two exceptional quickfire saves (having been alert and in the right place at the right time) but you know what they say about third time? Yes, its the charm! A simple tap in on the line meant that the visitors had not only taken the lead but must have thought there was an easy afternoons work ahead of them. This was most definitely not going to be the case (there was not going to be a repeat of last seasons result (0-7) in this game)! This was a different Borora side to THAT game and preparations that had been put in in pre-season soon took hold. Borora started to totally dominate this game after that early disappointment by making tough tackles, pressuring opponents into making mistakes and taking chances when they arose. This ultimately paid off for the home side when Jack Moore made one of those darting runs from midfield. Following an expertly placed through ball by Lochlann O'Reilly, Jack controlled the ball before unleashing a clean unstoppable low driven shot down to the goalkeepers left hand side before it nestled into the bottom corner. 1-1 and fully deserved. 

Bporora used the following 5 minutes just to steady the ship and refocus as it was anticipated that Navan Town Cosmos would want to regain their lead just as quick but Borora continued their fine, controlled play and even had chances to take the lead before half time through Jack Moore and Lochlann Reilly. However a quick counter attack from the visitors meant that they would be the ones to go in 1-2 up at the break.

Half Time: Borora Juniors 1 - 2 Navan Town Cosmos

2nd Half:

Second half started in the same manner the first finished, with the home side pressing the visitors with their passing play with precision and accuracy, tough tackling and sublime passes. While the away team did chase the ball to regain posession, at times they were merely chasing shadows. Navan Towns frustrations did show at times during the game giving away needless fouls and picking up yellow cards. This only inspired the home side to continue their way of playing. 

Unfortunately, subsequent numerous free kicks that were won could have been worked better and different plays made just to shake up the visitors defense. After a brief spell without the ball, Borora again began to press the visitors and made advances into the visitors half and 18 yard box. The magical movement and dribbling of Keelan Sheridan making his way into the box meant that continuous pressure resulted in a few corners. One of these corners resulted in an absolute screamer of an equalizer from Cameron McGarry (who deserved his goal  after a terrific performance throughout the game to this point). Having again practiced corners less than 24 hours earlier in training, a perfectly floated ball was delivered with precision into the edge of the 18 yard box  where an onrushing Cameron continued his run at pace and jumped almost Paolo Di Canio-esque (yes, that goal!) to volley the ball over the stranded goalkeeper into his to left hand side of the net. 2-2 and again, fully deserved with 6 minutes to go. 

Borora pressed when play resumed and had further chances to take all 3 points from the game. However, with just 2 minutes left (78' minute), a real smash-and-grab from the visitors to steal the win 2-3. Absolute heartbreak from the 12 (1 substitute) players that absolutely played their socks off throughout the 80 minutes only to come away with any reward. 

Full admiration for Borora and they way they played throughout the game here and they were even complimented by the opposition manager for the game and the way they played throughout (given previous scores between the teams). Borora must continue to play this way (well within their ability)  in every game this season to achieve their goal and target within the division - which they are more that capable of doing.

Good contributions throughout from Cameron McGarry, Oisin Sheridan (Captain), Dovydas Glasas & Eoin Murphy.

Full-time result:  Borora Juniors 2 - 3 Navan Town Cosmos

Players of Match: In a game where every single home player played exceptionally well, it was hard to nominate an individual Player of the Match. All areas of the team did what they were asked to do. Lochlann Reilly tormented the visitors back line attaching them with pace and having Jack Moore for company (when he drifted in from his midfield position) really asked questions of the visitors defence. A five man midfield (consisting of Captain, Eoin Murphy, Keelan Sheridan, Cameron McGarry, Jack Moore & debutant, Drew Donaghy) were equally as aggressive in putting it up to their opponents while THEIR efforts were dwarfted by Bororas back line. Well done to ALL

Many thanks, 

Paul.