Date: 15.04.2023
Match: Newtown United VS Borora Juniors
Kick-off: 10:00
Venue: Drumconrath, Co. Meath
Borora Juniors players:
1. Leo Fitzgerald
2. Liam Brady
4. Rocco Genockey
5. Cillian Ryan
6. Jack Moore
7. Eoin Murphy (C)
8. Keelan Sheridan
10. Drew Donaghy
11. Lochlann O'Reilly
14. Aaron McGivern
17. Cameron McGarry
Substitutes:
09. Kevin Fitzpatrick
16. Joseph McGarry (Unused)
13. Callum Teixeira
12. Matthew Morris
15 Thomas Whelan
Players absent:
Oisin Sheridan (Def.) (Injured)
Oisin McInerney (GK) (Illness)
Last Line of Defence:
Borora set up for this game with a strong lineup to begin and this was backed up with a substitutes bench that were chomping at the bit to get into the game and get involved. Leo Fitzgerald was the shot stopper between the posts for the visitors in the absence of Oisin MacInerney who was unavailable through illness. The back line for Borora consisted of the ever present Cillian Ryan, the brick wall that is Rocco Genockey, the immovable object that is Liam Brady and twinkle-toes from midfield Keelan Sheridan. Keelan stepped up to cover the position in defense of his brother Oisin was was here to support the team despite injury.
Midfield consisted of the ever reliable Cameron McGarry, beside Jack Moore, Drew Donaghy and Aaron McGivern. Aaron impressed in brief spells through out this game with his tackling and quick tracking back when required to help out his defensive line.
Taking the hot seat up front for Borora Juniors were ever determined Captain Eoin Murphy and former goalkeeper, now super striker Lochlann O'Reilly. Kevin Fitzpatrick (striker) awaiting on the bench to also come in and make an impression on the game.
1st Half:
Borora Juniors turned up to this game looking for their first win of the season having suffered a narrow 2-3 defeat in their first game of the season some weeks ago and on a day with perfect conditions for playing football, the visitors definitely started the better team creating the best chances of the early stages. Crisp passing between the team was sublime at times and was a joy to watch but on occasions, there might have been one pass too many when a shot on goal could have been taken to test the home goalkeepers abilities.
Borora did start this game the better team creating the better chances and making the most of their possession while making the opposition run around like headless chickens at times. This allowed Borora make make inroads to the opposition goal on a number of occasions. However, it was disappointing to see that having all this success didn't result in the goalkeeper being tested too often.
Jack Moore showed the opposition a burst of pace on a number of occasions putting the home side defence under pressure but any opportunities that should have followed after his efforts didn't materialise. This was down to Newtown Team collectively putting on a defensive display and team would be proud of. Lochlann O'Reilly had yet another exceptional game for the visitors with his constant running and tough tackling to a point where the opposition manager complimented him (through Borora coach) on his efforts. The introduction of midfield substitutes during the game in the form of Callum Teixeira and Thomas Whelan meant that the visitors were able to maintain the same momentum through the game. Callum Teixeira impressed (not surprisingly) with his marking of opposition players and tackling to regain the ball from the opposition.
However, the team were warned of an ever improving Newtown United who, on rare occasions created some good chances where they could have taken the lead through some clever through balls on goal. Were it not for ever alert Leo Fitzgerald in goal who was always on hand to rush out to clear \claim the ball the visitors would have been one down. However, it was one of these plays that ultimately put the home side in front. Leo managed to make contact to one of these through ball from Newtown United and managed to clear the ball (at the edge of 18 yard box) just in time ahead of the inrushing striker. Compliments to Leo on his burst of pace to get there first! The ball was successfully cleared to the half way line. But, this is when something happened that nobody could have expected. As the ball was coming down from that very same clearance, the Newtown United midfielder (number 18) casually jogged up to the ball unopposed and (without the ball bouncing) riffled an unbelievable firm volley back towards the visitors goal. Leo (back tracking towards goal) lost sight of the ball due to the glaring visible sun. The returning ball went over Leos head, bounced just in front of the goal line and hit the back of the net in the centre of the goal. As much as it put Borora behind against the run of play, you just had to stand and applaud the clean contact and accuracy of the shot/clearance.
Despite the referee having to restart the game to complete the first half (having blown the whistle 5 minutes too early) Borora did generate further half chances but the score line remained 1-0 at half time.
Half Time: Newtown United 1 - 0 Borora Juniors
2nd Half:
The start of the second half dented the confidence of the visitors just 6 minutes into the half when the visitors again conceded. A looping left foot shot from about 25 yards over Leo Fitzgerald managed to allow the home side the opportunity to just defend whet they had managed to build up. Although Borora were initially disappointed to find themselves in such a position having been so dominant up to this point, they soon picked themselves up and made every effort possible to get themselves back into the game. Stand in defender Keelan Sheridan moved out of position and moved more up field and sat just between midfield and the front line. This ingenious decision managed to create majority of the chances created by Borora that were to follow. Keelan managed to plant a number of crosses into the box from wide areas and while clean contact was made on each occasion, the Newtown goalkeeper was in fine form to deny any sore from good play. Further chances for Lochlann O'Reilly and Thomas Whelan went VERY close for Borora. Despite winning about 6\7 corners in a row, Borora were unable to score to make the last 10 minutes very nervy.
Commend Borora Juniors for that never say quit attitude in their efforts for getting back into the game. It was disappointing that having played so unbelievably well in this game and conceding two goals in the manner in which they did brought real frustration to the team as they again left the match with no points. The next game for Borora will be different!!!
However, if Borora are to start putting points on the board, they need to take their chances when made and take their shots on goal when in a position to do so (instead of making that one more pass when its not needed). Borora have to continue to play with intensity (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 Cillian Ryan, Rocco Genockey, Keelan Sheridan, Lochlann O'Reilly & Eoin Murphy but, in highlighting these players it is noted that ALL players did an excellent job in what was ultimately a competitive game.
Full-time result: Newtown United 2 - 0 Borora Juniors
Players of Match: Keelan Sheridan had an exceptional game in two positions (starting in Defence before pushing forward to more attacking positions in attacking midfield). Keelan stood strong at the center of Borora Juniors defence throughout the first half and being partnered by Rocco Genockey beside him meant that the home team were limited with their chances on goal. Despite being 2 goals down with approximately 10/15 minutes to go, Keelan pressed forward and created quite a number of chances to drag his side back into the game but striker Lochlann O'Reilly was thwarted on each occasion. Keelans ability to skip past defenders at will on a number of occasions to create these chances definitely had the home side defence (and Manager) in knots more times than they would have liked. Great performance from Keelan and deserved Player of the Match award.
