Saturday 22 January 2022

MSL U11 West 1

St Joseph Reds vs Raharney Utd

Cushla Park, Monksland

Raharney’s U11 squad were welcomed to Cushla Park for a first match this season against St Joseph Reds, and for their opening match of 2022.

The team today were set into a new configuration, and worked hard to maintain positions and take what is drilled on the training pitch into competition against excellent opponents. And we were excited to finally see Tadgh M, led out by his Captain Liam, pull the match day jersey on for his debut after recovering from injury through the 2021 half of the campaign.

St Joseph’s experience showed through with a well deserved victory, but the Raharney team should be proud to have put on some excellent individual performances in the new structure.

In goals, Sam in the first half and Ben L in the second half both proved brave and firm in the face of shots and boots. In defence, Tadgh M, Calum and Ben C stood firm in the face of waves of attacks and pressed, blocked, and tackled with full hearts. In mids Conor, Oisin, Tadhg H, and Sam covered back and stretched the space to sidelines and opposition half as they get more familiar with the new structure, and Liam and Ben L used their speed and energy up front to hussle the ball forwards and defend from the front.

Our thanks to St Joseph’s Red for their sporting approach to the game, and to the Ref for keeping the game flowing and play fair. And of course, huge thanks to our travelling parents and families.

Player of the Match on another day could have gone to Oisin for his relentless hard work in the centre of the pitch - another fine performance. But today, on his debut, Tadgh M put on a display of strength in defence and attacking flair from the back that earns him Player of the Match.