Under 14 V Watergrasshill.

Sam Houston, Eoin Buckley, Conor Desmond, Stephen Goggin, Jonathan Keeffe, Padraig Murphy, Michael McGuane, Cian O’Mahoney, Desmond Archer, Kevin Lynch, Aaron O’Mahoney Luke Connolly, Allesandro Falcini 

The first game of 2012 saw the U-14’s head away to Watergrasshill (WGH). Early pressure from WGH ensured they had the first shot at goal, but they sent it left and wide. Ballinhassig replied with a fine run from Jonathan up the right side with a shot right and wide. Cian took charge of the next attack and sent in a superb shot that deflected off the post. WGH had some strong mid-fielders and controlled the ball for long periods in the first half, with several shots at goal. The hard working Ballinhassig back line was vigilant. Aaron came out deep to face a WGH striker, who skirted around him. Stephan quickly tracked back to cover the open goal and clear the ball from the box. Both he and Eoin Buckley excelled throughout the game defence. Desmond made a crucial save as he headed a WGH corner off the line. Kevin Lynch was the next Ballinhassig man to clear another WGH attempt that got past Aaron. The lads and trainers breathed a sigh of relief at the half time whistle, glad to hold WGH scoreless.The Ballinhassig men started the second half with great determination and patience and Cian rattled the WGH goalie with a high shot that skimmed the crossbar. Jonathan volleyed a terrific pass from Conor backwards right towards the WGH goal, which was once again saved. Sam took on all that WGH had to offer in mid-field and began to repeatedly break through. Cian made another attempt at goal that once again skimmed over. WGH became frustrated and were more physical throughout the second half. Eoin made a fantastic run from the backline and this resulted in a corner for Ballinhassig. Jonathan stepped up to take the corner, sent it in deep to Sam, who hammered it into the back of the net. (1-0). A foul by WGH saw Eoin take a massive free kick, but once again the WGH goalie cleared. Repeated disappointment for WGH lads saw tempers fray and the ref produced a yellow card for a foul on Sam resulting in a penalty. There was no doubt as to where that one was going as Sam struck a magnificent shot and the boys in blue were up 2-0.Fair play to the lads, for holding their cool and getting on with the task in hand despite repeated fouling, which at one point nearly, saw Cian loose his jersey! Allesandro came on for the injured Desmond and added great strength to the back line with some long deep kicks forward. Michael and Conor worked well in their positions and gave it their all from start to finish. The lads still had plenty in the tank and a kick from Aaron to Jonathan, gave Jonathan the opportunity to cut loose and land the third of the day squarely in the back of the WGH net.An Aaron, Stephen combo pass to Jonathan delighted the supporters, as Jonathan sent in number 4.(4-0)We saw some great passing and fine teamwork in the second half. Aaron had the final say, as he kept a clean sheet saving a great late WGH attempt.The Christmas cobwebs were dusted off in the first half and each and every one of the lads did us proud. Eoin Buckley was on fire and deserves a special mention, as does Sam Houston, whose first goal motivated the whole team early in the second half.