Swords Celtic 2 - 3 Balrath FC
Balrath Under 9s eventually came out on top in an exhilarating quarter final against a strong Swords Celtic team.
Balrath had the better of the chances in the first half and eventually took the lead thanks to a typically cool finish from talisman Shane who was captain on the day playing in central midfield. Corey Byrne was solid in goal and was well protected by Daniel and Leona. Just after the break Shane slid the ball through to Jesse who smashed it into the bottom right hand corner to make it 2-0 (or so I am told as I had my head stuck in the kit bag looking for a pen at the time). Swords got back into the game after a goal mouth scramble following a corner before levelling the tie with a well struck shot from just inside the box. Exciting stuff but Balrath had saved the best till last. Midway through the second half Shane won a free kick on the left hand side after being dragged back. Jesse took up a position at the back post with his hand in the air and Shane delivered a delightful curling ball right in on top of him. Jesse supplied the finish it deserved with a diving header that sent the ball flying into the net and the away fans into rapturous applause as he wheeled away in celebration tapping himself on the head! There was still 10 minutes to go but it felt like an hour till the relief of the final whistle. What a game!
Each and every player put in a huge effort and can be very proud but when I shook the refs hand afterwards he singled out one player for special praise, not Shane with a goal and two assists or Jesse with two goals but a young girl who's determination and will to win every ball he hadn't seen the likes of before. 'At one stage' he said 'she went through two Swords players and one of her own to win the ball'. The best thing about it is that she does it all with a smile on her face and loves every minute of it. Well done Leona!