Balrath U10s gave absolutely everything in a hard fought quarter final victory, in the Muriel McCory Cup, over Ratoath earlier today. Here they are posing for the team photo before the game and celebrating in McDonalds afterwards.
The last time the teams met was during the summer and that ended in a 5 all draw. There was very little between the teams today either but it was Balrath who took the lead midway through the first half with Jesse finishing off from close range after a cross from Kyle. Soon after, captain Corey Byrne made it 2-0 with a ferocious left foot shot into the top corner. Ratoath came back strongly though and it was only thanks to the bravery of Alex Carter in goal that they didn't score after he produced a fine double save. Kyle was then very unlucky not to make it 3-0 with the keeper making a fine save just before the end of the half.
It was more of the same after the break as Ratoath piled on the pressure and created numerous chances but Alex was now playing in Midfield and he drove his team forward on the counter attack at every opportunity with strong aggressive running. He chases every ball and works so hard and got his reward when he muscled past a couple of defenders and smashed the ball home to make it 3-0. Zaki was then fouled just inside the box soon after and the ref pointed to the spot. Zaki took the kick himself and struck it well but the excellent Ratoath keeper kept it out. Ratoath never gave up though and got a goal back with a strike from distance that was just beyond Glens reach. At 3-1 it was game on and the home side were unlucky as they struck the post and had other chances. The defence held firm though and Corey and Shane controlled the midfield in the later stages with everyone working hard to see the game through.
A really great effort by all the players and numerous contenders for man of the match but the one that stood out and not for the first time this season was young Alex Carter. He was so strong keeping goal in the first half and scored the crucial goal in the second. Well done Alex and all the players. Roll on the semis!