Dreadnots 1-1  2-7 St Nicholas

The Nicks U14s chalked up their 2nd league win in impressive style away to the Dreadnots on Wednesday evening. Right from the throw-in the defence laid down a marker with David Lacatus, Adam Everitt & Ciaran Neary Birch all impressively winning their initial tackles and setting up key attacks for their forwards. Two quick points from Matthew Oiianwa, followed by a point Shane Downey settled the team. Great support and link up play was provided by Ross Walsh and a scintillating run by Callum Clarke, after leaving two defenders gasping in his wake almost brought about a goal, only to flash wide of the far post. In The Nicks goal, Ben Clarke was rarely troubled with Cébhán Houshidari mopping up everything that came his way. The only sight at goal given to the Dreadnots was denied with an expert save from Clarke who stood his ground to turn away the goal bound effort. The first half was rounded off with a great goal by Matthew Oiianwa from 25 metres out. The midfield duo of Oiianwa & Martin completely bossed the 1st half whilst also shipping some heavy tackles from their opponents.  

The second half was more of the same from The Nicks with Alex Kileen making his customary steals from opposition hands to deny Dreadnots a number of scoring opportunities and Ethan Kelly striding forward to set up numerous attacks for the forwards. Each time a Nicks player received the ball he would find 2 or 3 opponents swarming around him and subjected to some dubious tackling. Each man in red stood his ground and kept his discipline. James Kelly & Josh Markey both came more into the game in the 2nd half, not only winning some vital ball but also keeping their markers occupied, while the tireless Daryl Gribben was involved at both ends of the pitch. Scores came at vital times in the 2nd half from Martin who knocked over two points and scored a well taken goal from quick thinking on his feet with a quickly taken free kick. Downey added his 2nd point of the night with a rasping shot over the bar. An absolute superb performance from all 15 on the night. Next fixture is a tough home game v St Joseph’s next Wednesday. On a final note, everyone involved with the team wishes Tadhg Martin the very best of luck as he heads off with the Louth U14s this Saturday away to Wicklow. Well done Tadhg, fantastic achievement.   

Team: Ben Clarke, Alex Kileen, Cébhán Houshidari, David Lacatus, Ciaran Neary Birch, Ethan Kelly, Adam Everitt, Tadhg Martin (1-2), Matthew Oiianwa (1-3), Ross Walsh, Daryl Gribben, James Kelly, Shane Downey (0-2), Josh Markey, Callum Clarke