U10 Cup 9th April 2009
St. Anthony's 3-6 Greystones

It was a tense evening in Ballywaltrim in Bray when St. Anthony's took on Greystones on neutral ground in the semi final of the cup. Expectation and excitement were high but straight away it was obvious that Greystones were going to be hard to beat. They started the game fast with two chances and made it 0-1 early on. At the other end, the Greystones defence seemed very strong and it seemed there was no way through for Anthony's. However, Jordan Murray somehow managed to get a good ball into Jack Bellamy, Cian found himself with the ball, knocked it back to Finn who took a sweet long range shot and made it 1-1. Conor Rubalcava in the Anthony's goal had to work hard on this particular evening and made some fine saves but Greystones number 6 seemed unstoppable for their second goal as he skipped past everyone to make it 1-2 Greystones. Soon after, it was 1-3 and it was obvious that defending would have to be tighter and marking more secure if Anthony's were to make any sort of come back. Anthony's had their chances, playing some lovely football, Cian had a shot come off a defender for a corner and Jack had a shot go wide but it was Greystones to score again and make it 1-4 as it seemed the ball deflected off a Greystones player into the net. Were they to have all the luck in this semi final tie?

After the half time break, the Anthony's team came onto the pitch roaring and although they were being beaten, you couldn't help feel there were goals to be had for them. The half time team talk worked wonders, the defending was tighter in the second half with Danny Bradley coming on and playing out of his skin in his defensive role, as did Conor Martin, both lads stopping Greystones in their tracks on numerous occassions. The Anthony's lads were battling for everything in midfield this second half but Greystones managed to make it 1-5 when their star player number 6, crossed a lovely ball in for his pal to tap it into the back of the net. It seemed it was all over. Or was it? Cian Condren was straight onto a loose ball just outside the box, took a sweet shot only to hear it clink off the post, but man of the match and captain of the team, Finn Ryan was there to score his second and place the rebound off the post in the back of the net, 2-5, and Anthony's were far from finished. Moments later, Cian found himself in the box with the ball. He made a great turn and smashed the ball home to make it 3-5. What a thrilling finish to this semi final! The time was ticking away but the belief in the eyes of the Anthony's team had to have scared the Greystones team just a little bit. It was fantastic to watch but unfortunately, the comeback ended there and it was in fact Greystones number 11 who finished the evening off to make it 3-6, when he found himself all alone in the Anthony's box, the ball bounced lovely for him and he took his shot well. The full time whistle went to a final score of St. Anthony's 3-6 Greystones. Player of the week was Jack Bellamy who dealt with his marker well throughout the match and as we said Finn Ryan took the Anthony's man of the match accolade for stepping up to the mark as captain and scoring twice in a cup semi final.

U10  Match Report - 5th April 2009
Rathnew 1-0 St. Anthony's

It was always going to be tough for Anthony's under 10 side to go to Rathnew and get a result but that's not to say they didn't try. In fact, they were probably on top of the game for most of the match but for the second week in a row, it just didn't seem to go their way. It started off with opportunities for both sides, Jordan Murray making good runs, Cian Condren making key passes, Caolan Doyle and Finn Ryan taking good shots but nothing in the back of the net. Conor Rubalcava kept goal well and Oisín Pegman was sturdy in defence and as half time came along, it was 0-0.

Right from the off in the second half, Rathnew threatened and hit the post. Anthony's substitute Kevin came on in the second half and looked hungry to create something for the visitors, making good runs with the ball and battling well in midfield. However, Rathnew were the team to take their chance and score the only goal of the match and unfortunately there was no comeback for St. Anthony's team. A series of corners near the end but no goals and again, the bitter taste of defeat. A draw may have been a fairer result but credit to the home side, final score, Rathnew 1-0 St. Anthony's.

U10 Match Report - 29th March 2009
St. Anthony's 0-2 Avonmore

Sunday morning saw a highly competitive match played by St. Anthony's U10 team at Finn Park. The game was all action from the start and although it looked like it would be a close contest, hopes were high on the Anthony's sideline as the boys got stuck in. 

One of the earlier chances for the home side saw Jack Bellamy cross the ball into Finn, who found himself in the right area, unfortunately his header went just over the bar. Jordan Murray had a chance from a free kick just outside the box but it went just wide. The chances kept coming but it was beginning to feel like the ball was just not going to go into the net for Anthony's. The same situation was occurring at the other end as Avonmore saw their shots go over the bar or their dangerous looking crosses missing vital conversions. Tomás Mcdonald had two of his shots go over the bar in the first half and Finn Ryan also saw two of his well taken shots go over the bar. Half time arrived and a very frustrated home team came off for their team talk with a 0-0 scoreline. 

The second half began with a bang however, as Avonmore received a penalty for a handball in the box. It was well taken, the home keeper had no chance and all of a sudden St. Anthony's were climbing an uphill battle. The penalty seemed to give the visitors the lift they needed and they looked threatening for the rest of the game, getting in behind the back line, finding themselves one on one with Conor Rubalcava, the home keeper on more than one occassion. Conor is to be commended for keeping his cool in all of these situations and for pulling off a fine save from the visitors number 8, to tip a well placed shot just over the bar. 

It was not all one sided however, Caolan Doyle had a long range shot go over the bar, as did Conor Martin, who came on in the second half. Jack Bellamy took a lovely free kick which literally skimmed over the bar and it seemed that was to be the final chance of the game, but to add insult to injury, just before the final whistle, a talented looking number 9 from Avonmore managed to get himself in a one on one situation with Conor Martin, now playing in goal for the injured Conor Rubalcava. The visiting striker placed the ball beautifully to bring the scoreline to 0-2. 

A home defeat was a bitter pill to swallow for this U10 St. Anthony's team but lessons are to be learned from all defeats and there is no doubt the lads will bounce back stronger than ever next week. Congratulations to the Avonmore team and to man of the match for the home side, Jordan Murray for a cracking performance, and to player of the week Finn Ryan for his work in midfield and his consistency in tracking back in defence.

U10 St. Anthony's 1-0 Rathnew 

15th March 2009

On a beautiful Spring morning in Kilcoole, St. Anthony's under 10 side took part in an extremely close game against Rathnew. The stakes were high as it was a cup match and the level of football did not disappoint. Anthony's tipped off and it was evident that both sides were going to battle all the way to the full time whistle. However, early on Anthony's took the lead, having taken a corner, the ball came out to Danny who took an ambitious but extremely well hit shot from what seemed like miles out. The ball hit a Rathnew player and the keeper before landing in the back of the net. 1-0, thank you very much! Although the goals in this match were not plentiful, the action was, Caolan passing a lovely ball through to Jack whose shot saw the side netting. Finn Ryan took a great shot also from long range but the opposing keeper saved. It was not all one way traffic though, Rathnew looked dangerous on numerous occasions, getting good balls into the box from corners, and really testing the skills of the Anthony's defenders to stop them in their tracks. Oísín Pegman and Jordan Murray being two of those sturdy, reliable defenders. Just before half time, Caolan Doyle, playing up front today found himself in one on one with the keeper but his shot trickled just wide. Anthony's extremely unlucky not to be 2-0 up at half time but as it stood it was a one nil lead for the home team at the half time whistle.

The second half started with a blast, both teams having almost immediate goal scoring chances with good saves made by keepers at both ends. Jordan Reynolds showed off his defensive skills to stop a dangerous looking Rathnew number 16 from being right in on goal. Rathnew also had a corner which Oísín cleared with a great header out, from which Jack Bellamy made a good run that looked promising but unfortunately did not come to pass. Maybe Anthony's best chance of the second half came when Kevin went on a great solo run finishing with a neat pass to Tomás but the shot was straight at the keeper who did well to save it. From that, Rathnew were shooting from everywhere, two long range shots, one wide and one over the bar. Towards the end of the match, as the final minutes ticked away, Finn headed a sweet ball down to Kevin, whose shot went just over. Then, Rathnew got a free kick not too far out, could this be the equaliser? Breaths were held but the wall of two did it's job to clear the danger. Anthony's also had a free kick before the final whistle, Jack shot well but the keeper saved again. The score line remained unchanged from the first half, a win for the home team to progress in the cup, St. Anthony's 1-0 Rathnew. Player of the week was Danny who scored the goal and who defended magnificently in the last few minutes and man of the match was Kevin for his work down the line in the second half. Well done all round!

Sunday 25th January 2009

Avonmore 2-1  St. Anthony's

On a cold but sunny morning in Rathdrum, loyal supporters were subjected to a 10am kick off for St. Anthony's U10 shield game against Avonmore. St. Anthony's looked promising from the off creating some lovely moves and playing really nice football. There were plenty of good balls passed into the box but unfortunately, no goals for Anthony's in the first half. In fact, there were no goals at all in the first half, despite Avonmore looking tricky from three corners. St. Anthony's came off at half time feeling they were the better side and feeling sure the game was theirs in the second half.

The second half saw the introduction of Kevin and Jake to the team and right from the tip off Anthony's were up for it with Jack Bellamy making a great run only to see his shot pushed wide by the Avonmore keeper. Very unlucky as the visiting team really deserved to be on top at this stage. The unlucky feeling got worse for St. Anthony's when Avonmore found themselves in the Anthony's box, one chance, one goal from a few yards out. The home side were in the lead and all of a sudden Anthony's were chasing a game that they had been in control of all along. Although the chances kept coming for St. Anthony's the balls were not going into the back of the net and to be honest, Conor Martin made a great save to fend off goal number two for Avonmore and Jake played fantastically in defense to keep the visitors in the game. Unfortunately, Avonmore's number 7 increased their lead to two. He just needed one chance to smack the ball and Anthony's were picking the ball out of the back of the net again. 

Jordan Murray was involved at both ends towards the end of the game, sliding in to clear the ball off his own line in a defensive roll and then making sure he saw Tomas McDonald's shot go over the line up the other end to make it 2-1. The last few minutes were going to be tense. Was there an equaliser in it for the boys? Surely, they deserved it. However, despite, chances for Jordan and a one on one chance for Jack Bellamy against the Avonmore keeper, it was not Anthony's day and the score line remained Avonmore 2-1 St. Anthony's. Man of the match for the visitors, well deserved, Jake. 

20th December 2008

Wolfe Tone 0-1 St. Anthony's

It was the last match of the season and what an occasion it turned out to be for the U10 St. Anthony's team. A win would guarantee them second place in the league and the possibility of promotion so the stakes were high. This was evident from the start as both teams roared their way onto the pitch and following a flurry of handshakes, Wolfe Tone kicked off. 

The game started well for the visiting team with Oisín, Finn and Cian all having their shots cleared by the home side's defense. All Wolfe Tone attacks were being handled well by a solid looking defense involving Jordan Murray, Jordan Reynolds and Oisín Pegman. The game was tough, there was no doubt about it, the tackles were hard and for spectators there was a definite feel of the last day of the premiership about the whole thing!

Conor Rubalcava was in net for St. Anthony's and early on, the visiting keeper looked confident and assured, making solid catches and clearing any threatening balls that came his way. The first half ended 0-0, the game was incredibly tight and there for the taking for either team.

The second half saw the introduction of Tomás McDonald into the middle with Finn Ryan, with Oisín Flemming moving to left wing and Jack Bellamy moving to the right. The introduction of Tomás almost provided Anthony's with a goal when Cian passed the ball directly into his path, unfortunately no conversion this time! Oisín also had a shot saved by the Wolfe Tone keeper and suddenly, playing against the wind seemed to be spurring Anthony's on rather than hindering their progress. 

It was not all one sided though, Wolfe Tone looked very dangerous on numerous occasions, Conor in net, making his saves look easy and luck seeing a few sitters go wide. These were tense times for St. Anthony's as for this period of play, the home side looked more likely to bag a winner but this was not to be the case. Cian Condren found himself free and on the ball and looked likely to finish a good run with a lovely pass only to have a fantastic tackle made on him to stop him in his tracks. He was not to be deterred though and was back on his feet in moments to land the ball in the back of the net and grab Anthony's what ended up being the only goal of the match. The goal meant everything and Anthony's just needed to keep their heads for the last minutes of the game to ensure the all important three points. They did.  They could have got a second but one was enough. 

Second in the league guaranteed and a play off match with a premiership side after Christmas to look forward to. The win was an early Christmas present for everybody involved, players, supporters and managers alike. Spirits were high and didn't they deserve it? A fantastic season, well done lads! Man of the match, well deserved, Jordan Reynolds.

30th November 2008

Enniskerry 1-3 St. Anthony's

On a frosty, icy but gloriously sunny morning in Enniskerry, St. Anthony's U10 side ended the month of November with a victory away from home. Straight from the off, the boys looked up for it, battling their way into the Enniskerry box, winning free kicks and early on scoring really sweet goals. The first came when Jack Bellamy passed to Jordan Murray who in turn crossed to Cian who knocked it in first time on the half volley, a really lovely footballing goal to take the score line to 0-1. Never ones to look complacent Anthony's got stuck in straight away after the goal, Caolan taking a long range shot which went just over the bar but it was not all one sided as Enniskerry looked to fight back. However it was man of the match, goalkeeper Conor Martin to save the day, not once but twice in a matter of seconds for Anthony's as Enniskerry number 13 took a shot which Conor saved with his feet, then somehow managed to keep out the rebound with his hands. The game was nothing short of exciting with Caolan crossing in some lovely balls and Jordan Murray always making threatening runs. Cian was unlucky not to take his tally of goals to the extreme but the Enniskerry keeper did a great job of stopping balls from dribbling over the line on the hard and frosty ground. Goal number two did come for Cian though before the half time mark with Finn Ryan crossing it into him and Cian taking a lovely first touch. It has to be said that the keeper was unlucky not to keep it out but the ball dribbled over the line and the lads were off celebrating again. Enniskerry 0-2 St. Anthony's.

The second half saw two determined sides return to the pitch and almost straight away, Conor Martin in the visiting goal had to make a save from Enniskerry but it was Aaron for the home side to score next and take Anthony's to a lead of three, again the ball dribbling over the Enniskerry line but they all count and it looked like it was all done and dusted. What a silly prediction! Both sides had more to give, Kevin tried almost to perfection to lob the Enniskerry keeper to take the lead to four but the shot went over the bar. Ryan in Anthony's defense played solidly and was on hand on many occasions to stop Enniskerry players attacking. If Ryan was not on hand to prevent the home team scoring, then Conor Martin in net was, making some unbelievable saves from an ambitious looking number 14 for the home side. 

However, it was not at all plain sailing towards the end as Enniskerry's number 8 scored to take the match to 1-3 and all of a sudden the home team looked dangerous, their number 14 looking particularly likely to take the score to 2-3 but again the Anthony's defence and in particular the Anthony's keeper saved the day. At one stage, Enniskerry's goal scorer tried to lob the ball into the back of the net but even with the sun in his eyes, Conor managed a terrific save. It didn't end there for the super keeper as he pulled off two or three saves from a corner and an unbelievable stop in a one on one situation right at the end of the match but the final whistle blew and there were no more chances to be had or saves to be made as St. Anthony's U10 side happily went away with the victory. Final score, Enniskerry 1-3 St. Anthony's. The lads played good, simple football which resulted in good goals. Player of the week, Jordan Murray and without a shadow of a doubt, man of the match was goalie Conor Martin. 

Saturday 22nd November 2008

St. Anthony's U10 2-0 Rathnew

Match day on a Saturday had no negative effects for St. Anthony's U10 side this week as they emerged victorious over Rathnew. Straight from the off, the home side looked hungry for the win but Rathnew had not travelled to Kilcoole to be beaten either and the opening minutes of the game saw good chances for both sides. Caolan and Oisín Flemming crossed some lovely
balls into the box to put the visitors under pressure and Conor Rubalcava in the home net was alert to all danger and came out of his box to clear any Rathnew threats. It was St. Anthony's though, who took the lead with a penalty being awarded to them in the first half. Jack Bellamy, who had been obstructed in the box, won the penalty and placed it quickly to take, only to see his shot end up in the Rathnew keepers hands. Lucky as the home side felt to be awarded the penalty in the first place, they felt luckier still when the referee blew for the penalty to be retaken. He had not blown his whistle the first time. There was no way Jack was going to let this opportunity pass and second time round, the ball was in the back of the net. St. Anthony's 1-0 Rathnew.

Rathnew piled on the pressure at this stage, taking shots from all angles but Ryan and Oisín Pegman in defence and goalkeeper Conor Rubalcava made sure the home side held onto their lead. In fact, Anthony's increased their lead to two just before half time with Cian and Finn working really well together to create an ideal chance for Jack to take his goal tally to two for the half, and he did. Anthony's went into the half time break two nil up.

The second half saw the introduction of Danny and Aaron and Aaron almost made his mark straight away when he found himself in a bit of space inside the Rathnew box, lovely turn but the keeper had the shot covered. Moments later Caolan passed a beautiful ball into Aaron who very nearly had his header on target but it went just wide. Aaron's third chance came when he saw the visiting keeper off his line and took a long range shot. So well spotted and it almost worked but the keeper recovered just in time to tip the ball out for a corner. 

Rathnew's number 14 looked like he was going to cause the home side some trouble but goalkeeper Conor showed no fear and came out to stop him in his tracks on numerous occassions. Substitute Danny, also prevented him from taking some dangerous looking shots. 

The second half came to an end with both sides attacking and defending furiously but with no more goals to report. Final score, St. Anthony's 2-0 Rathnew. Man of the match based on a solid first half performance in defence was Ryan and player of the week for his fantastic match performance was Caolan. 

Sunday 16th November 2008

U10 St Anthony's 2-1 Enniskerry

Another good win for St. Anthony's U10 team today, as they provided spectators with an entertaining match to watch on their home ground. Both teams played well and were very evenly matched but it was St. Anthony's who threatened first. Within five minutes, Tomás McDonald had hit the bar and Kevin was unlucky not to convert the rebound. It was excitement all round and end to end stuff, Conor Martin making a good clearence from an Enniskerry free kick and Oisín Pegman standing sturdy in defence to deny Enniskerry any way through, although there were a few sharp intakes of breath at one stage when what looked like an Enniskerry cross just skimmed the cross bar. It really was even stevens and both teams had a serious battle on their hands. On the break, Enniskerry forced a good save from Cian in the Anthony's goal but it was the home side who went into the half time break one nil up, a peach of a header from Aaron to give the lads the lead. Half time scoreline, St. Anthony's 1-0 Enniskerry.

Much of the same in the second half, the game was far from over and Enniskerry came out fighting. Their number 3 took his chance from about 20 yards out and the ball was in the back of the net before Anthony's goalkeeper Cian even saw it. Serious stuff now, the game was anybody's as it was all level at one a piece.

The chances were coming at both ends, Caolan passing lovely balls into the box but to no avail. Jordan Murray watched his shot go just wide and Jack Bellamy passed a ball across the goal but nobody converted. At the other end, Conor Martin was saving the day with important clearences for the home side and some lovely interceptions. Cian was forced to come out of his goal in a one on one with an Enniskerry striker and importantly won that one but it was player of the week and man of the match, Kevin who deservedly won the game for St. Anthony's, scoring from Jack's pass to make it 2-1. The match ended with further chances for both sides but Anthony's managed to hold onto their lead. Another job well done all round and a really entertaining match to watch. Well done lads!

U10 19th October 2008

St. Anthony's 5-1 St. Fergal's

Another good result for St. Anthony's today as they beat Bray's St. Fergal's team by five goals to one. The match started off with an even enough battle between both sides, St. Fergal's looking strong and threatening but it was Anthony's who were first on the score sheet about six minutes in, Oisín Flemming making a nice run coupled with some lovely vision to find Cian at the end of his cross, nice finish, 1-0.

The Anthony's lads looked hungry for more now and the following minutes saw a string of chances for them until Jordan Murray passed a sweet ball into Tomás Mcdonald who took it on the half volley and smacked it into the back of the net to make it 2-0. Number three was not long coming, with Jordan Murray again involved. He took a corner, which seemed to take a
deflection off a Fergal's player but somehow ended up over the line. Happy to claim it, Jordan made it 3-0 to the home side. Both Finn and Cian could have made it four with Finn seeing his header go over the bar and Cian hitting the post but it was not to be. In fact Anthony's were forced to deal with a few hairy moments in their own box when Fergal's looked likely
to pull one back. A good save from first half keeper Conor Rubalcava and good defending from Jordan Reynolds meant the half time scoreline remained St. Anthony's 3-0 St. Fergal's.

The second half saw the introduction of Aaron, Oisín Pegman and Kevin and a swap with Conor and Cian, putting Cian in goal and Conor up front. Straight from the off, things were exciting as Aaron found himself in some space, looked up, composed himself to hit a lovely strike, just over the bar! It was action all the way then with Cian managing somehow to snatch the
ball off the toe of a Fergal's forward, up the other end, Fergal's very unlucky not to score on that occasion. Number 13, Kevin had a brilliant game for
the home side though covering at the back when needed and to bring the scoreline to 4-0, he scored an absolute cracker. It seemed the game was done and dusted but there was more drama to unfold when the referee blew for a handball in the box and signalled for the visiting team to place the ball for a penalty kick. Having scored a penalty himself the previous
weeks, hopes were high for a miraculous save from Cian in net but the Fergal's team had other things in mind.  Their player took the penalty well and the match continued now, St Anthony's 4-1 St. Fergal's.

The final goal of the game came from Oisín Flemming to make it 5-1. The match ended with three Fergal's corners but no more goals and Conor Rubalcava very unlucky not to get his name on the score sheet, having made a lovely run, only to see his shot saved by the keeper. Man of the match Oisín Pegman, final score St. Anthony's 5-1 St. Fergal's.

Sunday 12th October 2008

U10 Arklow Town 1-1 St. Anthony's

True dedication to the team was shown this morning as the U10 St. Anthony's boys set early alarms to head off to Arklow for a ten am kick off. By the time we arrived, the rain had started to drizzle but spirits were not dampened as the lads remembered last weeks defeat to the same team and vowed not to make it two in a row. They had a battle on their hands though and this was evident from the kick off. Both teams seemed evenly matched with both defenses standing sturdy. Although the first few minutes saw an Arklow corner and an Anthony's free kick, it seemed there was no way in for either side. Jordan Murray cleared twice when Arklow looked likely to threaten and after two corners, Oisín Pegman cleared the lines for the visiting team. Two more free kicks, one for each side saw little happen for either team although a couple of good passes by the Anthony's side had supporters hopeful, only to see the ball land out for an Arklow throw. Nervy moments followed for Anthony's but Jack Bellamy, Oisín Pegman and Jordan Murray came up trumps with clearances for the boys. 

The scoreline opened with the home side scoring first. Having been unlucky in previous moments to have a shot sail over the bar, Arklow won a corner, which was taken short and ended up in the back of the net.  Anthony's keeper Conor Martin had no chance, his box littered with Arklow hopefuls ready to knock it in, making it Arklow Town 1, St. Anthony's 0.

Considering the previous week's defeat and now being a goal down, heads were expected to drop but this was not the case as St. Anthony's team restarted the game looking hungrier than ever. Straight from the tip off, Jordan Murray made a great run but his pass didn't make it in to threaten the Arklow team's lead. Cian saw himself in a position to threaten seconds later but only succeeded in winning a corner. Arklow had a header go over the bar at the other end and from the Anthony's kick out, they won the ball and very nearly lobbed the Anthony's keeper only to see the ball hit the bar and land just before the goal line. The pressure was on and Arklow looked dangerous seeing shots go into the side netting twice. On the other hand, St. Anthony's were at their passing best in midfield with a lovely string of passes involving Cian, Jordan, Jack and Tomás resulting in little but leaving supporters and the boys themselves feeling worthy of an equaliser. They very nearly got it too, but Jack was unlucky to see his shot go over the bar.

The rest of the first half saw St. Anthony's battle hard, Jordan Reynolds making sure Arklow had no chances with his decisive clearances and Jordan Murray working on overdrive to try to battle the ball out of Anthony's defense. The first half ended with a corner from Jack Bellamy but no goals for the boys, remaining for now, Arklow Town 1-0 St. Anthony's.

At the half time break, the manager introduced Kevin to the team and gave the boys strong advice to close down the Arklow players and remember their three touch football. The boys seemed enlightened and roared back on for the second half confident and optimistic.

Straight away, substitute, Kevin won a free kick and the battle continued. If truth be known, it was a hard match to watch as both sides were dogged in their approach and every good move seemed to be stopped dead in it's tracks. However, from an Anthony's goal kick, Caolan passed to Kevin and Oisín gave a great ball into Cian who shot but the keeper saved. 

Jordan Reynolds stood strong and confident in defense for St. Anthony's to clear a dangerous looking ball but minutes later, Arklow found themselves in an enviable position, in one on one on Anthony's keeper, Conor Martin but Conor made himself look huge in the net and did enough to put the home side player off and the shot came off the post.

The major drama of the game came when the referee blew his whistle in the Arkow box to signal a penalty for the visiting team. Hand ball, it seemed. Surely this was the break St. Anthony's needed and deserved to get an  equaliser which was worthy of their performance.  Every player, it seemed wanted to take the penalty, but manager Aidan Ryan, signalled for reliable penalty taker, Cian Condren to step up and do the business. He took it well, only to have the referee blow for it to be retaken. Sharp intake of breath from the sidelines. Which way would he place it? Same spot as the previous peno or different spot altogether? The run up was longer and the penalty was decisive, opposite corner, low and hard, no doubt. Arklow Town 1-1 St. Anthony's.

The boys were alive and St. Anthony's looked dangerous now. The supporters from Kilcoole were excited and all of a sudden a win was on the cards. Tomás McDonald was almost in at one point but the Arklow keeper had it and previous to that, Jack Bellamy had his shot cleared. The battle was fierce, with one dodgy moment seeing Kevin take a hard smack of the ball to the face but he braved it out to continue for a while longer. Cian almost took his tally for the game to two when he took a shot from close range only to have it deflected onto the post. Jordan Murray was reintroduced to the team at this stage, with Kevin coming off to recover from his facial blow. Oisín Pegman was fantastic in defence making many clearances as was Jordan Reynolds. Finn Ryan fought his heart out in centre midfield and all three lads ensured there was no way in for Arklow at this stage of the game. The last few minutes saw two Anthony's throw ins and an Anthony's corner but a winner was not to be had. A great game, final score Arklow Town 1-1 St. Anthony's. The Anthony's players showed great skill and the defenders played game of the season stuff for their team. Man of the match,  Finn Ryan for his battling performance, player of the week, spot on, Oisín Pegman who proved himself a life saver for the team. Admirable performances all round.  

Well done boys!

Sunday 5th Oct 2008

On a blustery day in Kilcoole,  Arklow proved tricky to handle for the home side. The pitch was wet and the boys played against the wind in the first half. That didn't stop Jack Bellamy from threatening to score for Anthony's almost straight away but Arklow showed they were going to be tough opposition from the off with Oisin Pegman having to make two clearances from the visitors. Anthony's played lovely football at times with Tomas and Finn lining up some lovely one twos and captain Jack Bellamy and Kevin battling hard to win balls. Jordan Murray made some vital clearances and St. Anthony's keeper cleared off the line on two occasions. There was no way through the Arklow defence for the lads and even when Caolan managed to slot the ball through to Jack, the keeper saved. Shortly after, Jack took another fantastic shot which was celebrated as a goal on the sideline by optimistic supporters but unfortunately it had gone just wide.

The first goal on the score sheet came when Anthony's stand in keeper Cian Condren took his kick out. First to the ball was an Arklow player who saw Cian off his line and managed to lob the ball over into the back of
the net. The match continued in end to end fashion with Tomas unlucky not to get an equaliser almost straight away. Arklow were good on the ball and could have been two up at half time themselves. As it stood at half time though, it was St. Anthonys 0-1 Arklow.  

Aaron came on for the home side after half time and Kevin slotted into the right back position. Arklow went on the attack again though and Cian was forced to make two good saves to deny them a two nil lead. Good
defending by Kevin and Oisin helped to keep Arklow at bay and all was looking good for a comeback with Anthony's having shots denied from all angles. The Arklow defence were just too strong. A succession of
corners for Arklow saw two great clearances from Jordan Reynolds who was determined not to let the opposition score again. Aaron and Tomas were unlucky not to score at the other end for the home side, Tomas
taking a long range shot which he kept down very well. Just wide! A lovely series of passes involving Caolan, Tomas and Jack followed and the lads were unlucky not to create another chance. Caolan took a fine long
range shot which almost had the keeper beaten but it was not to be. This was followed by a lovely cross into Jack from Finn but the ball went over the bar. Finn also had a great shot stopped by the Arklow keeper, who did very well to get down to it. Surely it was only a matter of time before St. Anthony's got the equaliser. Unfortunately, it did not come to pass for the home side as goal number two went in for Arklow.  St Anthony's keeper lobbed by the Arklow number 11's well placed shot. Cian did well though to come out one on one and win the ball shortly after the second goal went in to save the scoreline from being 3-0. Final result, St. Anthony's 0-2 Arklow. The home side were unlucky and were well worthy of at least a draw.
Better luck next week lads. Player of the week, well deserved, Jordan Reynolds.

Sunday 28 September 2008

U10

St. Fergal's 0-12 St Anthony's

It was a good morning in Bray for St. Anthony's under 10A side as they cruised to a comfortable victory away from home. Playing uphill in the first half did not seem to phase the boys at all. They started the match well and after five minutes, were in the lead thanks to a diving header from Tomas Mcdonald. The goals in the first half were plentiful and came in quick succession, Jack Bellamy getting the second and Cian Condren getting the third.

St. Fergal's had difficulty getting past the steady defence of Oisin,Callum and John and even when they got through, goalkeeper Conor Rubalcava was on hand to clear the ball to safety.

Goal number four saw Jack Bellamy make a solo run followed by a long range shot which hit the bar but Cian was on hand to slot in the rebound. Jack's corner gave Cian his hatrick and the boys were celebrating a 5-0 lead.

A combination of neat passing and good awareness of each other on the pitch meant the goals kept coming for the Anthony's side, Tomas getting number six and Jordan Murray making it 7-0 at half time.

The second half saw a few changes with Jack Bellamy going in goal and the introduction of Finn, Aaron and Jake to the team. Again, St. Anthony's were in control but it was almost ten minutes before they scored again, Jordan making a lovely run down the left side with a great pass in to Finn to get number eight. Finn got his second shortly after that as the boys continued to put the Fergal's keeper under pressure.

Callum scored two well deserved goals to increase the scoreline to eleven and the day was finished off nicely with the first half goalkeeper Conor Rubalcava getting a well deserved goal to make the final score
St. Fergal's 0, St. Anthony's 12. Credit due to the lads for a steady performance particularly in defense where they looked especially strong. Man of the match defender, Oisin Pegman.

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