Erris Under 12’s had a long trip to Swinford (on a school night) and they secured all three points, but only just.
Swinford started the better with Erris struggling to control the ball. Keeper Ben Shevlin was called into action several times. The midfield struggled to impose themselves on the game as their ticcy taccy style was snuffed out by the home team. Eventually, Erris resorted to the oldest trick in the book as Peter Walsh at centre back gave the ball a good old wallop up the pitch. The ball cleared the high defensive line as Adam Conroy found himself with only the keeper to beat. He steadied himself, picked his spot, wiped the hair out of his eyes and slipped it past the keeper.
This win confirmed that Erris Under 12 finished second in their division. Hurray. Well done.
Three minutes later Conroy netted again as the long ball up the pitch set him free once more. Two nil up at half time is a bad lead.
A scrappy second half saw too many chances wasted and not enough teamwork. Padraic Gaughan at left back was Man of the Match.
Last week we brought your attention to Peter Walsh at centre back going off on mazy runs. Well he was at it again with one of the most remarkable goals ever seen. He won a tackle in his own half and headed for goal, via every blade of grass in their half. He evaded 12 tackles, in a run which lasted 2 minutes 33 seconds, without ever seeming to have the ball fully under control, eventually he found himself reasonably near the goal and bull topped it as hard as he could, low into the corner. Unsaveable, and harsh on Swinford who deserved more out of a game that Erris won 0-3.
Managers Harry and Des claim that all they do in training is short passing using the side of the foot. Two long balls and a bulltop won this game, Van Gaal should take note.
Other highlights include Peter going round in circles with the ball searching for his left foot, like a puppy trying to catch his tail. Dara getting flattened by Amy (Dara quite enjoyed it). The singsong on the bus (Des and Harry didn’t enjoy it). Darren and Jack one twoing down the pitch together. Adam and Conor in the shop like a married couple, one holding the basket with the other filling it up with groceries.
This win confirmed that Erris Under 12 finished second in their division. Hurray. Well done.
Top row Peter, Ben, Des.
Bottom row Darren McDonnell, Molly, Dylan Togher, Conor Barrett, Matthew Togher, Dara Dixon, Padraic Gaughan, Cillian Reilly, Oliver Deane, Billy O’Connor, Daithi Cosgrove, Adam Conroy, Jack Deane.