12/08/2024
Central football weekly round up ⚽
Unfortunately, both Central senior teams season came to an end on the weekend after narrow defeats in the semi-finals of the cup.
On A&P 1 the Buccaneers faced off against Rangers Reserves in what was a very competitive game, both sides playing well and having chances before Rangers won a penalty, which was converted at the second attempt. The Buccaneers felt they were creating the better chances of the two sides but failed to convert. With 15 mins remaining the Bucs threw 4 up top with the season on the line and found an equaliser through Tom Morley in a goal line scramble off a free kick.
In extra time the Bucs came closest to finding the winner with Thom Hall hitting the upright, before Liam Kennedy saved a dangerous free kick on FT with the score finishing 1-1 and onto penalties.
After 5 penalties each both teams had converted all 5, with some very well taken penalties. Rangers continued to keep their compusure and slotted their 6th before the Bucs sent their reply over the bar to send Rangers to the final.
Man of the match was awarded to Nishan Rai for his workrate in the middle of the park.
In the other semi Central Wolves took on Trojans in good conditions at A&P Park. Trojans were hot favourites after recent results against the Wolves and both teams had opportunities in the first half without breaking the deadlock, going into halftime 0-0. Play continued to flow back and forth before a Trojans player was taken down in the box, with the penalty successfully converted. Wolves continued to attack and themselves were awarded a penalty which Steve McCaa converted to tie things up 1-1. Drama followed shortly after with the Wolves awarded another penalty, unfortunately, this one was pushed wide and the score remained 1-1 at full time. In the first period of extra time, Wolves lost a player following two yellows cards with both teams throwing everything at it looking for a winner. In the second half of extra time, Trojans got a break and slotted their second goal to make it 2-1. Wolves then lost another player to a red card and with 9 men continued to attack but was unable to force an equaliser, the game finished 2-1. Stand out performers for the Wolves were Griffin Carter and Brendan Jackson, while Paddy Moran was strong in defence. It was by far Wolves best performance in a tough season as a KO Cup final just eluded them.
On the positive side, in the morning both junior teams showed the seniors how to score goals and win a game of football 🔥
Central Cannons won 6-4 with goals from Leo, Ben, Angus and Agos. Ben getting player of the day for his well taken goal, good passing and hustle on defence.
Central storm won 7-2 with goals to Casey, Joseph and Riley with Riley getting player of the day for consistent tackles and attacking opportunities.