DUNBOYNE AFC vs Knocklyon Utd

The U8C1’s went out into their final match confirmed as league champions after an astonishing run of 7 wins in a row. However this did not lessen their will to win this match and remain on such a great streak. In the end, Knocklyon gave us our toughest test yet, which served up an attacking and exciting match to end the season on a high note.

 The match started well, with both sides sharing the attacking spoils, the ball bounced from one end to the other with great wing play from our duo of Hugh and Sean. We came close on several occasions, with Hugh shooting from distance on numerous occasions.

 At the back, Christian, Michael and Daniel were assured and composed dealing with almost everything that came their way with ease. However, we couldn’t break through, our passing wouldn’t gel and our shots couldn’t hit the back of the net.

 Cian S in the middle created our best chance of the half with his neat pass into Gavin nearly resulting in a goal.

 In the final minute of the half we conceded a corner. Despite bouncing twice in the box, we could clear the ball and Knocklyon scored with ease. Half time 0-1.

 After arranging things at half time, we went out with the impetus to attack. What ensued was a 20 minute onslaught on the Knocklyon goal. Countless times we shot on the ball fell just inches wide of either post.

 Cian C on the left launched numerous crosses which Gavin and Fionn were unlucky not to score from. Eoin went close from the right his curling shot going wide. Sean had a close range effort saved well too.

 Our goal came after a beautiful example of route 1 football, Christian played the ball long and far from the back up to Fionn who was in space up front. Fionn deftly controlled the ball with one touch, set up self up for the shot with the second and duly scored with his third. 1-1.

 We continued to press and press, Eoin and Michael broke from deep several times, nearly setting up Fionn and Gavin in the middle.

 Daniel saved well towards the end to keep us in with a shout; Cian C had a dipping, long range effort saved too. Despite all our possession and shots, the game ended 1-1, after a titanic tussle.

 This game rounded of our season on a high, the lads have all put in a huge amount of effort over 3 months, training well and playing well on the pitch. They won 8 matches, drew 1 and lost 1, scored a whopping 30 goals from 10 players, and conceded only 9.

 They are a credit to the club, their parents and mostly themselves. Well done, from James and Kevin. Thanks to the consistently there supporters, to which much of our success is owed, thanks to Mark for being their when James or Kevin couldn’t!!!

 We all look forward to next season; preparations begin in earnest, with pre-season training on Monday!!!! Who knows, with the same level of effort and commitment we could be in the mix once again this time next year.

 DUNBOYNE AFC : Full Squad (Goals Scored): Daniel, Michael (1), Christian (1), Luke (2), Sean (7), Eoin (3), Cian S (1), Cian C (4), Hugh (1), Gavin (6), Fionn (4)