U13 Division 3 League Playoff

Bridge United - 2

Shannon Town - 2

(Shannon Town won 4-3 on penalties)

Managers Blog

Well the short version    - it was 1 all after full time  , 2 all after extra time  but we lost 4-3 on penalties.

I know this is the same as usual  but it was a terrific match played with all the passion commitment and never say die attitude that is part of this teams DNA.It was a match worthy of any league cup final.

We knew we were in for a battle and it started from the first blow of the whistle. We did not let Shannon get the upper hand and we played some fantastic football. In fact I would say we had the more scoring opportunities in the first half  and we got the breakthrough when Colm Hennessy scored after 35 minutes. So into the break it was 1 nil to us .

The second half started with the same intensity and there were no let up from either side . The minutes ticked on  and while the intensity did not let up the lads were beginning to get tired and a lack of concentration 5 minutes from the end allowed Shannon Town to get the equaliser.  So thats how if finished 1-1  after full time.

So here we were again for the second week on a row we were facing extra time. Shannon were quick off the mark and scored again after 3 minutes . This did put us under enormous  pressure and while we did not score in the 1st half of extra time we certainly did not give up. Into the final half of extra time and we moved up a gear and were putting Shannon on the back foot. Our pressure was paying dividends as we were winning plenty of free kicks just outside the 18 yard box.  It was from one of these free kicks that Colm again kicked and  scored. Back to 2-2 - sound familiar ...   but that's how it finished after extra time.

Now we were into the great unknown of a penalty shoot out. Without going into specifics we lost 4-3.

To say I am disappointed is an understatement  but that's the fact .  Disappointed for me but more for the squad who gave it their all and would do it again if asked to do so.

The truth of the matter is we lost and there is not disguising the fact ,  but you know what........   we lost with  style ( you just have to look at our last 3 matches) In fact to be in a position to contend a league and cup final is no small feat,

While we have no trophy to display, I know deep down  that this team have won far more than that what any trophy signifies. This team over the last 8 months have  developed, nurtured and evolved  from a group of young kids into young adults who now are a team with respect for each other, their coaches ,their peers and their opponents and they are a credit to their parents.

I am certainly very proud of each and every one of that squad and it has been my privilege and honour  to have been involved with the lads this year.

I would especially like to say thanks to Fergie, Jerry and Tom for helping me through the season and I know for definite the team would be lesser without their knowledge and involvement. 

Thanks again to all the parents who have supported us over the year and especially for turning up for the last few matches.

Mike Bannon