Albion Star finished off their final ‘Play Ball’ game of the season in style against very strong opponents.
The game was full of goals with Tomas O’Halloran scoring his first two goals for Albion Star.
Ciaran McNally continued his great form in front of goal with four goals while Kane Magennis got himself on the scoresheet after a telling performance.
Mani McKay-Douglas and Nathan Farmer also scored a goal each.
There were plenty of positives for Albion Star with Aoibheann Hayes and Connor McComb producing solid defensive performances to steady the ship.
Emma McComb showed tremendous skill throughout the match.
Well done Albion Star and thanks to the parents who helped with transport.
ALBION STAR: Ciaran McNally, Mani McKay Douglas, Emma McComb, Connor McComb, Aoibheann Hayes, Tomas O’Halloran, Kane Magennis, Nathan Farmer, Joshua Clinton, Patrick Valliday, Dylan Valliday, Rossa Montgomery. Star Player: Tomas O’Halloran.
U9
Albion Star v Glentoran
What a game this turned out to be as the two teams fought to keep their unbeaten records intact.
Both sides started strongly but the deadlock was finally broken when Jordan McGrattan found the net from a great through ball by Seamus Duffy.
It wasn’t long after before Jordan McGrattan struck again with a thunderbolt strike which left the goalkeeper with no chance.
Glentoran had barely found their feet when Jordan McGrattan completed his hat-trick.
Glentoran showed they were no pushovers and got themselves back into the game with Connor McCarthy in the Albion Star goal left with no chance.
In the last third goal machine Jordan McGrattan poked home after a defensive mix up but the three-goal lead didn’t last too long when Glentoran replied immediately.
Soon after McGrattan fired Albion back into a three-goal lead with a powerful strike into the top corner.
A bit of complacency at the back allowed Glentoran right back into the game with two quick-fire goals.
The Glens pushed very hard for the equaliser but McGrattan was the hero as he bagged his sixth goal of the game and his second hat-trick to steal the show for Albion Star.
Glentoran scored once more but this proved to be only a consolation goal to finish what was one of the best ever games to be played in the ‘Play Ball’ campaign.
Well done Albion Star and a big thanks for the parents who helped the team.
Albion Star are already looking forward to next season.
ALBION STAR: Connor McCarthy, Eamon Casey, Kain McConkey, Luca Morelli, Niall O’Kane, Seamus Duffy, Jordan McGrattan, Rudramsh Tomar, Coaihimn Pollock. Man of Match: Jordan McGrattan.
U10
Albion Star v Aquinas All Stars
Albion Star welcomed Aquinas All Stars to Shaftesbury Rec for their last game of the ‘Play Ball’ campaign.
The game started off brightly with Albion Star having the pick of the chances but they couldn’t find the back of the net.
A great ball over the top from Jack Flynn dropped neatly over Seamus Duffy’s shoulder and he caught the ball sweetly with a thunderous volley to send Albion Star into a deserved lead.
Albion Star managed to hold onto the lead going into the last third of the game.
In this period Connor McCarthy was in top form and pulled off two sensational saves to keep Albion Star in the lead.
Albion Star managed to hold on to their lead to give them a well-deserved victory with Seamus Duffy’s goal the difference between the two teams.
Well done to all the Albion Star players for their efforts this season and thanks to the parents who helped the team this year.
ALBION STAR: Connor McCarthy, Eamon Casey, Kain McConkey, Jack Flynn, Michael Steele, John Sloan, Seamus Duffy, Luca Morelli. Man of the Match: Connor McCarthy.
