Longwood’s U13 footballers got their season under way on Sunday morning and, while ultimately losing out to a strong Bective team, the boys played some fantastic football and showed more than a glimpse of their undoubted potential.

As the teams took to the field, it was obvious that Longwood were going to be up against it, squaring up against a physically bigger and stronger opponent. But despite the striking physical disadvantage, the Longwood boys took on the challenge and produced a highly encouraging display.

The team contained a mixture of 11, 12 and 13 year-olds, with many playing their first competitive game in their beloved Longwood jersey. They showed no signs of nerves and settled into the game very quickly with younger players Cian Dixon, Finian Mooney, Jamie Brennan and Harry Quinn very much to the fore. Brendan Nicholson belied his age with a hugely impressive display, all the more noteworthy given the fact that he was tasked with marking Bective’s star player for much of the contest.

Further up the field, Bo Connolly used his sublime skills to bamboozle defenders and, when not taking his own score, set up numerous opportunities for his team mates. Rian Holton and Patrick Nicholson led from the front, using their experience to good effect.

But it was a collective effort with every member of the panel giving 100% for the cause. To score 7-7 against such a strong opponent is testament to the boys ability, skill and hard work. They will learn much from today’s game and we look forward to seeing them perform through the coming rounds of the league.

Well done to all the players and their coaches.

Longwood: Patrick Cully, Harry Quinn, Brendan Nicholson, Adam Baldwin, Finian Mooney, Jamie Brennan, Rian Holton, Patrick Nicholson, Dylan Mulligan, Cillian Rowley, Jamie Walsh, Cian Dixon, Bo Connolly, Lar Giles, Cian Doyle, Patrick Freeman, Cathal Brangan

Next up is a home game against St Vincent’s on March 27th.

All fixtures, results and match reports can be found on Clubzap https://clubzap.com/download?club_id=278

Maigh Dearmhaí abú !