We travelled to Ballysteen on Saturday to take on Askeaton Ballysteen in the second round of the U20 A Football Championship.

After a tough battle we emerged victorious on the scoreline 1-9 to 10 points.

Conditions were very tough with a very strong wind and slippery underfoot conditions. Ronan Benson playing at no 7 was first to get on the scoreboard with a point. Na Piarsaigh dominated the first half with our midfield of Daragh Jordan and Eoghan Vukovic playing very well and winning most of the battles there. Tommy Glynn slotted home a penalty close to the upright and pointed 2 frees and a point from play. We had a point each from Jim Beary, Eoghan Vukovic and Mark Hogan and at half time we led 1-7 to 2 points.

Our defence was superb with joint captain Adam Jordan at number 6 having an outstanding game and also corner back Harry McGann showing brilliant ability to read the game with excellent interceptions, tackles and speedy carrying of the ball out of defence.

The second half was a different story as Askeaton Ballysteen really put us under pressure. Their centre back was very accurate from long frees and scored 3 and they also scored 5 from play. Our goalkeeper and joint captain James Linnane had a very solid game and kept us in the match with 2 excellent saves in the 2nd half. Tommy Glynn had another point from a free and Jim Beary scored 1 from play. The last 10 minutes were nail biting but our team showed great resilience to carve out the win by 2.

Our next match is against Ahane and fixed for this weekend, with the date and time to be agreed.

Team: James Linnane, Harry McGann, Matthew Walsh, Aaron Rush, Thomas Fitzgerald, Adam Jordan, Ronan Benson, Darragh Jordan, Eoghan Vukovic, John O’Tiarnaigh, Leon Power, Jim Beary, Andrew Stack, Tommy Glynn, Mark Hogan.

Subs: Sam Murray, Ben O’Regan, Shaoib Ayran.

Report compiled by our U20 football manager Con Daly. Well done to Con and all the lads on a great win.