SLIGO-LEITRIM YOUTH&SCHOOLBOYS 
U-12 LEAGUE

Date: 12th December 2009
Time: 2:00 pm
Opponents: Dromore Villa
Venue: Dromore West

The absences of James Hannon, Niall Colsh and Stefan Beirne meant that Ballymote were forced to change the team that ran out deserved winners over Carrick Town two weeks previous. With Calry’s game called off and a better goal difference than Carrick we knew that a win here would put us top of the table come Christmas. However it was important not to underestimate the task that lay ahead of us, a determined and strong Dromore Villa side with a 100% record.

Playing against a strong wind Ballymote knew they were up against it in the first half and Villa were the better side. It was no surprise when they took the lead early on. After ten minutes the home team exploited a huge gap on Celtic’s right hand side and played a ball through. Dromore’s striker latched onto it and simply slotted home to keeper Gareth Healy’s left for 1-0. A poor start but with the wind playing havoc on the visiting sides attempt to play football, Ballymote knew it would be damaged limitations in the first half.

But Keith Golden managed to get Celtic back into the game against the run of play. Paul McKenna threaded a fine ball through to the striker who ran onto it and fired past the helpless Villa keeper. Now Ballymote began to play with confidence. Jack Hever was starting to look extremely dangerous as he took on the full back with unlimited freedom. Ciaran Anderson was starting to impose his stamp on the game as Celtic soon took the lead. Keith Golden, on form grabbed a brace as he picked up the ball from another excellent McKenna pass and taking it round the keeper fired low into the net. 2-1 and things were looking good going into half time. However, the threat was always there and Villa managed to get themselves on level terms just before the break. With the wind behind him, the home side’s number 6 was given too much time and he struck a high speculative effort which sailed over the unlucky Healy’s head for 2-2.

Despite losing a winning position, going into half time level was not too bad. With the wind now blowing in our favour, the onus was on us to take the game to Villa. With the blowing of the whistle we did that and Hever came into his own. Malachy Healy fired a long ball from centre back which Conor Booth flicked on. Hever’s frightening pace took him beyond the right back and to a one v one with the keeper. Taking it wide he expertly slotted it into the net. 3-2 and we now invited an onslaught from the home side.

Pushing for the equaliser Dromore threw everything including the kitchen sink at Ballymote. Only for heroics from Malachy Healy and captain Michael Rafferty, they may have got their goal. Hever nearly killed the game off when he skipped past the full back and again found himself marching down the keepers throat but unfortunately his touch was too heavy and the home side’s net minder picked it up. That was to be as good as it got in terms of goalmouth action for the u12s as the last 15 minutes was all Dromore. It was a backs to the wall job, but a successful one at that. The final whistle was very welcome and we took home another fantastic 3 points which puts us top of the table. Not a bad Christmas present.

Team: G Healy, G Rafferty, Devaney, M Rafferty (c), M Healy. Hever, Muldoon, McKenna, Anderson, Booth, Golden

Final Score: 2-3

Date: 28th November 2009
Time: 3:45 pm
Opponents: Carrick Town
Venue: Sligo Rovers Showgrounds

Having won the first game of the second phase a month ago against Glenview Stars it was important to build on that to create a good standing in the league. Our opponents today were a strong Carrick Town side who had a 100% record, 2 wins from 2 games, including a 9-4 demolition of Coolaney a few weeks ago. By the end of today we would know whether Ballymote Celtic were serious contenders for this league title.

First ten minutes was an even affair with both teams hammering it out in the middle of the park. Carrick, lining up in a 4-3-3 formation failed to take example of their extra man in the middle of the field and Ballymote exploited their lack of width for the first goal. Jack Hever, finally starting to show his massive potential, made a darting run down the left flank. Spotted well by Ciaran Anderson who threaded an inch perfect ball through. Hever ran onto this, skipped by the full back and side footed it past the keeper for 1-0. At this point Ballymote took full control of the game and could have made it two had James Hannon better directed his header from a Keith Golden flick on.

Paul McKenna, running riot on the right hand side made it 2-0 when he flicked it over the keeper to add to his tally for the season. Hever, having a stormer, got his second of the evening to make it a fantastic half time score when he volleyed home following a parry from the keeper. It had been a fantastic half with Ballymote in complete control. Rafferty and Beirne were solid at the back with nothing getting through while Gabriel Rafferty at right back was marauding up and down the line with unlimited inhibitions. It was almost perfect, but the key was not to get complacent.

However, Celtic did just that and conceded a penalty 7 minutes into the second half. A long free kick bounced over Hannons head and hit Michael Rafferty on the arm. The referee pointed to the spot and Carricks player fired home high to the left for 3-1. Just that slight bit of nerves were evident in Celtic's play and a fourth goal was needed. In reality there was not much threat to the victory but a second goal would have piled the pressure on. Leading goalscorer Ciaran Anderson popped up with the clincher when he raced onto a great ball by Paul McKenna and slammed it into the back of the net by a helpless keeper. 4-1 and game over. Malachy Healy could have made it 5 when his fantastic effort smacked the crossbar while Conor Booth fired wide when it looked easier to score.

None the less a fantastic victory for Celtic who are flying high and full of confidence. The constant attacking kept Carrick pegged in their own half and the persistent goal threat from McKenna, Hever, Golden and Anderson meant the result was never in doubt. 

Team: G Healy, G Rafferty (Collis), Colsh (Devaney), M Rafferty, Beirne, McKenna (Conlon), Hever (Booth), Anderson, Hannon, Golden (Muldoon), M Healy (Kilgareth) 

Final Score: 1-4

Date: 17th October 2009
Time: 2:00 pm
Opponents: Glenview Stars
Venue: Brother Walfrid Park

Having lost our previous four games, to get something from our phase two clash with Glenview Stars was a necessity. Glenview, the only side we have beat this campaign boasted a full squad for this game and looked to create an upset. A few positional changes for the home outfit, with Ciaran Anderson and James Hannon taking the centre midfield reins, while McKenna and Hever operated on the wings. That left Malachy Healy and Keith Golden with the goalscoring responsibilities.

From the first whistle it was clear that this game was not going to be as one sided as the earlier encounter and Glenview were much the better side in the opening quarter. They seemed to be first to every ball and it was no surprise when they took an early lead. This kicked Ballymote into action and they finally came out of the blocks when they got a piece of luck with the equaliser. Malachy Healy had twice gone close with close range efforts but it was James Hannon, who put in a fine performance throughout the game, who grabbed that important first goal. He hit a speculative high effort and the unfortunate keeper let it slip through his hands for an unlikely goal.

This knocked the wind out of Glenviews sails who had played so well up to now. Ballymote now came into their own and delivered the performance of the season so far. Jack Hever made it 2 in the game and 2 for the season for him as his fantastic low drive spun past the helpless keeper. Paul McKenna almost made it 3-1 when his audacious lob just barely failed to find the back of the net. Malachy Healy did just that when he powered home a volley from close range. Ciaran Anderson killed the game off as a contest when he scored with the last kick of the first half, a spectacular long range effort bursting the net.

Celtic could take their foot off the pedal as the game was almost over. They had several chances to get more goals with Jack Hever firing wide and McKenna shooting over but it was Hannon again who would have the final say. He played a fantastic one two with Keith Golden and despite being out wide he just gently chipped the ball into the far corner for the goal of the game. A truly professional performance from Ballymote which ended the losing streak and hopefully they can build from this and improve.

Team: G Healy, G Rafferty, Colsh (McNulty), M Rafferty, Beirne, McKenna, Hever, Anderson, Hannon, Golden, M Healy (Kilgareth) 

Final Score: 5-1

U-12 CONNACHT CUP

Date: 3rd October
Time: 11:00 am
Opponents: Gurteen Celtic
Venue: Gurteen Community Park

A Connacht cup game was a welcome distraction from our faltering league campaign, and with it came a local derby. It also provided an opportunity to give some players a start who hadnt got one yet this season but the main bones of the team was the same. However the cliche about a winning run ran through, as Ballymote, currently on a losing streak, did little to break the mould.

The game ran haphazardly for the first ten minutes with not a lot of decent football on display. Keith Golden worked hard up front while Paul McKenna was busy in the centre of the park. Gurteen also looked like a tidy outfit and managed to get themselves on the score sheet after 15 minutes. James Hannon, stand in keeper could do nothing about a long high shot which sailed over his head and into the net.

Ballymote on the back foot but Keith Golden, who was one of Ballymote's best performers on the day got Celtic back into the game with a low drive after been played through by McKenna. Gurteens second goal was a poor one from the visiting side's perspective as a long ball was sent down the pitch. A lack of communication between keeper and skipper Michael Rafferty meant Gurteens striker nipped in between the two and fired into an empty net for 2-1. At this stage Gurteen were much the better team and deserved their lead. However, leading goalscorer Ciaran Anderson ensured Ballymote would not lie down.

Taking the ball from the left flank, he cut inside and finding himself in acres of space, chipped the keeper for a fantastic goal. 2-2 but the drama in this half was not over yet. In attempting to deal with a gurteen attack Stefan Beirne went in too enthusiastically and left the opposing player on the deck. The referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot and their captain hit it high to the left for 3-2.

Half time and it had been an absorbing game so far, but a poor performance by Ballymote. After the break Niall Colsh, Gabriel Rafferty and Jack Hever were sprung from the bench and finally Celtic began playing some good football. Stefan Beirne made amends for his earlier mistake when he rifled the ball from all of 40 yards and saw it burst through the net for the third equaliser. This was the opportunity for Celtic to get the winner but despite huffing and puffing they could not. When faced with an open goal Hever and Anderson managed to get in each others way and the ball went agonisingly wide.

The game now went to extra time and in line with the previous 60 minutes Gurteen retook the lead. This time there was to be be no comeback for Ballymote. Hever almost got the vital goal when his chip went over the home side's net minder but it dribbled wide. Anderson then had a shot straight at the keeper easily saved. Unfortunately it wasnt to be for Ballymote who tried hard but didnt play well enough for the win. Celtic need to break the losing streak fast, as their huge potential will count for nothing.

Team: Hannon, Collis (G Rafferty), O Conlon (Colsh), M Rafferty, Beirne, Anderson, Muldoon (Devaney), McKenna, Healy, Golden, Booth (Hever)

Final Score: 4-3 

SLIGO-LEITRIM YOUTH&SCHOOLBOYS 
U-12 LEAGUE

Date: 12th September
Time: 11:00 am
Opponents: Cliffoney-Grange United
Venue: Brother Walfrid Park

Despite the disappointing result against Merville Hammers last Thursday, there were enough positives to be taken from the game to give us optimism going into our match against Cliffoney-Grange. However, an early injuring to captain Michael Rafferty and a powerful performance from our visitors ensured we would not emerge from the game with any points.

As with the last two games, Ballymote again conceded an early goal. The ball looped over Rafferty’s head and caught the wrong side of his man his attempted tackle could not prevent Cliffoney’s striker getting the first of the game. Doing damage to his knee, the skipper had to depart the field and a defensive re-shuffle ensued, which did not help the home side. Ten minutes later and it was 2-0. The ball fumbled through Gareth Healy’s hands for 3-0 and it was looking like it would be a cricket score.

Credit to Ballymote they did not give up, and Jack Hever pulled one back. He latched onto a fantastic ball and took on his full back, cutting inside. Although he was brought onto his weaker right foot he slotted home to the keepers left for Celtic’s first goal. Ballymote now had a good spell and put pressure on Cliffoney, who realistically, were the far better side. They soaked up much of the onslaught by Paul McKenna, Ciaran Anderson and Hever and dealt quite easily with it. They managed to get a fantastic fourth goal right before the end of the second half and it realistically was game over.

Early in the second half Malachy Healy picked up an injury and was forced off as things did not look much better for Celtic, who in fairness, tried their best, but lacked the physicality and the quality of their opponents. A corner brought about the fifth goal as an unmarked player on the edge of the box sidefooted into the back of the net. The sixth was another fine piece of play from Cliffoney who were rampant at this stage. Celtic did miss a few chances as per usual which could have added a piece of respectability to the scoreline but Hever, whose never-say-die attitude all game was an inspiration, made another consolation goal. He took on the visitors defence all on his own and nipped it by the full back before being taken down for a penalty. Paul McKenna stepped up and made no mistake in blasting it home for 6-2. Cliffoney were not done yet and added another 2 goals to make it an embarrassing mornings work for the home side.

Division 1 looms for Ballymote, with a disappointing first phase over and done with. The lack of depth in the squad was brutally exposed throughout the campaign and a lot of lessons need to be learned if we are to compete for honours.

Team: G Healy, Hannon, Beirne, M Rafferty (Devaney), G Rafferty (Collis), Golden (K Conlon), Anderson, M Healy (Booth), McKenna, Colsh (Muldoon), Hever

Final Score: 2-8

Date: Tuesday 8th September
Time: 6:30 pm
Opponents: Merville Hammers
Venue: Brother Walfrid Park

After a largely inept and naive performance against Yeats United we faced an unenviable task of taking on a talented Merville United side who were looking to top this group. The only changes from the team against Yeats was Stefan Beirne coming in at centre back with James Hannon moving out right and Ciaran Anderson and Niall Colsh switching places. Whatever the team a similar performance here would mean Ballymote would be in serious trouble in qualifying for the next phase.

The first half was exactly that, a carbon copy of the whole game against Yeats. Celtic second to the ball, not competing, slow to react and limp in going forward. It was no surprise that Merville took the lead with only 5 minutes gone. Hammers centre midfielder was given huge space and time which he used to maximum advantage. He hit an excellent shot far into the right hand corner giving keeper Gareth Healy no chance. 1-0 and it was looking bad for Ballymote. Their tall striker was causing huge problems as was their nippy left midfielder. Completely dominant, Merville added a second ten minutes later with another well taken goal. Hitting Ballymote on the break Merville raided down the left and got behind the back 4 before slotting past Healy into the back of the net for 2-0.

Captain Rafferty had a fantastic opportunity to make it an undeserved 2-1 as he failed to get a head on Paul McKennas superb free kick. Despite this rare effort it could have been 4 or 5 nil as Merville ran rampant. Healy made a fantastic save to deny Merville a third as Celtic capitulated. At half time we were lucky to go in at just 2-0 and harsh words were needed. Credit to Ballymote, they responded and players, such as Michael Rafferty and Paul McKenna grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck and turned it on its head. Instantly Celtic seemed to have gained a new lease of life as they got right at Merville from the start.

With increased energy, Ballymote pulled one back after 5 minutes of the restart. Michael Rafferty’s long goal kick somehow managed to evade both teams midfield and Ciaran Anderson latched onto it. He kicked it past the full back and ran through to expertly score his fourth of the season to make it a goal in every game he has played. It was the home sides turn to run riot as they cut open Merville with every opportunity and played with the confidence of a team 5 or 6 nil up.

Jack Hever had the first of the great chances to equalise; when put through on goal he shot wide of the post after 15 minutes. Malachy Healy then was unlucky to see his fantastic volley spectacularly saved high to his right by the visiting teams net minder. A succession of corners failed to be a productive and finally the ball fell to the mercurial McKenna. He skipped by several players before finding himself one on one with the keeper. This was sure to be it, but McKenna dragged the ball wide, in a frustrating moment for the whole home side.

The final whistle sounded and Merville had used up their get out of jail free card. Completely on top in the first half they were in awe of Celtic in the second who performed magnificently. However chances missed, like last week against Yeats proved hugely costly as qualification for the top 3 is now out of our hands.

Team: G Healy, Hannon, Beirne, M Rafferty, G Rafferty, Golden, Anderson, M Healy, McKenna, Colsh (Muldoon), Hever

Final Score: 1-2

Date: Thursday 3rd September
Time: 6:30 P.M
Venue: Oxfield
Opponents: Yeats United Blues

Ballymote had a full squad for the second match of this campaign but it didnt help the u12s get the result they were hoping for. In a few changes from the last match Niall Colsh came in at left midfield, Gabriel Rafferty in at left back and Jack Hever started up front.

Celtic started strongly and Ciaran Anderson had a fantastic chance to make it 1-0 when he found himself through on goal but failed to pull the trigger before the onrushing defender intercepted the ball. Next it was Niall Colsh's turn to miss the target as he shot wide following a good pass from Anderson. Despite early pressure Yeats looked the better team and were very strong all over the park. After 15 minutes it was one nil to the home side when their midfielder found himself in acres of space and shot past the helpless Gareth Healy for one nil.

Healy was one of Ballymote's best performers as he stopped Yeats at every turn. His fantastic high block denied a second for United as they raided Celtic's left hand side. Paul McKenna then got on the ball as a free was awarded. He floated the ball in and Keith Golden ghosted in at the back post to equalise. However, this was not long lasting as Yeats poured forward and managed to score just before half time.

The ten minutes after the break proved crucial and Ballymote collapsed conceding two quick goals. Unfortunate net minder Healy slipped for the third goal and the fourth was a good strike following an uncleared corner. On came Stefan Beirne and his physical presence sured Ballymote up and they pushed forward. Ciaran Anderson pulled one back from Ballymote when he blasted into the net from close range. It was all Celtic now and Jack Hever could have made it 4-3 when he ducked and dived through three players but tamely shot straight at the keeper with his bad foot. A bad evening for the visiting side was confirmed when Anderson rattled the crossbar from 10 yards out.

The game finished 4-2 with disappointed players all round. However, conditions taken into consideration, and a hat ful of missed chances it could have been a different story for Ballymote. In the end the better and hungrier team won the match. The learning curve continues.

Team: G Healy, Devaney (Beirne), G Rafferty, M Rafferty, Hannon (Collis), Golden, Anderson, M Healy, McKenna, Colsh (O Conlon), Hever

Final Score: 4-2

Date: Saturday 22nd August
Time: 4:00 P.M
Venue: Forthill
Opponents: Glenview Stars

Despite having a decimated squad due to the tag rugby in Athlone Ballymote managed to pull off a comprehensive victory against a gritty Glenview Stars outfit in Forthill.

Despite a lacklustre start it was right winger Keith Golden who managed to get his name on the score sheet first. He was put through on goals and ran past the full back to slot home to the keepers right for 1-0. Soon after Conor Booth made it two with a well taken goal. Ciaran Anderson fed the ball in from the left and Booth calmly took it down and powered into the back of the net. Although Glenview heads went down they nearly grabbed one back as their striker latched onto a long ball and probably shot too early, allowing keeper Gareth Healy to make the save. This woke Ballymote up and it was Paul McKenna's turn to shine. From fully thirty yards out he unleashed a thunderstrike which smacked off the crossbar. Two nil at half time and Ballymote were comfortable.

McKenna went one better than his previous effort when he followed through on a perfect ball from Keith Golden. He found himself on the edge of the 18 yard box and with no tackle imminent he fired high into the net for 3-0, just rewards for the busy centre midfielder. Glenview managed to pull one back as a long ball was mis-judged and the sligo town outfits striker ran though on goals and fired home for 3-1. For a few minutes things were slightly nervy but Malachy Healy grabbed a fourth; his expertly low driven effort left the keeper with no chance. 

Celtic began to get complacent and conceded a second to make the score 4-2. However the game was never in doubt and Ciaran Anderson got on the score sheet with a tap in from close range. Stars refused to give up and pulled back a third but Anderson's second ended the game. An entertaining goal-fest, Ballymote showed their credentials with a weakened team, however the 3 goals conceded is a worry.

Team: G Healy, Muldoon, Devaney, M Rafferty, Hannon, Golden, Anderson, M Healy, McKenna, Booth, Conlon

Final Score: 3-6