St Ciaráns CS 2:3 Ardee CS
Following on from our Div 2 league success last year, our U-19 soccer team began their Div 1 campaign on Thursday with a home fixture against a battle-hardened Ardee CS side. With a number of experienced players unavailable, it presented an opportunity for some of our younger panel members to step up to the mark. Playing with the wind in the 1st half, Ardee produced more of a goal scoring threat with our back four of Luke Quinn, Feidhlim Farrelly, Cian Madden and Jake Coyne standing firm throughout. However, a well taken gaol gave the away side a deserved lead on the stroke of half time.
Our lads started the 2nd half strongly and within 5 minutes were level with the lively Jake Madden sliding the ball into the bottom corner of the Ardee net. From here on the game ebbed and flowed with a number of chances for both teams. Ardee retook the lead from the penalty spot but the response was almost instant when Maddens pace got him in behind the Ardee back four where he made no mistake to make it 2-2. The game looked set to end in stalemate but for one last cruel twist. With 2 minutes remaining, the away side slotted a 25 yard free kick perfectly into the top corner which proved to be the winner.
Best for the Kells side on the day were Luke Quinn, Ross Blair, Dara Brennan and Jake Madden. The lads will regroup for their final two league games against Dundalk Grammar School and Coláiste na Hinse, Bettystown in a few weeks.