ETP Friendlies Sunday 17th November

The NEC 16s / 17s had a great run out against a strong Drogheda Utd U- 18 side yesterday. Though losing 4-0 they battled well in a good physical game, not shirking any challenges against the bigger lads and more importantly tried to pass the ball and keep possession under pressure. Luke O’Malley was calm and capable in goal, central defenders Dylan Doyle and Daniel Rourke were strong and used the ball brilliantly, while full backs Liam Day, Jason Colton and Wesley James all defended well and managed to overlap also  Midfielders had a tough time but still look composed in possession – Shane Mc Donnell, Alex Corscadden,  Mark Horrigan, Craig Dixon, Declan Dowling and Lee Clarke all played a half each . While up front Larry Power, Eden McKay, Nathan Costello, Ronan Clinch, Paudie McMahon and Luke Gilsenan showed clever movement and bravery throughout . It was only the squads first game and the management team were delighted with their attitude and their good habits.

The NEC 14’s had their first friendly match of the season away to Kildare where they started brightly with good link up play with long spells of possession.  Some excellent runs down the right from Adam O Mara with quality deliveries into the box, with Dylan Keating and Jack McMahon both being denied by the keeper.  Seosamh Sheerin also came close with two efforts from the edge of the box.

We conceded 2 goals against the run of play and started from a long ball from their keeper which we should have defended better.

The 2nd third started with eight changes and again played some good football with good movement on and off the ball.  Seanie Keoghan came close straight from the start only to be denied by the keeper again.  Kildare scored from a great strike from the edge of the box which really should have been closed down quicker to deny the chance.

The last third seen chances at both ends with neither side being able to finish.  We made lots of substitutions in this 30 minutes, eight in all which took a little fluency out of the game.

All three games had lots of positives especially with players playing in positions that they have never played in before and adapting to their new role very well.  Conor Hallinan at centre back for the first time did well in a partnership with Killian Clarke, and Callum Clarke also did well playing at both right back and left back.

All players should gain confidence from this performance, as at this early stage the result is not the main target but the development, and on todays instructions as a whole the squad took the information on board.

Well done all.  Our next match is away to Drogheda next Sunday