May 24th 2008. Glounthane Utd 4-1 Everton

A disappointing end to the season for Everton's under 13 side with a 4-1 loss to Glounthane. The side were one down inside the first minute and further behind before the mid point of the half to a home side looking sharp around the box. Everton though rallied strongly and a Stanley Notte free kick saw them back in the game five minutes later. Everton then enjoyed their best spell of the gane and could have leveled the scores just before the break when Stanley Notte had a two efforts in the same move. The first was stopped by a brave defensive block, the second by the keepers toe, resulting in a corner.

The second half saw the sides evenly matched, with few clear cut chances but two goalkeepeing errors gifted the home side goals that gave them a comfortable victory.

The result doesn't effect the sides third placed finished and over the season the lads have competed well, shown great commitment to training and have again improved immensly; hopefully next season will bring more of the same.

May 20th 2008: Douglas Hall 0-0 Everton

Everton's under 13 side travelled to Douglas on Tuesday night to play a Douglas Hall side needing just a point to be crowned champions. These two sides have had a number of great battles over the past three years, and despite the league no longer being a possibilty for our lads they were eager to pit themselves against a side unbeaten since the first day of the season.

Playing with the hill in the first half Everton dominated for long spells but couldn't find an opening, while Douglas always looked dangerous on the break. Rory Nagle had the ball in the net mid way through the half but the referee ruled it out for an earlier infringement, while the best chance of the half fell to Colm KEane who shot over when well placed. Defensively Everton worked hard with Stanley Notte and Alan O' Neill kept on their toes by a nippy right side for douglas.

The second half saw Douglas use the hill well, but Everton battled for every ball and apart from a headed chance early in the period Sean Hanley was never really troubled. On the attacking side Ian Sisk had an overhead kick from twenty yards, some good crosses went unattacked and man of the match Danial Wallace struck a free kick just over. Jonathon Foley and Craig Doyle continued their excellent recent form and Leon Danza produced a fine performance at right back when introduced.

Overall a draw was just about right on the night and the Everton lads showed true sporting character by staying for the presentation of the trophy and visiting the home sides dressing room afterwards. One more game to go for this side and with third place now secured a large improvement on last season is guaranteed.

May 10th 2008: St Mary's 1-3 Everton

Everton's under 13 side produced a controlled footballing performance to deservedly net three points at St Mary's park over the weekend.

St Mary's just about shaded the first half, without causing a solid Everton back four too many problems, while Everton always looked dangerous going forward. Shane Mulcahy and Rory Nagle were both unlucky with a first touch when well positioned for a strike on goal before a sweeping move out of defence released Ahmad Saleem to opening the scoring. The home side responded well though and were worthy of their equaliser before half time.

The half time talk on the Everton line was for the central midfield duo of Ian Sisk and Rory Nagle to hold their positions and to apply the training ground work on positioning and passing. The side's response was perfect and had an enormous bearing on Everton's control of the second half. Sean Hanley in goal was rarely troubled, and when he was dealt comfortably with any threat, while the back four led by example by getting the ball down and Everton dominated possesion entirely. The pressure told when Stanley Notte won a header in midfield and Ahmad Saleem was released to finish neatly and once in front Everton never looked like conceding. In fact the could have had a few more before a poor goal kick, allowed Ahmad a clear run on goal to complete his hat trick.

Once again selecting a man of the match was difficult. Craig Doyle and Danial Wallace had great games at the heart of defence while Philip Keating followed his own man of the match performance last week with another excellent display, but in the end the hat-trick hero Ahmad Saleem, who put everything he has been asked to work on in training into practice, got the nod.

May 3rd 2008. Everton 2-3 Hibernians

Despite a first ever goal from Ian Sisk and a super Ahmad Saleem strike Eveton's under 13 side left Coffey's Field empty handed from their latest league encounter.

These two sides have been evenly matched over the past few years and this battle proved no different. Hibernians grabbed the lead ten minutes in but Everton were level before half time when a sweeping move ended with Man of the Match, Philip Keating releasing Ahmad Saleem whose cross was forced home by Ian Sisk.

The second period saw Hibs start well but Everton resisted gamely and had fought their way back in the game when a whipped cross left Sean Hanley exposed to three attackers and picking the ball out of the net again.

Sub David Dineen then produced a mazy run before playing a perfect pass for Ahmad Saleem who crashed home an equaliser with four minutes remaining on the clock.

Disaster struck shortly after when a good passing move across Everton's back four ended in an interception on the left and the onrushing forward made no mistake to leave Everton's efforts unrewarded on the day.

April 12th 2008: Everton 1-1 St Mary's

An Ahmad Saleem goal five minutes from time secured a point for Everton's under 13 side in a tough home fixture with St Mary's this morning.

Everton showed great character to grab a point, never giving up and playing some good footbal as well. It could have been a very different story however if the home sides first half dominance had been rewarded with a goal or two. The woodwork saved St Mary's twice, first from Philip Keating and then from a sweet Alan O' Neill strike that seemed destined for the corner. There were other close things to and while St Mary's threatened on the break the 0-0 score at half time definately suited the visitors.

With the wind and hill helping them Mary's were stronger on the attack in the second half and Danial Wallace and Craig Doyle were superb at the heart of the Everton defence throughout, while the full backs Alan O' Neill and Luke Ryan- prominent in attack in the first period, - stood up to the task of defending equally well. Attacking wise the lads kept trying to do the right thing and Ian Sisk had a good effort fly wide with the score at 0-0, while Colm Keane and Ahmod Saleem looked lively up front. The lead goal when it came led to a good St. Mary's spell where a goal line clearance from Craig Doyle kept Everton in it but eventually Everton's hard work was rewarded with Ahmod's late strike.

Man of the match was a close call, with the entire back four in the running, but Luke Ryan who was excellent at right back just got the nod on the day.

April 5th 2008: Everton 1-1 Everton

Three panels unable to arrange games against other clubs came together in Harlequins on Saturday afternoon for a friendly and enjoyable workout. The under 13 panel consisted of 15 players all of whom played well.

Despite the hard work of Luke Ryan and Scott McCarthy on the right and the efforts of Ahmod Saleem, Wayne Murphy and Rory Nagle in midfield they fell behind to a Gary Boyle goal in the first period. The second saw Leon Danza and Luke Maher take control of the opposition attackers and the front two Craig O' Sullivan (with a strike against the bar) and Shane Mulcahy could have levelled the game before Micheal Kenneally brought a good stop from the excellent David Daly in the under 13 goal. The period finished with a Danial Wallace inspired under 13's on the attack and a good strike from Scott McCarthy flying just wide.

The final third saw both sides stick to the passing game both sets of coaches encourage but only one goal. A fine right footed strike from Stanley Notte leaving the sides level at the final whistle.

29th March 2008: Everton 2-2 Rockmount

Everton's under 13 side returned to league action after a four month lay off and left Coffey's Field bewildered by the loss of two points to Rockmount. In a game of countless chances Everton fell behind, dragged themslelves into the lead and cruelly saw it slip in the last minute.

With Everton looking sluggish Rockmount got the perfect start with an opening goal inside five minutes. And could have added to that tally if not for two excellent stops from Sean Hanley in the Everton goal, the intervention of the woodwork on one occasion and a goal line clearance from Danial Wallace. It wasn't all one way traffic however as Ahmod Saleem had three good opportunites to level and Stanley Notte had a shot saved before the whistle sounded for half-time.

The half time talk was of keeping the shape and letting the ball do the work and Everton came out all guns blazing in the second half. But Rockmount defended resolutely and as chances came and went it looked like being one of those days, particularly for Ahmad Saleem who was on the end of countless chances, none of which would go in. A Rory Nagle header was then handled on the line and Stanley Notte slotted the resultant penalty to level the game. With confidence high and the visitors reduced to ten Everton camped in the Rockmount half for the remainder of the game. A two one lead was secured when Stanley Notte's great ball behind the Rockmount defence led to an own goal but the third and killer strike just wouldn't come.

Jonathon Foley, Stanley Notte, Colm Keane and the tireless Ahmad Saleem all had good efforts but Rockmount somehow survived. And then in the last minute Luke Ryan was harshly adjudged to have fouled inside the area and the away side salvaged a point from the spot kick to leave the home side sick as parrots.

The point does however keep the lads in contention at the right end of what is a very competetive section. And when considering the performance, particularly of the back four in the first half, and the amount of chances created then the management team - who always preach performance first and results second - could have nothing but praise for the lads effort on the day.

9th March 2008: Carrigaline 7-4 Everton

Harlequins all weather pitch was the venue for the under 13's latest challenge match this afternoon and a great day was had by all in attendance. The idea of challenges is now reaping the benefits first envisaged with the players taking oppotunities to impress in different positions, and the management team being posed serious selection questions.

Leon Danza, and Stanley Notte have put themselves in contention for selection in new positions while Ben Sheehan's performance in goal definitely got the attention of those on the line. Scott McCarhty, Glen Dupuis and Wayne Murphy also had good performances while Ahmod Saleem, after a slow start, began to get to grips with a central midfield berth and Jonathon Foley's distribution from the same position was excellent. The goals on the day were provided by Stanley Notte, Philip Keating (both controlled, acurate finishes) and a pair from Ahmod Saleem, the second set up by Marc O Connor.

It was the much improved Craig Doyle (a rock in central defence) however who collected the man of the match award, his second at this venue.

2nd March 2008: Strand 0-3 Everton

Bitter disapointment for a panel of 15 players this morning when having travelled to Ballyanley they were met by an empty pitch. The home side, without the courtesy of a phone call, had decided not to fulfill the fixture. Their abscence gave our lads a three-nil walk over win, which maintains their position near the head of the table, but without a league game now in three months.

1st March 2008 Watergrasshill 2-4 Everton

In the first of two games for, what is a blurgeoning, under 13 squad over the weekend a squad of 13 players travelled to Watergrasshill and produced a marvelous performance to secure a four-two victory.

Captain for the day and man of the match Leon Danze drove the side forward from the back throughout and following a shaky start, during which goalkeeper Ben Sheehan raced from his line three times to repel Watergrasshill attacks, the side raced into a three nil lead. Shane Mulcahy opened the scoring before Craig O' Sullivan, getting his reward for recent performances, and Ryan Cahill put the away side in complete control.

Watergrasshill pulled a goal back before the break but with Mark O' Connor in excellent form in central midfield, Craig O' Sullivan torturing any Watergarsshill player to come near him and Glen Dupuis winning every tackle, Everton never looked like relinquishing the lead.

The second half saw Everton dominate possesion but it was a piece of individual brilliance that provided a fourth goal. A mazy run and a bullet twenty yard shot to the top corner (what a hummer) from Anthoney O' Connell lit up the faces of our lads and the game was effectively over. Watergrasshill narrowed the gap from the penalty spot, although Ben Sheehan came mighty close to capping the day by saving it; his outstreched hand reaching the ball but just unable to prevent it from crossing the line.

Manager Liam Goulding was in jubilant mood afterwards and spoke in glowing terms of the attitude and passing ethos shown on the day; high praise indeed lads!!!

Everton: Ben Sheehan, Luke Maher, Glen Dupuis, Leon Danza, Ryan Cahill, Craig O' Sullivan, Marc O'Connor, Shane Mulcahy, Scott McCarthy, Sean Casey, Aonthoney O' Connell

Subs: David Daly, Cian McCarthy.

Everton 2-2 Everton

A great friendly work out between the under 11, 12 and 13 sides ended in a draw on Sunday afternoon, and a fun penalty shoot afterwards saw bags of action too.

Alan O' Neill, with a header, and a clever chipped finish from Ahmad Saleem brought the 13 panel level on two occasions and Craig O' Suliivan was unlucky in front of goal more than once. A shot clipping the post was his best effort and the closest he came to netting the goal his performance deserved. There were good performances from Craig Doyle, Anthoney O' Connell, Stanley Notte and Shane Mulcahy too (to name but a few). And, in a workout that saw many personnel and positional changes, Sean Hanley proved his worth both in goal and at right back, while David Dineen adapted well to a new centre half role and Jonathon Foley was in top form.

The penalty shoot out saw plenty of different techniques but the highlight was David Daly's fine diving save which was greeted by an enormous roar from the assembled players, management and parents.

15th Feb 2008: Everton 0-7 Riverstown

Everton bowed out of the local cup to higher ranked Riverstown today. The scoreline was scant reward for a side who battled gamely throughout and had been just one down at half time and could actually been level if a great chance just before the whistle had been taken.

Having said that the gap in divisions told and Riverstown would good value for their win, though the home sides long period without a competetive match was obvious as well.

Ian Sisk, Craig Doyle and man of the match Daniel Wallace epitomised the home sides determination, while Ahmod Saleem and Colm Keane gave their all up front, attributes that should stand to the side when they return to league action in a fortnight.

9th Feb 2008: Carrigaline 3-3 Everton

Everton's under 13 side returned to action following a lenghty period without a game due to the tropical weather the country has been in the grip of with a friendly against second division Carrigaline today. The game was played on Harlequins all weather surface and nineteen players turned up to display their skills.

The match was an open affair with both sides trying to keep the ball on the ground and after an understandably rusty beginning Everton played some lovely stuff. It would have been hard on either side to have lost but given that Carrigaline's third goal was an og Everton perhaps felt they deserved the win most.

Man of the match Craig Doyle and Ian Sisk had tremendous games at the heart of the defence while Sean Hanley and Ben Sheehan both acquited themselves well in goal, giving Leon Danza food for thought, though he himself did very well outfield. There were good performances from so many it is impossible to note them all but Shane Mulcahy showed a good eye for a pass throughout and Craig O' Sullivan was involved in a lot of the good passages of forward play. The goals came from Shane Mulcahy, Rory Nagle and Ahmod Saleem who started in central midfield for the first time.

From the coaches point of view the most pleasing aspect was the attitude of the lads to play in a multitude of positions, which saw forwards play at the back and in midfield and a number of players play a variety of roles to good effect. So in the end a good work out in preparation (hopefully) of a return to competetive action next weekend and an enjoyable day for all involved.

24th Nov 2007: Everton 2-4 Douglas Hall

Everton's under 13 side paid the price for a slow start when their recent good league run was ended by Douglas Hall, who were the last side to win on Coffey's field in the league against this side almost a year ago.

One down inside the first ten minutes, when the home side could just not get going, Everton rallied and clawed their way back into the game and, with Alan O' Neill in particular coming to the fore, were beginning to look threatening when Douglas got a second on the break due to a defensive mix up. Everton then however pulled one back five minutes before the break when Colm Keane ended good work from Ahmod Saleem with a super volley. And the score could have been level at the break when a good move down the left led to Colm Keane teeing up Rory Nagle, but his shot lacked accuracy.

The lads started the second half brightly and looked the more likely to score before a long ball saw Douglas restore the two goal advantage five minutes in. To be fair Everton responded with their best spell of the game and Ahmod Saleem had a shot saved, before rounding the keeper five minutes later to bring the score back to 3-2. The game was now finely balanced and Everton's defence were superb in the next ten minutes with Danial Wallace and Ian Sisk inspired, as the home side pushed for the equaliser. The oppurtunity when it came was spurned however as Ahmod Saleem and Stanley Notte both went for the same ball. It was to prove costly as Douglas grabbed a fourth and despite a great work ethic Everton couldn't find a way back.

With the never say die attitude on dispaly the man of the match award was again a difficult decision but in the end it came down to the two centre halfs, with Ian Sisk just getting the nod over Danial Wallace.

17th Nov 2007: Everton 2-4 Kilreen Celtic

17 under 13 players presented themselves this morning for a friendly fixture v Kilreen at Everton Park, and acquited themselves very well too. Lots of players were asked to play in different positions and each and everyone gave their all in a game played in excellent spirit, with both sides looking to keep the ball on the floor.

The match was played in three 20 min segmants, the first of which ended with Ben Sheehan's goal intact, due in no small part to Craig Doyle and Luke Ryan's sparkling form at the back. The second spell saw Everton fall behind before Colm Keane finished neatly with his left leg after Craig O' Sullivan, who was excellent on the day, had unluckily hit a post. With six subs the changes came thick and fast and Anthoney O' Connell, Mark O'Connor, Ahmod Saleem, Shane Mulcahy all had a stint up front to good effect, but with everton constantly adapting their positions, Kilreen got a second and third, before a corner led to Alan O' Neill producing a superb strike from the edge of the box to narrow the gap.

Leon Danza then arrived in goal and did well as always while the side continued their passing game. Kilereen got a late goal to win 4-2 but the home sides management team were delighted with the side's application, particularly Scott Mc Carthy who edged out Craig O' Sullivan for Man of the Match on the day.

EVERTON: Ben Sheehan, David Dineen, Craig Doyle, Ian Sisk, Luke Ryan, Craig O' Sullivan, Rory Nagle, Jonathon Foley, Stanley Notte, Ahmod Saleem, Anthoney O' Connell: Leon Danza, Scott McCarthy, Shane Mulcahy, Colm Keane, Alan O' Neill, Mark O'Connor.

10th Nov 2007: Everton 6-0 Strand

Everton's under 13 side produced their best performance of the season to record a third consecutive league victory at home to Strand on Saturday morning. From the outset Everton's midfield were on top and created a number of openings before a short corner and a super cross from Stanley Notte led to Rory Nagle opening the scoring. Ahmod Saleem, Colm Keane and Stanley Notte, from a penalty, all had chances to extend the lead before the free flowing football of the home side produced a second for Jonathon Foley, who finished neatly in the corner after a good run.

Between the second and half time David Dineen, Philip Keating and Daniel Wallace caused havoc on the Strand left side, Ian Sisk and Alan O' Neill controlled the back line and Leon Danza dealt well with two over the top balls from the away side. Stanley Notte produced a volley from a Philip Keating cross that drew a good save, Daniel Wallace struck the bar and both front players had opportunities.

The second half saw the front two extend the lead. Ahmod Saleem slotted the third and then Colm Keane shot home from a tight angle. Then a wonderful exchange between Stanley Notte and Rory Nagle led to a sweet cross and Colm Keane netted his second. Craig Doyle and Luke Ryan were introduced at the back and Craig O' Sullivan up front. Craig O' Sullivan delivered a great cross at the end of the best move of the game soon after only for Ahmod to shoot just the wrong side of the post, before Stanley Notte atoned for his penalty miss when he cracked a beauty in off the bar following a corner. Shane Mulcahy and Scott McCarthy then added their skill to the game and in the closing stages Ian Sisk, Craig Doyle and Leon Danza, with a fine one handed save, ensured a clean sheet.

Man of the match was a difficult decision but Liam Goulding narrowed it to two in the end. Wide men Philip Keating and Stanley Notte sharing the award.

Everton: Leon Danza, David Dineen (c), Daniel Wallace, Ian Sisk, Alan O' Neill, Philip Keating, Rory Nagle, Jonathon Foley, Stanley Notte, Colm Keane, Ahmod Saleem. Subs: Luke Ryan, Craig Doyle, Scott McCarthy, Shane Mulcahy, Anthoney O' Connell, Craig O' Sullivan.

27th Oct 2007: Everton 4-7 Fermoy

Higher ranked Fermoy came to Coffey's Field on Saturday and were given a real fright by Everton's under 13 side. Despite conceding two early goals and being behind throughout Everton gave a great account of themselves and for a while had Fermoy under pressure.

Two down inside five minutes Everton then created two chances for Ahmod Saleem, neither of which he was able to take, and just when it seemed the side had the measure of the first division outfit the away side struck again from the penalty spot. Rory Nagle then scored a great goal to narrow the scoreline and the sides exchanged another goal each before half time, Ahmod Saleem netting for Everton from a Colm Keane through ball.

Everton began the second half much the brighter and with the offside trap frustarting Fermoy, David Dineen inspired at the back and the home side's passing game coming to the fore Fermoy began to get rattled and received three yellow cards. And when Ahmod Saleem netted again to reduce the defecit to just one the game was really on.

Unfortunatley just when the home side needed a touch of luck they conceeded a second penalty and Fermoy gave themselves a cushion again. The lads never gave it up though and, with subs Craig O' Sulivan, Sean Hanley and Scott McCarthy freshening the side, kept pushing for another. Two late strikes for the away side gave the final score a flattering look but Liam Goulding was full of praise for our lads at the end naming David Dineen man of the match and pointing to the strong performance against a side 35 places above our lads as a great indicator as to how far the side have come.

13th Oct 2007: Hibernians 1-2 Everton

Everton's under 13's bagged a deserved, but hard fought, three points in Shanbally on Saturday morning. Shanbally is a ground where this side have failed to win on four previous attempts and with the side deprived of the services of the top goal scorer and both regular keepers it was a marvelous squad effort that brought the three points.

The first half actually could, and should, have seen Everton out of sight. Apart from an odd corner Hibernians rarely threatened while Everton camped in the attacking half and really should have had a lot more than the one nil lead given to them by Stanley Notte. The move that led to his chipped finish was in fact typical of the excellent passing the lads produced in that half.

The second half was a different story. Despite starting well the side found themselves level when Hibs scored from a long ball over the top and suddenly the home side were hungry for victory. The remainder of the game was a battle, one Everton didn't shirk, and chances were exchanged (Hibs hitting a post and Stanley Notte and Colm Keane going close for Everton) before the score swung in Everton's favour. Colm Keane closed down a back pass and the keepers hurried clearance crawled in of his leg for the winner.

So another three points and the hoodoo of Shanbally lifted. While it was a great team effort Luke Ryan, who played both on the right of midfield and up front, and Luke Maher, a late goalkeeping decision deserve special mention. Luke Maher in fact had to be alert twice late on to repel Hibernian long balls to secure victory and the manner in which he volunteered for the job was a lesson for all in the panel. For those reasons he edged the man of the match award on a day where the depth of the squad was tested to the full.

30th Sept 2007: Rockmount 1-5 Everton.

A strong panel of 16 players traveled to Rockmount park on Sunday 30th to play Rockmount in the National cup 1st round. A flattering 4-1 defeat just 4 weeks ago was still fresh in the player’s memory taking the field, particularly as some of the Rockmount players were singing that tune during the warm up.

With a full squad to pick from it was hard for John Keating and Liam Goulding to pick the first 11 (particularly without guidance from the absent guru Stan Notte) but in the end management picked a team based on attendance at training and attitude. There was only one personnel change from the team that defeated Glountane in our previous league outing, Philip Keating coming in on the right of midfield with Ian Sisk reverting back to centre half for the unlucky Craig Doyle.

Everton started a little sluggishy but after 10 minutes of fairly even play began putting Rockmount under pressure creating two half chances in quick succesion for Ahmod Saleem, who shot narrowly wide from both. The break came after 12 minutes when Rory Nagle was taken down with a two footed tackle outside the box, and Colm Keane chipped the free kick in to the top right hand corner leaving the Rockmount players bemused as they thought it was indirect. Three minutes later Rory Nagle put Ahmod Saleem through and he made no mistake this time. A third Goal came 5 minutes later when Rockmount's keeper fumbled a cross from Colm Keane and Johnaton Foley was fastest to react to tap in from close range. Leon Danza made two great sprints off his line to spoil Rockmount attacks and keep Everton well in control at half time.

With the team playing so well it was impossible to make any changes at half time but Rockmount began the second half brightly and the back four of Danial Wallace, David Dineen, A O Neill and I Sisk had to be at their best to ensure there was no way through for Rockmount. Shots on target from the improving Stanley Notte and Colm keane were saved in this spell but the game was put out of reach for the home side when a through ball from the superb Philip Keating saw Ahmod Saleem out sprint Rockmount's defence to plant number four. Rockmount got a consolation goal with 15 minutes remaining to narrow the score and Everton brought on all 5 subs (C Doyle for I sisk, Luke Maher for C keane, S Hanley for L Danza, C O'Sullivan for S Notte and L Ryan for P Keating) each of who acquitted themselves well creating major selection problems for the next match. Everton finished on a high when Ahmod Saleem completed his hatrick to make it 5-1.
The man of the match award is subject to a touch of controversy as the match referee, impressed with the performance of the away side, visited the dressing room and nominated Rory Nagle but managers John Keating and Liam Goulding were agreed on Danial Wallace as their man. Not wanting to overrule the management and (for obvious reasons) not wanting to upset a referee this intrepid reporter is therefore announcing a joint award (for now).

22nd Sept 07: Everton's under 13 side enjoyed a great work out in Everton Park against Carrigaline today. The final score of 6-4 reflected the open style approach of both sides and the fun penalty shoot out afterwards saw Sean Hanley distinguish himself with four saves and managers Liam Goulding and Stan Notte both miss the target.

Thankfully Ahmod Saleem was not as wasteful during the game as he continued his hot streak in front of goal with another three strikes after Colm Keane had provided the opener. Leon Danza, who played half the game in goal, scored the other two while Alan O' Neill was coolness personified at the back throughout. Jonathon Foley, Philip Keating and Stanley Notte also produced excellent performances, the latter also providing the perfect end to the day with a classy penalty to give the lads victory in that particular competition too.

But the day was all about fun and the happy faces afterwards were testament to high levels of that particular fruit being enjoyed. Rory Nagle had reason to smile more than most though, as his performance in central midfield saw him named man of the match.

15th Sept 2007: Everton 6-1 Glounthaune United

Everton's under 13 side recorded a comfortable first league win of the new season with a six-one victory at home to Glounthaune on Saturday morning. The game was won in the first half when a sparkling man of the match Ahmod Saleem netted five times. Rory Nagle found the net for the other after a clever pass from Colm Keane. It has to be said though that an excellent stop from Leon Danza with the score at two nil was as important as any other contribution during the first half.

With the game won the half time team talk was for the side to play football and the lads delivered on that front with some excellent passing all over the pitch. Alan O' Neill, Jonathon Foley, subs Luke Ryan and Craig O' Sullivan displayed the confidence to get on the ball regularly and while no further goals came the side looked comfortable. The only blemish was a last minute consolation for Glounthaune which spoiled an otherwise excellent all round performance.

8th Sept 2007: A seventeen man panel travelled to Everton Park on Saturday morning for a friendly work out against the 12 and 11 panels from Everton. Luke Ryan provided the opening goal when he finished a move he had begun with a 20 yard drive that escaped Gary O' Sullivan's stretch. Two a piece from Rory Nagle and Colm Keane completed the scoring for the under 13 side who had good performances from a number of players.

Craig O' Sullivan put in a great stint at outside right, Leon Danza made an impressive debut in goal, Ahmod Saleem was lively up front and Luke Maher solid at centre half. A number of players were asked to perform a variety of roles and Scott McCarthy, Stanley Notte and Mark O' Connor showed not just excellent attitudes but also that this panel has a lot of good players in it. The final score was 5-3 but most importantly all enjoyed the work out in a sunny Everton Park.

2nd Sept 2007: Rockmount 4-1 Everton

A first half Colm Keane strike which put Everton one up proved to be the only reward Everton's under 13 side were to get in Rockmount Park in the opening league fixture of the season. In a game of lots of chances Everton found the frame of the goal no fewer than 4 times as well as seeing other chances spurned. Colm Keane, Danial Wallace and Steven Moore all struck the bar, the latter with a superb 25 yard effort, while the busy Rory Nagle clipped the post. Rory and Colm Keane, who were lively all game up front, had other chances too, and perhaps an effort just over from Colm at 2-1 proved the turning point of the game.

Overall though it was a good team effort with a number of good performances from a side not at full strength and there was enough on view from Ian Sisk, David Dineen, Daniel Wallace and more to suggest a good season is ahead for the lads. Man of the Match however was Kevin O'Neill who was called up from the under 12 panel to a fill in at centre half and produced an excellent performance.