Everton's Under 14 Squad 30/5/09

30th May 2009: Everton 1-1 Strand Utd

Everton's under 14 side secured the third promotion spot in Everton Park this morning, but you would have struggled to know it at the final whistle.

Everton started brightly, and looked the more dangerous side throughout the first half, but went in one down to a good Strand goal. Either side of that strike Everton had chances the best of which fell to Ryan Brown, who just lost control of the ball when getting on the end of a Rory Nagle cross. Ahmad Saleem also shot just over, and Rakib Abdoul Mousse was denied by a magnificent challenge which ended a great run into the box.

The second half saw Everton struggle to adapt to the change Danial Wallace's absence enforced, but still dominated for long spells. But Strand proved strong at the back, and repelled all Everton's advances, though often no one was sure just how. But the breakthrough finally came when an Ian Sisk long distance free was fumbled by the keeper to draw Everton level.

From here the game was a frantic affair, and the Strand goal led a charmed life at times. That was best summed up when Rakib Mousse, Jonathon Foley, and Ahmad Saleem all had efforts blocked on the line within 30 seconds. But while Everton piled forward in search of the goal that would guarantee promotion Strand were always dangerous on the break. Colm Keane produced a fine save to end one break, but then almost gifted Strand a winner when he misjudged a through ball, and was lucky to see the ball roll wide.

Towards the end the energy expended by playing three games in a week, and the heat of the day, saw our lads tire. They kept pushing as best they could, but the goal just wouldn't come and the final whistle came with the score unchanged.

Disappointment abounded, and some of our lads were actually on the floor convinced the chance of promotion was gone at this stage. And the dressing room was a somber place until the news of Blarney's defeat in Cobh, which left us third, came through.

Of course bedlam then ensued. But after four years of hard work, and a number of close things on the promotion front, that is not only expected, but probably a given.

WELL DONE LADS!!!!

28th May 2009: Everton 3-0 Springfield Ramblers

Another fine performance produced a comfortable 3-0 win for Everton's under 14 side tonight, and they are now in pole position for promotion with just a single game remaining. Visitors Springfield came into the game unbeaten in six, and started brightly as one would expect from a side in that kind of form. But once Everton settled they restricted the away side to long range efforts throughout, and created plenty of chances.

The first of those saw Ahmad Saleem miss the target, while the second needed a fine save to prevent Rakib-Saleem Mousse from opening the scoring. But it was third time lucky 15 minutes in when Saleem finished cooly after being released by the impressive Rory Nagle. And it was two ten minutes later when Rory Nagle flashed a corner into the box, and Ian Sisk headed home.

By now Everton were in control, and with keeper Colm Keane handling all long range efforts with aplomb, the back four looking rock solid, and Ian Sisk in tremendous form in central midfield it looked like the floodgates would open. But Springfield defended gamely, and the score remained unchanged at half time.

Everton put the result beyond doubt early in the second half when Ahmad Saleem was rewarded for chasing a lost cause. That put him in the right place to pop the ball into a gaping net when the away keeper and his defence left the ball to each other.

More goals could have come, particularly when Man of the Match Ian Sisk saw a rasping free kick rattle the bar. But impressive performances from Ryan Browne, Alan O' Neill and Shane Mulcahy went unrewarded, and the game finished 3-0.

23rd May 2009: Everton 4-1 Glounthaune United

Everton's under 14's kept their promotion chances alive with a convincing win over Glounthaune United this morning. The home side dominated for most of the game and, in fact, could have had the game won at half time if it wasn't for an excellent display from the visiting keeper. He, after a neat interchange between the front two had allowed Ahmad Sallem opening the scoring in the second minute, was all that prevented the home side running riot.

Ryan Browne, Rory Nagle and Rakib-Abdoul Mousse were all thwarted by his agility, and good positioning also saw him deny Ahmad on two occasions, Ryan Browne (again) and thwart danger from any number of through balls. He had a little luck along the way when Rory Nagle struck the bar, but his display deserved that. But the second goal eventually came when a driven Danial Wallace free kick flew into the far corner.

With Ryan Browne, Rory Nagle and Ahmad Saleem causing so many problems, and the defence rarely troubled, the half time message was to keep things tight, play our football, but that the game was far from over.

And so it proved. Despite starting well, the home side couldn't take the chances that came their way, and Glounthaune, who to their credit never gave it up, pulled a goal back seven minutes in to give themselves a chance. But our lads kept at it, and once they had survived a scare form a corner, finally got the third the performance merited, when Stanley Notte calmly slotted a penalty won when an Ian Sisk drive was handled in the box.

Rakib-Abdoul Mousse scored a fine fourth a few minutes later, to effectively end the game as a contest, and the home side saw out the game with an assured performance. Alan O' Neill, Shane Mulcahy, Luke Ryan (who produced a number of excellent crosses in this period) and Man of the Match Rory Nagle all excelled during this final phase, denying Glounthaune any real possession by retaining possession superbly.

2nd May 2009: Rockmount 4-3 Everton

Everton's under 14's saw the result of a classic game go against them at the death in Rockmount Park this morning, and the disappointment was palpable throughout the squad at the final whistle. Yet again one would have to say that the performance deserved more, but lady luck again turned her back on a side that played with grit, determination and an abundance of skill from start to finish.

In a keenly contested first half Everton created the first chance which saw a Rakib-Abdoul Mousee shot fly off the keeper's gloves onto the bar. But then found themselves a goal behind when Rockmount were awarded a penalty. Even them luck shone on Rockmount as Jonathon Foley saved the spot-kick, only to be beaten to the rebound.

Rory Nagle then got on the end of a great move, but his finish, from a tight angle, was just too high. Despite looking the more dangerous side Everton then slipped further behind when Rockmount sprung the offside trap and slotted their second mid way through the first period, and they held that lead until half time despite a couple of scares.

The half time talk was of belief, and that if we kept creating chances the goals would come, and the lads responded magnificently. After Stanley Notte had shot wide from distance, and Rockmount's defence had been stretched more then once, a quick fire double from the front two ten minutes in drew Everton level. Rakib- Abdoul Mousse netted the first when he got on the end of a Danial Wallace free kick, and then Ahmad Saleem raced away before finishing neatly for the second.

Five minutes later and Everton's dominance saw them take the lead, when Ahmad again showed good composure after breaking the off-side trap.

From here the game was a great battle, and Everton kept Rockmount at arms length pretty comfortably until a fine drive from a free kick levelled the scores for the home side.

But the final twist, despite Everton testing the Rockmount keeper, and their resilience more than once was a sickening blow for our lads. Rockmount broke quickly having defended a free kick on the edge of their box, and, despite the best efforts of Jonathon Foley in goal, managed to sneak the ball over the line.

Even then Everton could have got something, as a Stanley Notte free kick, and a Danial Wallace corner threw the home defence into disarray, but once more the bounce of the ball favoured the home side and they survived to the final whistle.

Man of the match wasn't a topic anyone wanted to broach in the dressing room afterwards, but again it was a difficult decision. And having had a chat later the management decided today wasn't a day to single anyone out, but a day to acknowledge the massive effort and spirit each and every member of the squad displayed. We know that it is that attitude that will see this group bounce back, as they have always done following disappointment.

24th April 2009: St Mary's 0-4 Everton

Everton's under 14 side recorded back to back victories for the first time this season in style at St Mary's Park tonight. In truth performances throughout the season have threatened this type of result would come at some stage. But to have done it at such a difficult venue, and in a match where defeat would have seen promotion hopes all but extinguished was pleasing for the management team, and is great credit to a set of players whose attitude and application was top class as always.

The writing was on the wall for St Mary's very early on when Rakib-Abdoul Mousse netted in just the second minute to give Everton the lead. And by the time Danial Wallace bulged the net with a free kick to double the lead Everton, with the front two of Rakib and Ahmad Saleem in great form, and Rory Nagle causing all sorts of problems down the right, had created numerous chances. And after Stanley Notte and Ahmad Saleem had both gone close a third came for the head of Rakib-Abdoul Mousse before half time.

The second half saw the home side start brightly as expected. But Everton kept them at bay without keeper Colm Keane being troubled for five minutes, and then turned the game in their favour again. Once they did, their passing game created plenty of opportunities and Craig O' Sullivan, Ian Sisk, and Ahmad Saleem, who St Mary's couldn't get a grip on, could have extended the lead before Ahmad got the reward his endevour deserved when he ended an excellent passing move by planting the ball firmly in the top corner.

After a performance where substitutes Shane Mulcahy, Craig O' Sullivan and Wayne Murphy all had a positive impact on the game, and the front two, back four and midfield quartet did everything that was asked of them the Man of the Match award was never going to be easy. But Stanley Notte got the nod for a central midfield performance that had skill, guile and a huge amount of selfless running from start to finish.

18th April 2009: Everton 3-2 Blarney Utd

Stanley Notte and Liam Ryan watched their Everton side produce yet another excellent performance, and this time reap the result as well.

But it wasn't plain sailing, as Blarney proved a tough nut to crack. Everton got off to a flyer when they scored with the first attack of the game. A great pass from Stanley Notte released Rakib-Abdoul Mousee who showed great composure to round the keeper and slot home. But Blarney responded immediately and were level two minutes later when Colm Keane was beaten by a cool finish.

From there the first half belonged to the home side, and five minutes before the break Stanley Notte slotted a penalty, following a foul on the ever menacing Rakib, to restore the lead. In truth it was the least the home side deserved for a controlled performance that had kept Blarney pinned back.

The second half was the same, but chances came and went for the home side without the score changing. And then a free kick mid way through gave Blarney a scrambled equalizer and the old story of not winning when playing well looked like being repeated. But Everton kept at it and after Rory Nagle had gone close, and Ahmad Saleem, Stanley Notte and Ian Sisk had all troubled the away defence the winner came from the right boot of Rakib-Abdoul Mousse, who floated one over the keeper.

Thankfully there was only one moment of worry for the home defence that was superbly marshelled by Danial Wallace on the day before the end. But an edge of the box free was hit wide and Everton saw the remainder through with ease.

The decision on Man of the Match award now seems to have been wrestled from the management team as, in a repeat of last week, the dressing room decided. But no complaints from managers on Rakib-Abdoul Mousse getting the nod, as he was excellent on the day.

5th April 2009: Carrigaline/Hibernians 2-2 Everton

Everton's Under 14 side came from two down to secure a point in a hard fought encounter with Carrigaline Hibs at a sunny Shanbally this afternoon.

In truth a point was the least the lads deserved as, apart from a five minute spell at the start of the second half, the home side never really threatened an Everton side that produced yet another excellent performance.

From the start Everton looked bright, despite the side being reshuffled due to numerous absentees. With Craig O'Sullivan looking sharp on the right of midfield, Stanley Notte taking to a central midfield role with determination, and the always reliable Craig Doyle, Danial Wallace and Ian Sisk providing drive, the first half saw the away side dominate, but fail to find the net. But chances were being created. Shane Mulcahy and Stanley Notte both went close, while new signing Abdoul Rakib Mousse was a constant threat up front.

So the half time talk was with more of the same, the breakthrough would come. Unfortunately when it did it fell to the home side, who capatalised on a defence error soon after the restart. Two minutes later and a quick break saw Hibs increase the lead, leaving stand in keeper Colm Keane (who had been largely untroubled to that point) wondering what was going on, and the management team fearing another good performance would go unrewarded. And when Abdoul Rakib fired over from six yards a few minutes later the sense of "yet another one of the days" was heightened.

But this side always give their all, and they kept playing, kept probing, and finally got a break when a Danial Wallace free kick was flicked over the keepers head by Ian Sisk to reduce the deficit.

From here it was one way traffic, and everybody played their part. Alan O' Neill, determined to atone for the error that led to the opening goal, was superb. Ryan Browne looked livelier the longer the game went on, and sub David Shaugnessy was proving a menace upfront.

The equaliser when it came was more than worth the wait, and delighted the management team as it bore all the hallmarks of the hard work in training. It started on the left with Craig O' Sullivan, and finished on the right when a sharp Ryan Browne pass into David O' Shaugnassy was laid back to the advancing Luke Ryan who lashed the ball into the bottom corner from the edge of the box.

A strong finish was inevitable from here, but the lads couldn't find the winner they deserved and had to settle for a point. But again the performance was top class and left the man of the match award a tough call. Many could have claimed it, but when the dressing room is praising the winning goal as it was today, the man who provided that moment had to get the nod. So well done Luke Ryan.

21st March 2009: Everton 1-2 Leeds A

Everton's under 14 side got back into league action when table toppers Leeds A visited Coffey's Field today. The management were hoping that the side could build on a good win last time out and a little luck would shine on a side whose performances this season have not garnered the results they deserve.

But the Leeds managers end of game comment that they were "Lucky to get anything from the game" says everything about that luck not changing at all. Everton dominated this game for long, long spells and yet left empty handed.

The first half saw Everton on top, but few clear cut chances created by either side, and ended with the score level when Ahmad Saleem finished a fine flowing move by racing on to a perfect Alan O' Neill through ball to cancel an earlier free kick from the away side on the stroke of half time.

If the first period saw the home side create few clear cut chances, the second saw their passing game and domination pull Leeds all over the place. Two minutes in and a great move down the left ended with Ian Sisk releasing Ahmad Saleem, but his chipped finish drifted just wide with the keeper stranded. Ten minutes later a long throw from Craig Doyle was flicked on by Alan O'Neill and Ian Sisk found himself in a great position, but his venomous shot flew wide.

Leeds at this point were rarely in the Everton half, and when there were the back four dealt admirably with all that came their way. There were a couple of creaky moments from corners, but Leeds never opened the home side up from open play. The game, however, was always finely balanced at one-one, and a defensive mistake left Leeds in midway through the half and they regained the lead.

Again Everton came back and pressed the Leeds defence back. Alan O' Neill just failed to find Stanley Notte with a through ball, Ahmad Saleem was denied twice when well positioned, Ian Sisk fired a great ball in the box that Leeds somehow cleared and Daniel Wallace created havoc with a perfectly drilled corner, but the goal just wouldn't come.

Perhaps the writing was on the wall when, with five minutes left, Ian Sisk was again released in the box and his shot went straight at the keeper. But the day was best summed up in the final seconds when a low drive into the box from Stanley Notte fell at Shane Mulcahy's feet, and yet again, Leeds somehow survived.

So nothing to show for a another really good team performance. But when a side who top the league, and have only lost once all season, tell you the better side lost then you must be doing something right, and this side have character that will keep them going.

Man of the Match was again a difficult decision. The consistent Daniel Wallace and Craig Doyle were again in the frame, while Luke Ryan produced his best display yet at right back. Ian Sisk and Alan O' Neill too, were excellent, but Stanley Notte, in left midfield got the nod, for an excellent dsplay of both attacking wing play and stirling defence when required.

8th Mar 2009: Glounthaune United 1-3 Everton.

A fine footballing display, and no little character saw Everton produce a come from behind victory on a sticky pitch this morning. Glouthane held a one nil advantage at half time, despite the away side being on top, but the second half saw Everton turn possesion into goals in style.

Ian Sisk levelled the scores ten minutes in when he drove an unstoppable twenty yard free kick into the top corner, before Jonathon Foley produced another great strike to nudge Everton ahead. A good move then ended with an Alan O' Neill shot parried into the path of Ryan Browne, who calmly slotted a third to make the final five minutes nerve free for the away side.

Manager Liam Goulding was so impressed with the all round team performance that he refused to nominate a man of tha match afterwards, insisting instead on a universal nomination for the entire squad.

28th Dec 2008: Everton 0-3 Rockmount

A bad day at the office for Everton's under 14 side today, when the Christmas festivities showed in sluggish legs and tired minds. A number of absentees didn't help the preparations either but the side that took the field, given performances so far this season, was still a strong enough outfit to have troubled a Rockmount side more in the first period. As it was, Rockmount deserved the opening goal that came twenty minutes in, though the second just before half-time was a little harsh on an Everton side who were battling to get going at this stage.

The second period saw Everton brighter, and create a few chances. Ian Sisk and Ahmad Saleem were both narrowly wide when well placed, while David Dineen forced a fine save from the away keeper. But in the end the endevours of Craig Doyle, Danial Wallace and Ryan Browne couldn't produce a badly needed goal and Rockmount got another just before the end.

The Man of the Match award, for the first time this season, wasn't a bone of contention with Gary O' Sullivan, deputising in goal, the unanimous recipient.

14th Dec 2008: Strand Utd 3-5 Everton

Everton's under 14's came out on top in a thrilling game at Inishannon Community Park this morning. The sides started the game as the bottom two of an incredibly tight section, but Everton knew a win would shoot them up the table. Strand on the other hand were seeking a first win.

The home side started well and Sean Hanley had to be alert to stop an early shot, before Everton opened the scoring when Rory Nagle fired a powerful shot into the roof of the net. Rory then was on the end of an excellent passing move, and forced a great save from the home side's keeper. Strand however were proving useful up front and Sean Hanley was forced into action again soon after, before poor finishing on two occasions denied Strand an equailser.

Everton then broke quickly when Ahmad Saleem released Jonathon Foley on half way, and he finished his strong run with a neat finish to put Everton two up. Strand however got the goal their first half pressure deserved when Sean Hanley was beaten from a free kick to leave the game finely balanced at half time.

The second period was a frantic affair which Strand started much the better. Everton struggled to get out of their half for a long time, before poor defending from a corner allowed Strand to equalise. One minute later and they had the lead when Craig Doyle was outpaced to a through ball and Sean Hanley was unable to reach a neat finish.

It was then however Everton produced their best spell of the game. Driven on by Ian Sisk and Danial Wallace, who won everything that came their way, and with added impetus from subs Craig O' Sullivan and Shane Mulcahy, they spent the remainder of the game peppering the home goal.

An equaliser almost arrived when Ahmad Saleem was released by Colm Keane, but his powerful drive was tipped over by the keeper. Ahmad didn't have long to wait for his goal though, as two minutes later he ended a goal mouth scramble by slotting home. Colm Keane then hit the angle from a cross shot and Rory Nagle was denied by a last ditch tackle, before Jonathon Foley rattled a pile driver from twenty yards to nudge Everton ahead.

The final goal came when Danial Wallace drove a great free kick to the far post and Colm Keane headed home from six yards, allowing our lads to relax a little in the last five minutes.

Man of the Match was a tough call again. Rory Nagle, Luke Ryan and Danial Wallace all had good games, but Ian Sisk got the nod for a selfless performance as the holding midfielder that provided the platform for the side to play.

29th Nov 2008: Everton 1-1 St Mary's

Everton's under 14 side produced another good performance today, but had to settle for a point despite dominating most of the game.

Having said that Mary's started the brighter and deserved the opening goal when it came ten minutes in. But, as always, Everton responded well and an Ahmad Saleem strike levelled the scoring after twenty five minutes. At this stage Everton had a grip on the game, with Jonathon Foley and Rory Nagle looking particularly sharp. These two combined not long after the equaliser, when Jonathon produced a strong run in midfield and then released Rory with a good ball, but a last ditch tackle blocked the shot. Ahmad Saleem then crossed for Rory, who again was in a great position, but when his effort was saved, the referee harshly blew for offside as Stanley Notte went for the rebound.

The second half saw the home side restrict St Mary's to just one effort on goal, which Sean Hanley dealt comfortably with, and push hard for the winner. Danial Wallace had a great free kick tipped around a post; Stanley Notte just failed to get on the end of another good Saleem cross, and a couple of tight offsides pulled our lads up short. Rory Nagle in particular was unlucky on this front having timed his run to perferction to get on the end of a superb Danial Wallace pass.

But in the end Mary's held firm, and despite strong showing from the three subs, Sean Duggan, Ryan Brown and Shane Mulcahy a point was the lads reward.

Man of the Match again was a close call. Ian Sisk and Rory Nagle were in contention, but Jonathon Foley, who is now getting back to full fitness, got the nod for an all action performance.

16th Nov 2008: Blarney United 3-2 Everton

Another good performance that delivered no points left manager and players alike bemused as Everton's under 14 side left O'Shea Park empty handed on Sunday.

Looking to build on victory against Carrigaline Hibs two weeks ago Everton started very brightly and were one up at the break through an Ahmad Saleem strike.

The fact they could have been out of sight had a Stanley Notte shot not been cleared of the line, or Saleem had taken more of the chances created did not seem important at that stage, but when Blarney posted an equalizer the game was back on.

Everton were then victims of a poor refereeing decision, allowing Blarney to take the lead from an offside position, and suddenly the game was in danger of being lost.

But this side have plenty of character and their response was magnificent. They piled forward and finally, with just minutes left, found an equaliser when Stanley Notte produced a calm finish when released by Colm Keane.

The game had one final twist that wasn't in our lads favour, and unfortunately the referee took centre stage again. He failed to blow with Blarney clearly offside from a long ball, and with our lads static in disbelief the winner was netted.

Manager Liam Goulding was full of praise for the manner in which our lads handled themselves afterwards, and remained silent on the winning goal. "We played well and definitely deserved something" was all he would say, before nominating Luke Ryan as Man of the Match.

1st Nov 2008: Everton 3-0 Carrigaline/Hibernians

Table toppers Carrigaline Hibernians left Coffey's Field this morning having been outplayed by an Everton side who were best from the first whistle.

In truth the score could have been greater, as the home side squandered second half opportunities to extend the three nil lead a fine display of passing football had secured by half time.

The goals came from front men Colm Keane and Ahmad Saleem, who caused the away defence all sorts of problems throughout, and Stanley Notte who produced a great finish from outside the box to beat a retreating keeper. There were other chances too and if Ahmad Saleem had spotted the excellent Craig O' Sullivan in space just before the break a fourth would almost certainly have been secured.

While the first half saw Craig O'sullivan shine on the right, it was left sided Stanley Notte who took the game by the scruff of the neck in the second half. Fed by Ian Sisk and Rory Nagle from the centre he continually had Carrigaline Hibs on the back foot and produced any number of excellent crosses and through balls. Colm Keane and Ahmod Saleem should have extended the lead when put through, and subs Sean Ward and Shane Mulcahy both had good efforts too as a result.

Not that it was all about the forwards. The back four of Luke Ryan, Alan O' Neill, Craig Doyle and Daniel Wallace showed great composure, got almost every decision right, and created the platform for attacking play.

Injuries to Craig Doyle and Ahmad Saleem saw the side reshuffled in the last ten minutes, but even then the home were rarely troubled and finished deserved winners.

As one would expect with such a good team performance there were a number of contenders for the Man of the Match award, but Stanley Notte got the nod for an outstanding performance on the day.

18th Oct 2008: Springfield Ramblers 2-2 Everton

A first point of the new season for Everton's under 14's today, but it could easily have been three.

A strong opening to the game saw Everton in fine form, and Rory Nagle's neat finish, from an Ahmad Saleem cross, was the least they deserved half way through the first period. But after Ahmad had a chance to make it two, the home side had a strong spell before half time during which poor finishing and an alert Gary O' Sullivan was all that kept the score at one nil.

Having had the better of the early exchanges at the start of the second half Everton found themselves two-one down when they failed to deal with two free kicks, giving Ramblers two easy finishes.

But this side have battling qualities and with Stanley Notte, Colm Keane and Ian Sisk coming to the fore pushed hard for an equaliser. Colm Keane was denied by a goal line clearance, and then shot just over, before Ian Sisk headed home to level the score. Game defending then kept the home side in it, and Everton were left totally frustrated when a last minute Alan O' Neill free kick found the net, only to be ruled out by the referee.

A good team performance meant a tough decision on man of the match. Stanley Notte and Rory Nagle were in contention, but Colm Keane got the nod for his application up front, and in particular when pushed wide in the second half.

4th Oct 2008: Leeds 4-1 Everton

Everton began the new league campaign in exactly the same manner as the last, with a four one away defeat. And as with last year the scoreline was very harsh on an Everton side, who coped well with the absence of a number of players.

The game hinged on two penalty decisions, one not given to the away side, the other giving Leeds a three-one lead at a crucial period of the second half.

Prior to that Everton had dominated for long periods, and reacted to two quick goals from Leeds with a neat move that allowed Ahmad Saleem to make the half time score two-one.

The second half saw Everton much the stronger, and an equaliser very likely until, within two minutes, the ref waved away Evertons claim for a spot kick, and then award one to the home side, which they slotted, before adding a fourth late on.

So no reward for a good performance, apart from Luke Ryan who picked up the man of the match award.

27th Sept 2008: Watergrasshill 5-5 Everton

Everton were involved in a classic today with Alan O' Neill grabbing most of the plaudits in a stirring comback from the away side.

There wasn't much sign of the problems ahead when Everton started brightly. And when Craig O' Sullivan won a tackle on the Watergrasshill end line, and crossed for David Dineed to open the scoring ten minutes in, Everton seemed in control. But the home side fought back and after chances were exchanged equalised on the break, before pulling ahead before half time.

Everton started the better again in the second half, and equalised when Danial Wallace released Stanley Notte, who finished calmly past the advancing keeper.

At this point Everton looked much the stronger, and had Ahmad Saleem taken the three chances created for him, the game would have swung Everton's way. As it was Watergrasshill, who always looked dangerous on the break, went and scored two more, and despite Colm Keane excelling in midfield, and Craig Doyle battling away at the back, it looked like the game was lost.

But Alan o' Neill, who switched from left back to forward at this point, came to the rescue. First he pounced on a keeping error, and then slotted neatly in the corner to level the game at 4-4. But again Watergarsshill responded and Luke Ryan (an Everton player!!!) produced a clever finish to beat David Daly in the Everton goal to restore the home sides lead.

Everton, however, were not to be beaten and threw everything at Watergarsshill in search of an equaliser in the closing stages. Corner followed corner before Alan O' Neill produced another cool finish, this one planted right in the bottom corner, to level the scores once again.

So an amazing game, and despite manager Stanley Notte complaining at the end, in truth it was a performance full of character and belief by a side with any number of players trying out new positions. Man of the Match had to go to the hat-trick hero Alan O' Neill, but the always reliable Ian Sisk, Daniel Wallace, Craig Doyle, Stanley Notte and Ahmad Saleem played well. While David Dineen, Craig O' Sullivan, Colm Keane and Shane Mulcahy all showed enough, particularly when playing out of position, to suggest we can look forward to the start of the league campaign next week with confidence.

20th Sept 2008: Everton 1-2 Castlebridge Celtic

Everton's under 14 side got their competitive season under way as Coffey's Field this morning and were unlucky to lose a tight game to West Cork League side Castlebridge Celtic.

An even first half saw Ahmad Saleem hit the bar for the home side, and Sean Hanley deny the visitors from their best chance with a good save and some fine sweeping from over the top balls.

Castlebridge took a two goal lead in another evenly contested second half, but Everton kept plugging and, after Stanley Notte was just beaten to a Saleem cross, Philip Keating produced a good cross to force an og with a minute to go.

Even then Everton could have grabbed an equaliser as they penned the visitors back. Stanley Notte fired a strong shot over from the edge of the box, before Castlebridge defended a couple of corners to secure their win.

Good performances on the day all round left Liam Goulding with a difficult man of the match award. Ian Sisk, Luke Ryan and Alan O' Neill were in the frame but keeper Sean Hanley got the nod for his assured performance