U11s come back to earth with a bump

Cookstown Youth 7

AFTER last week’s fantastic result against Donegal Celtic, the lads were looking forward to another competitive game of football.

Both teams started well with Simon McAllister coming very close on the sixth minute only for the ball to slide pass the right hand post.

It was Cookstown who would score first with a well worked attack from the right hand side of midfield. No heads dropped, however, and the lads continued to work hard in all areas of the pitch.

Joel Reid came close on the 16th minute only for the keeper to make a great save. The defence of McCullough and Burns was again top notch with both boys making a number of fantastic tackles.

Mark McCullough finally got his just rewards when a brilliant right footed shot found the right hand corner of the net.

The boys continued to press but a couple of lose passes resulted in Cookstown finishing 4-1 at the break.

The second half was a completed different kettle of fish with the boys attacking and pressing the Cookstown defence. Joel Reid on 36th minute made a great run following some good 1-2 passing with Alex Cochrane which result in the ball deflecting of the right hand upright. This made the score 4-2 and the game was on.

Dean McIveena was in good form, making a couple of great saves and taking total control of his 18 yard box.

Hilland and Gibson continued to make great some great runs from defence with frustrated forwards Adamson and Harper just not making the final connection.

Mark McCullough was very unlucky in the first half when a free hit just missed to top hand corner by inches, however on the 51st minute he made no mistake when a thunderous right footed shot hit the top left hand corner.

The result ended 7-3 with Cookstown taking a couple of late goals, but all credit must be given to the entire team for a spirited fight back in the second half.