Magical Glen just too good for Termonfeckin in U12 showdown

TERMONFECKIN GREEN 2

GLEN MAGIC 3

Termonfeckin Celtic U12s were unable to build on the previous week’s 2-0 away win over Duleek as they came up just short in a much-anticipated Division 5 clash with Glen Magic last Wednesday evening.

Both teams came into this fixture unbeaten in the league and in fine form and the game certainly lived up to its billing.

Hosts Termonfeckin started the game the brighter and they opened the scoring inside four minutes. Olly McGrane released Lucas on the left wing and he provided a delightful cross towards the on-rushing Conor Balfe who found the back of the net with a first-time finish to add to the brace he scored against Duleek.

Glen Magic then came to the party and started to gain possession and momentum. In midfield they used their pace and neat footwork to take advantage of spaces behind the Termonfeckin defence and keeper Harry Doggett and full-backs Sean and Olly had to be on constant alert to keep the visitors out.

Termonfeckin’s wide play was still creating chances and Oscar Looney was unlucky to see the Glen Magic keeper save with his feet from close range.

The game then turned on its head in 60 seconds mid-way through the half as Glen turned on the Magic and scored two excellent goals to take the lead.

Termonfeckin struggled for the remainder of the half and just before the interval they conceded a third goal to go 3-1 down.

This was a worrying sign, but Termonfeckin came roaring back at the start of the second period. They won a series of corners and one paid dividends when Conor Balfe’s delivery from the left-hand side found striker Oscar Looney in the box and he used good control and strength to hold off the defender and finish from close range and bring the tie back to 3-2.

The rest of the second half was a fierce battle, with plenty of talent and skill from both sides, but a mixture of bad luck and great goalkeeping kept the scoreline 3-2.

Right at the death Chris Malone hit a long-range effort that had the Glen Magic keeper beaten, hit the bar and just failed to cross the line - that shortly after Olly McGrane made a heroic last-ditch tackle at the other end when the Glen Magic striker was through on goal and seemingly odds-on to score.

The Termonfeckin coaching staff would like to thank the Glen Magic squad and coaches for an evening of great football and sportsmanship.

Best for Termonfeckin were Caiden in the heart of defence and Lucas on the left wing.

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