Confeys under 16’s maintained the unbeaten league run with a home draw against an improving Malahide Utd. This game was played in perfect conditions despite the very cold weekend weather. Confey’s team selection was limited with the absence of four players due to illness and injury. The home side began brightly with front men Collie May and Eoin Spillane getting plenty of early involvement in the game. Confey took the lead when excellent build up play involving Andy Whelan saw Steven Nicholas hit a low scorcher beyond the Malahide net minder. Confey pushed the visitors back and should have doubled the lead when they forced a corner and Sean Casey’s goal bound effort struck the post with the keeper beaten only to roll wide. Casey was again on target only to see his forceful header cleared off the line. Confey continued top press before the break and Malahide were forced into a rear guard action including another goal line clearance to keep the score line at one to nil. Confey’s Collie May was to the fore with some great running off the ball and some excellent link up play.In the second half buoyed by the failure of the home side to increase the lead the visitors began to gain a greater foothold in the game. The lively front men caused repeated pressure against the home defence. Second half substitute Stephen Galavan worked very hard and delivered some quality crosses that almost resulted in that vital second goal. In classic football parlance the failure to get the extra goals when on top ultimately gave the visitors a chance to get back on level terms. Malahide were rewarded for perseverance when a wicked deflection saw the ball nestle in the bottom of the net. Confey keeper David Sterio was called upon to make two excellent saves one of which was of the highest order. In the end the home side were hanging on in a game that should have been over by half time. Lessons to be learned as we move forward to the middle of the season campaign. All in all the start to the season has been very positive and the team remains in top spot. Team :, David Michael Sterio, Stephen Doran Conor Mc Loughlin, Darragh O Boyle, Jude Kambidica Sean Casey, Steven Nicholas, Paul Field Cpt, Andrew Whelan, and Eoin Spillane, Collie May, Substitutes : Aidan Mc Donnell, Stephen Galavan, Paddy Kabangu, and Daniel Dumitru. On the treatment table and not available for selection : Jason O Connor, Rudi Eloma, David Daniels and Graham Smith.
