South West Feile
Rasharkin 4-5 Glenavy 2-1
Photographs: Bert Trowlen
Glenavy U14s travelled this morning to Rasharkin for their 1st round Feile Match of the 2019 SW Antrim competition. This was the first competitive outing for this young Glenavy side this year and following a winter training programme everyone was delighted to finally get the season up and running.
Following the heavy rain on the day before any doubts about the game were removed as the Rasharkin pitch was in excellent condition of the time of year.
As both teams took the field it was apparent that the Rasharkin lads were physically bigger and this young Glenavy side would need to raise their game to come away with a win.
From the throw in it was obvious that both sides were somewhat rusty and the game took some time to settle. When it did it was Rasharkin who looked the stronger team with a strong spine they moved the ball quickly and directly to their full forward who caused panic in the Glenavy defence. Much of the Rasharkin play came via their midfield and their impressive centre half forward with great movement proved very difficult to get to grips with. Glenavy were forced in the first half to reply on counter attacks and very tenacious tackling by their forwards to create chances and eventually got into the game in the second period of the half. At the half time whistle there was little in the game with advantage to Rasharkin on a score of 3-3 to 2-1.
Playing against the breeze in the second half Glenavy knew they would have to dig deep but found themselves further adrift early in the half with Rasharkin dangerous full forward finding the net from another direct move. However the Glenavy lads rallied and for the reminder of the half controlled possession and enjoyed more of the attacking pressure. Fortunes in the game appeared to sway towards Glenavy when Rasharkin were reduced to 14 players following a 2nd yellow card and Glenavy used the spare man well to keep Rasharkin defence under pressure. To their credit the Rasharkin defence performed brilliantly and kept Glenavy out of the danger zone forcing them into the corners and keeping pressure on the shooters. To end the game Rasharkin strong running centre half back broke late to set up a final score for them to complete a hard fought victory against a gallant Glenavy side that battled right until the last whistle. Final score 4-5 to 2-2.
Glenavy lads whilst disappointed to lose can take positives from the performance of many of the younger players playing at u14 level for the first time. On a different day with the possession plus missing two penalties the score line could have been different, however Rasharkin were worthy winners on the day.
Next up will be the Feile Shield on Sunday 10th March.
