After a very early start and a delayed flight, the Bath & West Wiltshire Schools’ party arrived at the Killester United ground at around 10am. Following a very welcome breakfast supplied by our hosts, the u11s were soon rounded up and sent to the changing rooms.

 

It was a chilly morning but the boys were soon awake and loosened up when they performed the FC Copenhagen inspired warm-up routine. Their first challenge was a 30 minute each way match against a team from the north side of Dublin – Howth Celtic.

 

 

Bath played downhill in the first half with the chilly northerly wind at their backs. The pitch was large and Bath as expected played some fine expansive football and made their opponents work very hard to gain any possession.

 

The opening goal came after ten minutes when a fine move down the left resulted in a fine cross and a well taken shot by Gavin R-S. Bath continued to pile on the pressure and create a host of chances. It wasn’t long before a second goal was scored when Sam A nicked the ball off Alfie K’s toe just as he was about to shoot!

 

Bath were playing very well with good tempo, switching play as required. Changes were made towards the end of the first half and Logan I having just come on, scored a well taken goal with virtually his first touch. Half time 3 - 0 to Bath.

 

Despite playing up the slope and into the wind, Bath continued to press and created many more chances. Max T was unlucky not to score when put through and Patrick O hit a post.

 

The final goal of the game was a deft chip from a tight angle by Logan I.

 

Final score 4 – 0. A very encouraging performance.

 

 

Following a break where the boys watched the u10s from the warmth and comfort of the clubhouse, a sterner challenge in the form of 4 periods of twenty minutes against the hosts awaited. This would surely challenge the whole squad. The size difference attributable to selecting from calendar year to school year was noticeable as Killester were bigger to a man.

 

The first two periods were contested by the older boys of both teams. Undaunted, Bath only know how to play one way, and continued to pass the ball out of defence at all opportunities. Playing down the slope in the first half, they continued from the first game and created many chances. Credit to Killester, they did produce some fine goal saving tackles in the box.

 

Just as it seemed Bath would turn round empty handed, Callum D pounced on a bouncing ball in the box and tucked away a fine goal.

 

The second period proved to be a real test for Bath as the Killester boys pressed forward. Bath continued as instructed to pass the ball out of defence and managed some chances but not as many as in the first period.

 

Eventually the pressure told and Killester scored two quick goals to finish the second period ahead by two goals to one.

 

The third and fourth periods were contested by the younger boys from Bath and Killester with a sprinkling of senior boys. Bath played the more enterprising football once again and looked potent in attack particularly down the left hand side.

 

It was no surprise when Bath turned the fixture around and scored two unanswered goals from Matt Jennings and Sam Alexander to finish with a creditable 3 – 2 victory.

 

There then followed an unprecedented whole squad penalty shoot out which seemed to go on forever. Nobody really knew who had won and to be honest nobody cared! There were some great penalties and there were some dreadful ones – much to work on.

 

Our hosts continued to be extremely hospitable and supplied each of the boys with a Killester United embroidered hat as a momento of a very special day.

 

Following a post match tea of domino’s pizza, enjoyed by everyone and a few more pints of Guinness enjoyed by the adults, the party left for the airport having made lots of friends and having enjoyed a truly fabulous day which will never be forgotten.

 

By Ben Griffiths (with a little help from Dad)