Under 11 2011/12
Aidan Connaughton 086-8282912 and Geoff Lamb 0860587837

Squad: Peter fleming, Christian  Murphy, David Scanlon, Gary Carroll, Matthew O'Connor, Eabhan De Barra,
Eoghan Martin, Conor Ronayne, Adam Meade, Jack Lamb, Max Aherne, Ronan Hayes, Paul Connaughton,
Craig Healy, Brendan Jallil, Samuel Querke, Jack Horgan, Sam O'Reilly.

2011-2012
Team	P	W	D	L	F	A	GD	Pts

 

Date	Competition	Venue	Opponent	Result	Scorers
15th Oct	National Cup	Home	Corrinthians	Lost 0-4	-
9th Oct	League	Home	Kilreen Celtic	Lost 1-2	Conor Ronayne
24th Sept	National Cup	Home	St Mary's	Won 6-0	R Hayes 2, C Healy, C Ronayne, P Connaughton, M Aherne.

Goal Scorers
Ronan Hayes	2
Craig Heal	1
Paul Connaughton	1
Conor Ronayne	1
Max Aherne	1
Conor Ronayne	1

 

 

 

Under 11 2011/12

National Cup home to Corrinthians 15th October 2011
Midleton 0 Corrinthians 4
The 4-0 scoreline did not do justice to a battling Midleton team as in the first half there was nothing to choose between the two teams, in fact neither goalie had any save to make in the first twenty minutes but it was Corrinthians who took the lead after they swung in a cross from the right which took a couple of bobbles and it was a Corrinthians boot that hit the ball past Peter Fleming in the Midleton net. The Magpies never let their heads drop and for the rest of the half they took the game to Corrinthians. In the first half there were a number of excellent performances notably from Christian Murphy in defense and Paul Connaughton as the lone striker who ran his socks off for the cause. H/T 0-1

The second half started similar to the first but  after ten minutes it was Corinthianrs who took a two goal lead with a fine strike from their midfielder. From here on it was an uphill battle with the Magpies having to defend deep. It has to be said that Gary Carroll had a tremendous game today thwarting Corrinthians all day. On the other flank David Scanlon put in a solid days work and he linked up very well with midfielder Jack Lamb, who had one of his better games for Midleton. Midleton still pressed on with Brendon Jallil making some smart runs down the right and in the middle Samuel Querke and Craig Healy had their hands full but never gave up. On the left Eoghan Martin was very busy making  runs and working very hard. Adam Meade came into the midfield to provide some steel and did well as did Matthew O'Connor on the right. Max Aherne was the striker in the second half who had the Corrinthian defense in trouble a couple of times. Two late strikes gave Corrinthians a deserved win but a four goal difference was a little harsh on the Midleton lads. 
Good luck to Corrinthians in the rest of the competition.

Team: Peter Fleming, Gary Carroll, Christian Murphy(Captain), David Scanlon, Jack Lamb, Eoghan Martin, Samuel Querke, Craig Healy, Paul Connaughton, Adam Meade, Brendon Jallil, Max Aherne, Matthew O'Connor

 

League home to Kilreen Celtic 9th October 2011
Midleton 1 Kilreen Celtic 2
Another tough opponent in Kilreen Celtic who just edged the game by the odd goal.
To be fair, based on a really good second half Midleton deserved to come away with a draw in a very close encounter. The game was a tough but fair match which saw both defenses on top. From the whistle it was" we attack then they attack", in a very entertaining opening 30 minutes. Kilreen got the breakthrough when a lucky bounce just beat "Big" Peter Fleming in the Midleton goal, in fairness to Kilreen they were slightly on top at the time. Further attacks were thwarted by Captain Christian Murphy with great support from Gary O'Carrol and Adam Meade. The midfield partnership of Eoghan Martin, Samuel Querke, Eabhan DeBarra and Brendan Jalil were all up for the challenge, with Craig Healy as the lone striker. A second goal 5 minutes before the half which on another day would of been cleared saw the city team take a 2 goal lead.H/T 0-2

In the second half another team with less fight would not of even come close but with the Midleton spirit and some clever substitutions from the management saw a great fight back. On came Ronan Hayes, Conor Ronayne, Jack Horgan, Matthew O'Connor and Sam O'Reilly for Midleton and it put a scare into the heart of Kilreen. Midleton pressed and it wasn't till 10 minutes from the end that a deserved goal came after a cracker of a cross from Brendan Jalil put Conor Ronayne in with a near post volley. Further pressure from the home team just was not enough and Kilreen Celtic took the points. Another defeat, but what fightin spirit from the lads and we are progressing in the right way. F/T 1-2

National Cup vat home to St Mary's on 24th September
Midleton 6 St Mary's 0
Hayes Double Clinches It For Midleton
The first round of the National Cup saw a performance from Midleton to enjoy. Three previous matches, a 7-1 defeat at Springfield. A 3-0 home defeat to Wilton and a narrow 4-3 loss to Watergrasshill showed the improvement in this new team.
Todays opponents St Marys came to Knockgriffin full of confidence on the back of two wins and were hoping to make it three in a row. The match began with the lads knocking the ball about and being in total control, but unless you get the goals it means very little. The breakthrough came when Eabhan de Barra was fouled and awarded a pen. He bravely stepped up to take it but it was well saved by the keeper only for Ronan Hayes to be the most alert in the area and finish it coolly. A second goal from the classy Craig Healy made the half time score a more realistic, 2-0

With their tails up Midleton piled on the pressure in the second half with Sam O'Reilly coming on and terrorizing the St Mary's left back and with further goals from the nifty Paul Connaughton a second from Hayes and a penalty from Conor Ronayne and the goal of the day came from the sweet boot of Max Aherne. The midfield of Jack Lamb on the right who played in some clever passes and the impressive Sam Quirke who bossed the middle and Eoghan Martin who only played a short time due to ilness were a joy to watch. The back line of Christian Murphy, David Scanlon and Gary Carrol never gave the St Mary's lads a chance and when they did the the big man in goals Peter Fleming would put out the fire of St Mary's. F/T 6-0

Team: Peter Fleming, David Scanlon, Christian Murphy, Gary Carrol, Jack Lamb, Eoghan Martin, Conor Ronayne, Samuel Quirke, Craig Healy, Eabhan de Barra, Sam O'Reilly, Paul Connaughton, Ronan Hayes,
Max Aherne.
Report by Schoolboys Correspondent.

 

Under 11 2010/11 Division 2
Benny Newlands 086-8388806
Training - Thursdays 7pm

2010-2011
Team	P	W	D	L	F	A	GD	Pts
Midleton	12	8	2	2	37	13	24	26
Blarney United	11	8	2	1	31	9	22	26
Everton	11	6	2	3	35	21	14	20
Springfield Ramblers	11	5	3	3	32	13	19	18
Passage United	12	5	0	7	19	36	-17	15
Kilreen Celtic	11	2	1	8	25	42	-17	7
Castleview	12	1	0	11	8	53	-45	3

 

Date	Competition	Venue	Opponent	Result	Scorers
28th Aug	League	Home	Blarney	Won 2-1	Evan O’Meara, Adam Wilson
11th Sept	League	Away	Passage	Won 2-7	A Wilson 3, C Higgins, A Nester, C Newlands, C O’Leary
16th Sept	National Cup	Home	Springfield Ramblers	Won 2-0	Adam Wilson , Andrew Nester
26th Sept	League	Home	Everton	Lost 0-1	-
10th Oct	League	Away	Nufarm Athletic	Won 0-10	A Nester 2,  C Newlands,  T O’Connell 2,  A Wilson,  Nufarm og,  R Sweetman,   S O’Leary,  Evan O’Meara.
24th Oct	National Cup	Away	Midleton A	Won 0-10	M Lamb 2, A Wilson 2, H Wall, T O’ Connell, C Higgins, A Nestor, C O’Leary 2.
7th Nov	League	Home	Springfield Ramblers	Won 2-0	Adam Wilson 2
20th Nov	National Cup	Away	Corinthians Boys A	Won 0-1	Adam Wilson
11th Dec	National Cup	Away	Lakewood	Lost 4-0	-
16th Jan	League	Home	Passage United	Won 6-1	A Wilson 3, C O’Leary, D Thompson, E O'Meara
29th Jan	Cup	Away	Ballincollig A	Won 0-7	A Nestor 4, M Lamb, D Thompson, S O’Leary
27th Feb	Cup	Home	Leeds	Lost 2-3	Andrew Nestor, Adam Wilson
30th Mar	League	Away	Springfield Ramblers	Drew 1-1	Adam Wilson
10th Apr	League	Home	Kilreen Celtic	Won 5-0	Adam Wilson 2, Cormac Higgins, Andrew Nestor Ray Sweetman
26th Apr	League	Away	Castleview	Won 1-4	E O’Meara, A Wilson, M Lamb 2
7th May	League	Home	Castleview	Won 5-1	E O’Meara, A Wilson 3, C Higgins
10th May	League	Away	Kilreen Celtic	Won 2-3	A Nestor 2, C O’Leary
10th May	League	Away	Blarney United	Drew 0-0	-
22nd May	League	Away	Everton	Lost 3-2	A Nestor, C Newlands

Goal Scorers
Adam Wilson	22
Andrew Nestor	14
Mathew Lamb	5
Evan O’Meara	5
Conner O’Leary	5
Cormac Higgins	4
Tommy O’Connell	3
Ciaran Newlands	3
Sean O’Leary	2
Dara Thompson	2
Ray Sweetman	2
Harry Wall	1

 

 

Under 11 2010/11 Division 2

League away to Everton on 22nd May
Everton 3 Midleton 2
Midleton knew going into this game that if they could get all three points it was going to be very hard for Blarney to stop them being champions. But it all went wrong from the very start, they started off the match playing against the wind [there own choice], as the game got under way Midleton found it hard to cope with the wind as Everton took advantage of it they attacked and put pressure on Midleton from the start, Midleton just could not get into the game. They where all over the place for the first 5 mins and a bad judgment in defence got Midleton caught out Everton broke from the left side to strike the ball into the net. Then in the 15 min they got a second, Midleton had a few chances themselves Adam Wilson was on goal just the keeper to beat but it just went wide and then Conner O’Leary had a chance when he rounded the keeper but struck it in to the side net but Midleton where hoping to hold up till half time but just before half time Everton got a 3rd then the whistle went for half time and it couldn’t have come sooner for Midleton.

As the second half got started Midleton got there chance to play with the wind as it definitely had a say in this game and fair play to Midleton they came out with all guns blazing. They fired everything at Everton Cormac Higgins had a shot out side the box saved by the outstanding Everton goalkeeper and Tommy O’Connell fought so hard in the midfield. The game had only started 5 mins and Andrew Nestor picked the ball up outside box on the left he drove forward with it and blasted it down low to the left side of goal 3-1. Midleton were back in the game they never gave up they pushed forward at every opportunity and this did leave the defence a bit open but they had no choice as these points where so important. So Everton had a chance or two and came close once but apart from that it was all Midleton and as they kept the pressure on it was only a matter of time and 15 mins into the 2nd half. An Everton player handled the ball in the box a penalty to Midleton and knowing how much the goal would mean to the team and all the pressure involved in taking this penalty it didn’t stop Ciaran Newlands grabbing the ball to take the penalty. He stepped up took a short run and blasted it in to the left hand corner great penalty and great goal. A couple of mins later Midleton made some changes taking off Adam Wilson who was carrying a small injury and replacing him with Evan O’Meara and then took off Higgins for Ryan Dunleavy and moved Mathew Lamb up to midfield to make a more attacking force. Midleton gave everything but there run of play kept getting stopped with players going down injured but they kept the pressure up they did everything. O’Meara had a great header inside the box from a cross how it never made the back off the net I will never know. Another great save from the Everton keeper. Now there where at least 4 or 5mins injury time that should have been played but I could not believe it when the referee blew his whistle for fulltime. I looked at my stop watch and he had blown his whistle on the 30 mins, not one second injury time could not believe it and the game stood at 3-2 leaving Midleton waiting for other results to where they will finish. At present they are still 6 points ahead but Blarney have 3 games still to play, and if Everton can win there games it can all go to a play off. The Midleton lads should be proud of themselfs, they have had a great season and most importantly they have been promoted to the first division.    

League away to Blarney United on 11th May
Blarney 0 Midleton 0
This game meant so much to both teams and it showed for the first 10mins as both teams where very nervous.
But as the game went on it started to open up and Midleton where the team that looked like scoring first as they had more chances in the first half than Blarney. The Midleton midfield where winning more of the ball in the centre and that gave Midleton more opportunity’s up front, but it just never happened. The closest they got was a shot out side the box from Cormac Higgins, who struck it well but the keeper got up well for a fine save. As halftime approached Blarney came into it a bit more, but the Midleton back line was superb. Eion Mitchell had a great first half, as did Mathew lamb and Sean O’Leary and also at right back Alan Horgan was solid. Just before halftime Adam Wilson came close when he had a shot just inside the box  but it just went wide and 0-0
it stayed for the first half.

As the 2nd half got under way Blarney started to put on the pressure and Midleton where up a against it but they kept there nerves and came back into the game. They had a few chances with balls coming down the flanks and into the box from wide players Dara Thompson and Ciaran Newlands but nothing came out of it and it was like that for the whole of the 2nd half. Both teams having their chances but both defences where solid. They really worked hard to make sure there were no slip ups from both teams and it stayed 0-0 on the day. It was definitely a fair result because both sides could have felt hard done by if it had gone  the opposite way. It was a well and hard fought game from both sides and they never held back the players where wrecked after this one, every one of them worked really hard as they knew the iImportance of this match. Sean O’Leary and Mathew Lamb where outstanding at the back.

League away to Kilreen Celtic on 10th May
Killreen Celtic 2 Midleton 3
Another tough game for Midleton as the season reaches its final games only two more to go, Midleton started the game facing down the way on a sloppy pitch so they had to get as much out of the first half as possible both teams got stuck in from the start Killreen where well up for this game they really put it up to Midleton and in the first 10 mins Midleton had to work for every ball they had and with there hard work and determination Midleton where rewarded soon after when Andrew Nestor put the ball into the net to make it 0-1 to Midleton.
From there on Midleton started to command the game Adam Wilson broke down the left side into the box put the ball across the box right to Ciaran Newlands foot he ran on struck it hard but it just went over the bar a great move. Then not long after that Wilson broke again this time through the middle straight into the box took the shot and it just went wide. Midleton kept the pressure on and 10 mins from half time they got a 2nd. This time it was Conner O’Leary on the score sheet 0-2 Midleton. It stayed that way to half time but just before halftime Midleton had to replace Sean O’Leary who got injured with Ray Sweetman.

As the 2nd half got under way Midleton got of to a fine start they pushed forward and looked like they where going to score again but then Killreen started to come back into the game As they started to take advantage of the fact that they where facing down the way and they really had Midleton all over the place. They had a couple of near chances and Alan Horgan came to the rescue at one stage and cleared one of the line but it was only a matter of time. Killreen pulled one back to make it 1-2. Midleton seem to freeze at this stage because Killreen started where they left off and kept the pressure on Midleton and 5 mins later they got a 2nd. It really didn’t look good for Midleton at this stage and with all the home crowd getting behind Killreen and pushing them on it made the game even tougher for the away lads, but fair play they did come back into the game and started to get the ball moving forward and with all the hard work and fight. 5 mins from the end they got there reward the ball breaks to Wilson who plays it to Nestor he turns on the edge of the box and shoots 2-3 to Midleton.
All season I have never saw them celebrate the way they did for that goal they knew how important it was and how hard they had to work to get it. Great game to watch.
For this match the team as whole get man of the match for there sheer fight to get back into the game.

 

League at home to Castleview on 7th May
Midleton 5 Castleview 1
This was Midleton’s last home game of the season and they came out strong from the start but it was a difficult
first half with a very strong wind blowing across the field making it hard for both teams but Midleton always looked the stronger team. That’s not saying Castleview didn’t have some good chances they had a few but the home side where moving the ball a lot more confident than Castleview Midleton’s midfield where very strong today with Cormac Higgins making a presence and Tommy O’Connell getting involved in everything and it was from the midfield area the first goal came a lovely ball through from Mathew lamb right to the edge of the box and Evan O’Meara ran onto it and placed it into the back of the net. 1-0 to Midleton. Not long after that Castleview made a break from the midfield and their number 8 passed at least 4 Midleton players but Sean O’Leary made a tackle inside the box. The two centre backs had a solid game today with Mathew lamb clearing some fine balls, from there on Midleton pressed on looking for a 2nd and again Ciaran Newlands had another fine game down the right hand side linking up well with Higgins and getting in some lovely balls across the box and also starting to get into the box himself at the right time Midleton had a few chances but it was only a matter of time before the 2nd one came and it was none other than top scorer Adam Wilson 2-0 Midleton.
  
As the 2nd half got under way Midleton kept the pressure up they made two changes one at half time Harry Wall coming off for Ray Sweetman at left back. 10mins into the game Evan O’Meara coming off for Conner O’Leary up front from there on Midleton where really on top at this stage Andrew Nestor was making some lovely runs down the left wing and linking up well with Sweetman and also O’Connell was on fire they where really playing like a team and where rewarded 15 mins into 2nd half this time Wilson picks up the ball outside the box and does what he does best runs at the keeper and lobs   It over the keepers head 3-0 Midleton. But after this Midleton took there fit of the peddle for 10 mins and let Castleview back into the game they broke from the middle into the box to make it 3-1 but Midleton got there self’s together and pressed on for the 4th this time Higgins was fouled outside the box and Midleton are rewarded with a free kick on the edge of the box Higgins takes it and it’s a beauty right into the top corner 4-1 Midleton then 5mins later Wilson picks the ball up again and heads for the goals he takes the shot and it bounces over the keeper Wilson runs past the keeper and blast it into the net a hatrick for Wilson and 5-1 to Midleton.
He has had some season and some great goals, so Midleton deserved this win with some brilliant team play and the keeper Conner O’Farrell he had a great game today never once looked out of place but for this game there’s two or three could be nominated for man of the match Mathew Lamb came close but this one goes Tommy O’Connell for sheer work rate never stopped once.    

League at away to Castleview on 26th April
Castleview 1 Midleton 4
Midleton started this game slow as they took on bottom of the table Castleview it was a scrappy game to start
With and after about 15 mins we started to see Midleton come into it a bit more making a few chances with
Adam Wilson just putting one past the post then in the 20th min. Ciaran Newlands put a lovely ball through to Evan O’Meara who ran on and placed it by the keeper to make it 0-1 a well taken goal. Castleview weren’t
going to give up that easy and 5 mins later a bad era in midfield saw Castleview break with the ball. The ball breaks into the box and as the Midleton keeper and defender go to clear the ball there is no communication between the two players and the defender ends up putting it into his own net 1-1. Castleview where delighted they didn’t look like a team at the bottom of the table.
And certainly weren’t playing like one but Midleton kept going and started to play some lovely football with some fine moves coming from the middle from Mathew Lamb and Cormac Higgins out to the wide players Andrew Nestor on the left and Newlands on the right side who was crossing in some lovely balls and then just before half time there hard work pay off. The ball comes to Wilson in the box and he does what he has been doing all season slots it into the back off the net 1-2.

As the 2nd half got under way Midleton started to take control of the game they where looking solid at the back with another fine performance from there captain Sean O’Leary also at the back. Harry Wall looked comfortable on the ball as he move the ball forward as the game went on Midleton pressed for a 3rd and 10 mins into the 2nd half Lamb scores a beauty from outside the box right into the top corner what a goal 1-3 at that stage Midleton made a change bringing on Alan Horgan for Cian Murray and taking of Nestor who picked up an injury during the game and replacing him with Ray Sweetman  as the subs settle into the game Midleton kept the pressure on and  10 mins before the end Lamb gets a 2nd goal another shot from outside the box but this time it takes a deflection and still makes the back of the net 1-4.
Midleton make another substitute this time Ryan Dunleavy for Cormac Higgins in the midfield and he done a great job in a position that he does not normally play and then Wilson was replaced for Conner O’Leary this was a great result for Midleton. As the season is nearly coming to an end with 4 games left to play, there where some fine performances out there today Newlands played a cracker and Wilson looked sharp and worked hard up front and O’Meara worked hard on and off the ball but for sheer effort and determination for a boy who hasn’t always been in the starting line up the man of the match must go to Harry Wall.

 

League at home to Killreen Celtic on 10th April
Midleton 5 Killreen Celtic 0
This was a lovely day for the spectators the hottest day of the year so far but it was one hell of a tough day
For the 22 players on the pitch and that showed when the ref stopped the game in the second half to give the young lads a 5 min break, but it was a great game to watch.
Midleton started the game very strong they put it up to Killreen right from the start they where moving the ball with a nice bit of confidence about them but still they knew they had to be on there game and tight at the back as they knew how good Killreen are at scoring goals. As the game went on Midleton won the ball in the middle of the park the ball was played out to the left Adam Wilson picked it up a drove in to the box he charged towards goals and the defence where left watching as he slotted it home to add another one to his top goal tally a great finish. As the game went on Killreen had a couple of breaks but the back four where solid Alan Horgan on the right and Owen Mitchell on the left and in the middle Sean O’Leary and Mathew Lamb played a stormer. Midleton kept the pressure on as the kept breaking away spreading balls from the midfield out to the wings and a lot of the ball was coming down the right side and Ciaran Newlands was putting some great balls in to the box and the 5 mins before half time a ball was cleared out the Killreen box and out side the box Cormac Higgins was there to take the shot he hit the ball high into the top of the net the keeper had no chance. Midleton where 2-0 up a good first half performance from the home side.

As the second half got under way Midleton picked up where they left off winning the ball in the midfield Tommy O’Connell was on fire. He was winning every ball that was coming near him and Higgins never stopped working neither. Midleton kept the pressure on looking for a 3rd goal and 5 mins into the game Newlands put the ball through to Evan O’Meara he took the shot but it just went wide. He had a couple like that but they just wouldn’t come of for the lad. Then 10 mins into the 2nd half Midleton got a corner Lamb stepped up to take it as he did for all the other corners on the day he drove some great corners into the box every time but no one was connecting with any of them. Until this corner and a name that is popping up on the goal sheet quite a lot lately Andrew Nestor was there right on the goal line to make it 3-0. From there on it was all Midleton, 5 mins later Newlands picked the ball up on the right side slip the ball through to Wilson who ran on with only the keeper to
beat and slotted it home to make it 4-0.
At this stage Midleton started to make changes bringing on all there subs and they where not long on and two of them where involved in the last goal and probably the best goal of the match Harry wall picks up the ball on the left hand side and plays a lovely ball through to Lamb and runs on then Lamb plays it back to Wall he then runs down the left crosses it into the box and Ray Sweetman is there to make it 5-0.
This was a great performance from Midleton, they are the first team to stop Killreen scoring in the league. There where some great performances out there today Mathew lamb and Sean O’Leary where outstanding Adam Wilson had a great game as did Ciaran Newlands but the man of the match has to go to Tommy O’Connell who played his heart out and I think is starting to do what is asked of him. Well done Tommy and well done Midleton.

League away to Springfield Ramblers on Wednesday 30th March
Midleton 1 Springfield Ramblers 1
A tough night for Midleton as they went to Springfield looking for three points to take advantage of other teams at the top of div 2 who had slip up the last time out. They took to a very poor pitch as the game started, both teams came out strong but Midleton had most of the ball in the first half.  As Cormac Higgins and Tommy O’Connell commanded the midfield as there were some strong tackles going in from both sides, a lot of the ball was coming down the right side of the pitch for Midleton.  With Ciaran Newlands making some good runs and crosses into the box and linking up with the strikers. As the first half went on Springfield started to come into the game a bit more as up until then the Midleton back four had not had much to do and then 5 mins before half time Midleton lose the ball in the midfield and get caught on the break. Springfield make the break through the middle of the park and take their chance well and go 1-0 up. Midleton have lost to many goals from this part of play and it’s something that will have to be addressed quicker than later.

As the second have got under way Midleton dug in hard for a equaliser with Andrew Nester on the left making some fine runs and getting some balls into the middle of the box. You could see that the Midleton players were trying to get balls through to strikers Adam Wilson and Conner O’Leary but the Springfield defence was hard to break. Midleton kept it tight at the back in the 2nd half with Sean O’Leary and Owen Mitchell making some great clearances from the back. As the game went on Newlands put a ball through to Wilson who made a break for it as he went forward he took the shot but it just went passed the post. You could see Midleton where getting closer and then 15 mins into the second half the ball was put through to Wilson from a break and with his speed it wasn’t long before he had only the keeper to beat. He took on the keeper and as he rounded the keeper, the keeper try to pull him down but he managed to stay on his feet and run on to put the ball in the back off the net.
Great goal and 1-1 it stayed that way to the end, this was probably the scrappiest game Midleton played this season there was just not that much football at all.
As for man of the match there was no one really stood out, it was just a gutsy team performance.Conner O’Farrell did very well in goal but if I am being pushed for a man of the match Owen Mitchell gets this one he done everything he was asked of and a bit more.      

Local Cup home to Leeds on 27th February
Midleton 2 Leeds 3
Midleton started off this game strong they had most of the ball and 10 mins into the first half they where rewarded with a move from the right side. Ciaran Newlands played the ball through to Adam Wilson who ran down the line and crossed it into Andrew Nestor who blasted it into the back of the net to put Midleton 1-0 up, the home side where on top all through the first half till 5mins before half time Leeds got a free kick outside the centre of the box. Leeds took the free kick right into the box and there striker got his head to it to make it 1-1.
Midleton had there chance to go a head again when Nestor scored again but was denied with offside.

As both teams came out for the second half Midleton seemed to leave something behind they definitely weren’t
the seem team as the first half. The first 5mins it was all Leeds who had position and 2mins later Leeds got the
ball from a clearance from outside the box, took a shot to lob the keeper and it was 2-1. As the game went on
Midleton made a couple of changes bringing on Evan O’Meara for Conner O’Leary up front and taking off Tommy O’Connell. Bringing on Cian Murray to centre back and pushing up Sean O’Leary to midfield. As the game went on Midleton started to come back into it. Then bad defending from Midleton caused them to lose a 3rd goal. There was still 15mins left and its got to be said that Midleton never gave up. They started to realise they where in trouble and played there hearts out for the last 15mins putting Leeds under pressure. They had a clear penalty denied when a Leeds player handled it in the box. Then Wilson pulled one back to make it 2-3 but in the end it was just to late, man of the match goes to Sean O’Leary for his all round play. 

Local Cup away to Ballincollig A on Sat 29th January
Ballincollig A 0 Midleton 7
Midleton travelled to Ballincollig on a very frosty morning not knowing if this game would go a head. When they got to Ballincollig’s impressive new ground, referee and coaches inspected the pitch and they where all happy for the game to go ahead. It started off a tight game for both sides before Midleton got started and 10mins into the game Mathew Lamb broke through the home side's defence. At the edge of the box he saw an eye for goal and took the shot. It past through two defenders and the keeper into the back of the net. Then as the game went on Midleton attacked more and on the 18th min Dara Thompson made it two with a shot into the left side corner of the net. The game was still not over yet as Ballincollig showed with a couple of attacks before halftime.
When Midleton came back on in the 2nd half they had made four changes bring on Ciaran Newlands, Adam Wilson, Andrew Nestor and Sean O’Leary. Midleton definitely stepped up a mark as the goals just kept coming. They started to move the ball about with some great runs from Wilson and some lovely passing movement from Newlands set up Nestor for his first of four goals and Sean O’Leary who scored from outside the box. This was another impressive performance from Midleton. The back four where solid with Ryan Dunleavy, Alan Horgan, Cian Murray and Lamb who had another great game before he was taken off to be replaced with Owen Mitchell.
As it came to the end it was hard to pick a man of the match for the Midleton boys as there where so many changes made in this game but when u get a player who scores four goals in the 2nd half you got to hand it to him. But there is one thing I’m sure of is that the score did not reflect the way Ballincollig played they never gave up and at times played some fantastic football I’m sure there luck will change soon.     

League vs Passage United, Knockgriffin, Sunday Jan 16th
Midleton 6 Passage United 1  
After a long break between matches due to the bad weather and the Christmas break the hunger to play was there to be seen from a fresh attacking Midleton side. Right from the start they played fast attacking football, the passing and two touch football from the Midleton boys was great to watch and they were rewarded 10 mins into the game with a goal from none other than that boy top scorer Adam Wilson. As the game went on Midleton kept the pressure on with the ball coming down both wings. Some great crosses coming in from Andrew Nestor on the left and Ciaran Newlands on the right and in midfield you had Evan O’Meara breaking through the middle and linking up with the two strikers and Sean O’Leary who worked so hard commanding the midfield. As the game went on 10 mins before half time Midleton got a 2nd when O’Meara broke through with only the keeper to beat he took his strike well.
In the 2nd half Passage never gave up but Midleton’s back line where just too strong on the day with Mathew Lamb solid at the back as always and Cian Murray and Harry Wall keeping things tight at the back. Midleton pressed on and 3mins into the game Wilson scored his 2nd. He picked the ball up outside the box and made a run coming down the right side of the goal and hammered it into the back of the net. After that it was all but over for Passage as Midleton where on fire at this stage. 5 mins later Newlands got the ball down the right hand side, made a break towards the box and slipped a lovely ball through to Conner O’Leary who ran onto it and slotted it into the net to make it four. Midleton where not finished yet when Wilson who played a blinder today got his reward when he scored his 3rd to make it 5. Midleton at this stage made a few changes bringing on all there subs in the last 15 mins. Credit to Passage who never gave up got a break through the middle
10mins to go and put the ball in the back of the net. Then 5mins later Dara Thompson scored a cracker to make it six. All together a great performance from Midleton.
There was at least two or three who could be picked for man of the mach. Sean O’Leary had a great game and Adam Wilson who got a hatrick was outstanding but for this match its got to go to Ciaran Newlands who worked hard all through the game up and down the right side putting through some great balls and sending some perfect crosses into the box and also had his hand in setting up a couple of the goals.

National Cup away to Lakewood on Sat 11th December
Lakewood Athletic 4 Midleton 0  
This match was a disaster for Midleton before a ball was even kicked, they had to give up there home advantage because there home pitch was recommended not playable.
The match itself started off great for Midleton they attacked from the start off the match with some great chances not long into the match Adam Wilson had a clear run at goal ran the ball in with great composure but when he took the shot it just went wide. Conner O’Leary had another good chance and the keeper made a fine save. This was Midleton all through the first half then 8 mins before half time a ball came across goals from the right side Owen Mitchell just missed it and Ciaran Newlands made contact with the ball but it sliced of his foot and went wide. They just couldn’t get that bit of luck then just before half time.
Lakewood got a break and took there chance well to go one up before halftime. Midleton where still in the game at this stage they still look the stronger team.  

Both teams came back out at half time with Midleton kicking off and right from that kick off Midleton attacked with Tommy O’Connell breaking through he took the shot hit the inside off the crossbar and down onto the ground. Midleton players thought it had passed the line and Lakewood players where heard to be saying it passed the line too but the Ref thought different. All the Midleton players couldn’t believe it and let the ref know that and from that the Ref booked Newlands. As the game went on the decisions got more bizarre. Lakewood had a break down the right side off the centre of the park as they got near the penalty box Ray Sweetman put in a fine challenge to try to knock it out wide but the ball did not go far enough so the Midleton keeper Conner O’Farrell came out to collect and pick it up just at the right side edge off the penalty box. Tthe ref blows his whistle to gives a indirect free kick for a back pass but more bizarrely, he lets them take it from the edge of the centre of the box. Lakewood take it quick before the ref has his whistle blown or is in a proper position to see play and Lakewood are 2 up. Midleton found it hard to come back from this and a couple of mins later the ref awards Lakewood a penalty. Goalkeeper Conner O’Farrell made a fine safe but Lakewood got it in the rebound and near the end they got their fourth goal to make it through to the next round off the national cup.

Mathew Lamb and Sean O’Leary had another fine performance at the back. Midleton players have nothing to feel bad about this result they definitely deserved better but take nothing away from Lakewood who played the game in a very sporting manner and wish them all the best in the next round.  

National Cup Round 3 away to Corinthians Boys A Sat 20th Nov
Corinthians boys A 0 Midleton 1
This was all go from the start Midleton put pressure on Corinthians right from the start of play and where winning most of the ball in midfield with some brilliant fighting spirit from Tommy O’Connell but everything Midleton put up to Corinthians they could not break them down. And that is the reason why they are at the top of div 1, centre half Mathew Lamb who had another solid game had a free kick outside the box just before half time he hit it with great power but it just went over the bar great first half but still 0-0.

The 2nd half got under way with Midleton making a change bringing off Cormac Higgins who had been booked in the first half for Ryan Dunleavy. As the game went on Corinthians started to put a bit of pressure on but Midleton held out and with a bit of luck when Alan Horgan cleared it off the line Midleton got there self’s together. With some great play in the middle from Sean O’Leary and on the right side Ciaran Newlands worked hard on the side putting in crosses and chasing players down and the same can be said about Andrew Nestor on the left. As the game went on Midleton pressed for that winning goal and 5mins from time that boy top scorer Adam Wilson picked up the ball from the left of the pitch and made a wonderful run into the box as Evan O’Meara and Newlands made a run to the back post but with great composure he took the shot himself. A great goal definitely one to note for goal of the season the players and coaches on the sideline where jumping for joy. The last few mins every Midleton player got behind the ball and work there socks off they where brilliant but a special mention for Alan Horgan who was without doubt the man of the match.

League vs Springfield Ramblers, Knockgriffin, Sunday Nov 7th
Midleton 2 Springfield 0
This was a tough game for Midleton from the start they had to fight for every ball. For the first 10 mins Springfield put pressure on the Midleton back four but Midleton started to come into the game after that and half way through the first half Adam Wilson broke through and scored the first.
As the game went on Midleton kept at it fighting for every ball with some great fighting spirit from Owen Mitchell who had a good game at the back. It stayed 1-0 at half time and in the second half Midleton made a change at half time bringing on Evan O’Meara for Conner O’Leary who had good performance up front in the first half. As the game went on Tommy O’Connell commanded the midfield and Mathew Lamb at centre half had another great game. Midleton pressed for a 2nd and 15mins into the 2nd half Wilson got a lovely pass through and he was on fire to make it 2. This was without doubt one of his best games for Midleton with a man of the match display. A well deserved 3 points for Midleton, with every player fighting to the end and goalkeeper
Conner O’Farrell who was not asked to do much but when called on he done the job.

 

National Cup 2nd Rnd away to Midleton A 24th October
Midleton A 0 Midleton 10
A game that both sides did not want to play and were glad to get it over with. Both sides came out starting strong but not long into the game Mathew Lamb who played a midfield role in this game got the first of his two goals. A belter from outside the box. Midleton started to take a grip of the game then Adam Wilson who got a great game got two goals to make it 4-0 at half time.
Midleton then made 4 changes at half time bringing on Andrew Nestor, Tommy O’Connell, Cormac Higgins and Ciaran Newlands. As the second half got under way Midleton started again this time Harry Wall coming up from defence to bag one. Then O’Connell got one and Higgins got on the goal sheet at that stage it was all Midleton but credit to Midleton A they never gave up once as the end was nearing Nestor scored and Conner O’Leary got two goals one coming from a great passing move that started at the middle off the park out to the wing and into the box to make the final score 10-0.
Goals scorers - Mathew Lamb 2, Adam Wilson 2, Harry Wall, Tommy O’ Connell, Cormac Higgins, Andrew Nestor, Conner O’Leary 2.

League vs Nufarm Athletic, Nufarm Park, Sunday Oct 10th
Nufarm A 0 Midleton 10
The Midleton boys went into this game with all guns blazing after there disappointing defeat to Everton last time. Andrew Nestor opened up the scoring with a goal 6 mins into the game then Ciaran Newlands scored the second. Tommy O’Connell who got a good game in the middle of the park got himself 2 goals, then top scorer Adam Wilson ran in with the ball and slotted it nicely into the back of the net. Owen Mitchell who played centre back had his best match for the team so far. Just before half time, Newlands who played some great football today, crossed a ball into the box and deflected of one of the Nufarm defenders into the back of the net to make it 6 before half time.
The lads came back on at half time and we saw some great fighting spirit from Cormac Higgins and Mathew Lamb. As the game went on we used up all subs and the first sub to put his name to the score sheet was Sean O’Leary. Then Nestor who had worked hard out on the left got his reward with his 2nd goal. It was great to see goals coming from all positions of play when defender Ray Sweetman scored. Then to cap it off sub Evan O’Meara scored the final goal but must be said the strikers Conner O’Leary and Wilson worked hard to bring others into play, a great team performance with some perfect passing.

League vs Everton, Knockgriffin, Sunday Sept 26th
Midleton 0 Everton 1
Midleton started of well attacking from the start but through a break 10 mins into the game. Everton took the lead when Midleton failed to clear the ball out of the box, Midleton pressed on through. The first half for the equaliser but not to be in the 2nd half it was all Midleton again with Conner O’Farrell having very little to do in goals and a great back line pushing everything up and then 12 mins into the 2nd half Mathew Lamb thought he had the equaliser only for an Everton player to save it on the line with his hands but it was just not Midleton’s day.
They missed the penalty and for the last 15 mins gave it there all. Only to be denied by the Everton goalkeeper who had a man of the match display, but still taking nothing away from the Midleton boys who played some great football through the park and hopefully come away from this defeat knowing with a bit of luck from the run of play they could be at the top of Div 2 tonight.

National Cup 1st Round at home to Springfield Ramblers Thursday 16th Sept
Midleton 2 Springfield Ramblers 0
This was Midleton’s toughest game of the season so far they attacked from the start but could not get through a very strong Springfield back line. They gave everything but still came off at halftime 0-0, in the second half Midleton came out attacking again. With Springfield coming forward at times but Mathew Lamb worked so hard at the back with a man of the match display, with Ray Sweetman putting in a great display too. Midleton’s hard work paid off 15mins into the second half again top scorer Adam Wilson was there as always to put it into the back off the net. Midleton never laid back and kept going forward some great balls coming through from Cormac Higgins from the middle and some lovely balls coming from the right side from Ciaran Newlands who worked hard on the wing. Then 5mins from time Andrew Nester came in from the left side and slotted home a cracker in to the back of the net a great goal. Midleton held tight for the final whistle with all players working hard behind the ball including goal keeper Conner O’Farrell, who had a good game and Sean O’Leary who moved back to centre back for the last 10 mins put in some strong tackles to put Midleton through to the next round. A well deserved win.   

League v Passage Sept 11th
Midleton had a slow start to the game finding it hard playing against the sun and playing up field in the first half. Then in the 25th min top scorer Adam Wilson scored his first of three turning out to be a great start to the season for him. Passage pulled one back to make it level at half time.
In the 2nd half Midleton got stronger with a great all round team performance with goals from Cormac Higgins and Andrew Nester. Passage got a 2nd from the penalty spot but didn’t take long before Wilson got his 2nd then with great delight right winger Ciaran Newlands slotted home his 1st competitive goal with great a performance as well. Wilson then scored his 3rd with great composure and then Conner O’Leary came on from the bench to make the final score 7-2 a brilliant team performance, but we can’t go with out mentioning man of the match Sean O’Leary Hayes who played a absolute blinder one to watch for the future.  

League v Blarney Aug 28th
Midleton got of to a good start by taking the lead with a goal from striker Evan O’Meara.
They had most of the ball in the first half with a good performance from centre back Mathew Lamb and midfielder Cormac Higgins.
Blarney pulled one back before half time. The 2nd half was a much tighter game with some gutsy play from both sides, but Midleton dug in there and where rewarded with a well taken goal by striker Adam Wilson.
A well deserved three points.

 

Under 11A 2010/11 Division 6

League away to Bandon on Friday 3rd June
Bandon A 1 – 2 Midleton A
A hard won victory in the last game of the season for Midleton against a team that played to their peak in an effort to stay in the division. It moves the team up to 3rd and provides a firm platform for development next year.  Alex Marij opened the scoring with a fine goal from the left hand side of the box and Midleton made a number of chances after the early opener but could not quite convert. Bandon came into the game prompted by a centre-half of real talent and Midleton again showed their weakness at crosses when Bandon equalised before half time. 

It was back to the walls stuff for Midleton in the second half. Adam Morris had a fine game in defence taking a great free kick to set up a chance which Midleton missed. At the other end he was then harshly judged to concede a penalty. Enter Michael Mullins. Michael had a fine game for Midleton in the first half on the left hand side of midfield attacking and defending with flair. He replaced Kieran O’Reilly in goal just after half time and made a couple of saves. Facing the penalty, he guessed right and beat the ball out. The Bandon forward somehow managed to miss with the goal at his mercy. Late on, Kieran hit a long ball that was chased down by Chigozie Iganabousi  who ran fully 50 m and put the ball past the keeper. Michael Curtin was tireless in midfield and Ryan Higgins, Bryan McHugh, David O’Sullivan and Leon Cahill were prominent in a defence that was severely pressurised. 
And so ends the season. Everybody in the squad made great contributions through the season and all of the players have made great progress. There will be a number in line for the player of the season and the most improved player of the season awards. Some hard pre-season work should ensure greater progress.

 

League away to Carrigaline United B on 28th May
Carrigaline United B 3 Midleton A 2
A point here would have seen Midleton promoted but they could not quite hold on after taking a 2–0 lead.  In the reverse fixture, Carrigaline won easily 3 -1 so this result was some measure of progress as for much of the game Midleton looked the better team, playing the ball through midfield and getting some good passing together despite some rough tactics. 
Carrigaline centred on the ‘boot and chase’ method and would have done the old Wimbledon proud.  Midleton deserved their 2 – 0 lead, Luke Smith snatching goal after the goalkeeper spilled and Alex Marij scoring a fine header from a brilliant Cal Baldwin corner.  However, Midleton could not defend balls from the wing all day,  the wind and slope causing them problems and Carrigaline getting the rub of the green.  Truth is, the Midleton team is younger than most and physically can sometimes not match more mature opponents.  Midleton conceded either side of half time but were more than capable of scoring before Carrigaline sneaked into the lead.  Midleton pressed for an equalizer with Tom Scanlon and Alex having half chances and then Tom was ruled offside as he was about to shoot.  Luck wasn’t with them today and Cal Bawdin’s fine effort just cleared the bar in injury time. 
The team now need 3 points at Bandon to take third place.  A result they are more than capable of.  Mentions for a few players.  Michael Curtin was brilliant in midfield and Bryan McHugh is showing what a good player he is now that he can settle into the team after close of the rugby season.  

 

League at home to Bandon A on 22nd May
Midleton A 1 Bandon A 0
Pressure is mounting in all these games with a promotion place on offer to Midleton. This was a tense game played in a strong wind and Midleton just edged a well-balanced game. In the first half Midleton made a few chances but they did not pack their scoring boots. Luke Smith had a couple of chances and Cal Baldwins splendid effort was ruled offside. The Bandon centre back was having a great game and managed to foil the Midleton attack in the nick of time on several occasions. 

At half time the introduction of Tom Scanlon and Daire Daly and the switch of Dylan Finn-Hannon to right back gave Midleton impetus and they made three chances that should have been scored before Luke Smith managed to sneak one under the goalkeeper after surging through the middle. Bandon then spent the rest of the game in the Midleton half putting them under tremendous pressure. The middle of defence were their normal reliable selves  but outstanding full back play from Dylan Finn-Hannon and David O’Sullivan did much to keep a rampant Bandon at bay. Bandon hit the bar with a long range effort and Kieran O’Reilly made one fantastic stop. Michael Curtin formed a defence shield in front of the back four and all the players showed character as Midleton held out for a win. 
Dylan Finn-Hannon (who cleared his lines with skill and aplomb) and Cal Baldwin (for his industry and skill) must be singled out for having exceptional games and gave their all for the team.

 

League home to Leeds A on 17th May
Midleton A 7 Leeds A 0
Another fine performance from the team. Before the game an injury to goalkeeper Kieran O’Reilly led to Alex Marij taking over the goalkeeping duties – a move that meant we didn’t have the services of the Divisions top keeper and a loss of one of our own most creative players. However, Alex did splendidly in goal and Daire Daly had a good game in the centre of midfield. Leeds started well and were physically much bigger and stronger than Midleton. They had a couple of early breaks which petered out but soon superior skill began to assert itself. Adam Morris marshalled the defence expertly and Colin Edgebe gave his normal excellent performance.   Conor Daly and Leon Cahill did great jobs at full back and were tenacious in defending and ably supporting their midfield. Midleton scored two fine goals before the break through Luke Smith and Tom Scanlon.

In the second half Leeds tired as Midleton poured forward.  Shane Veillard found his shooting boots with two well taken goals, Luke added a second to his credit and scoring was completed by Michael Curtin and Daire Daly who expertly finished the best move of the game.  Midleton could have had double figures as Leeds could simply not mount a threat.  Cal Baldwin came on and proved a real threat down the right and Ryan Higgins gave an assured performance as substitute as well.  Adam Morris, Michel Curtin (tireless as ever) and Tom Scanlon were the star turns this week and Tom man-of-the-match playing just behind Luke and providing the ammunition.

League away to Leeds A on 14th May
Leeds A 1  Midleton A  5
Midleton gave a stylish performance in disposing of a strong Leeds challenge. Unusually for this team thay started playing from the first whistle and an early goal from Luke Smith set the tone for the match. Another goal came from the boot of Michael Mullins and at that stage it looked like it was going to be a comfortable game for Midleton.
 
However Leeds came back strongly into the match in the last 10 minutes  of the first half. Following a goalmouth scramble they pulled one back but the Midleton defence held firm for the remainder of the half leaving the half time score of Leeds 1-2 Midleton.
 
As Midleton had played with the slope in the first half it didn't look like a one goal lead would be enough.  Excellent work by the defence, with Dylan Finn-Hannon having an outstanding game as stand-in centre back, and midfield ensured that this would not be the case. A couple of good chances went a-begging but finally Luke Smith found his scoring boots. Helped by 2 assists from  Daire Daly, Luke added 3 more goals to ensure Midleton ran out comfortable winners in the end.
 
All 16 players that were involved played well  but, in addition to the players already mentioned, the contributions of Cal Baldwin and Colin Edgebe deserve to be higlighted.
 
This was a good win for the team but the dip in form in the last 10 minutes of the first-half should teach them the need to play for the full 60 minutes.

 

League home to Mallow A on 10th May
Midleton A 1-3 Mallow A
Midleton lost a very competitive game and were just edged out by a team that were slightly stronger and faster.  Midleton went behind but equalised when Alex Marij got free and tucked away nicely.  Midleton competed well but Mallow exerted lots of pressure in the second half before scoring 2 goals.  Midleton’s defence were put under extreme stress and just couldn’t clear the ball effectively.  Towards the end of the game Midleton saw a lot more of the ball in attacking situations and had two clear chances that’s seemed more difficult to miss than score but they couldn’t turn them in.  All the players gave their utmost in a hard game but it is worth singling our Micahel Curtin who was tireless in midfield.  Daire Daly had another fine game and his performances seem to have moved to a higher level.

 

League at home to Blarney United A on 8th May
Midleton A 1 Blarney A 0
This was always going to be a tough game between two well-matched teams. In the reverse feature Midleton had shaded the game after being put under pressure. This match wasn’t helped by a fierce cross-wind that all the players found difficult to play football in. There was also a rather bizarre refereeing performance where Midleton suffered many of the poor decisions. Midleton probably shaded the first half and Tom Scanlon fashioned one of a few chances from a pass form Luke Smith in the first period but couldn’t quite convert.  After that defences were on top.
The game was won in the second half with the usual goal from Luke Smith.  He took a ball in a move started by Michael Mullins in a break from defence and managed to shrug off the attention of a defender before driving into the top corner from the edge of the box. Luke could have scored a second but having been kicked and pulled back by the defender he was through on goal with just the keeper to beat before being brought back for a free kick – one of the stranger decisions of the game. A number of Blarney players could have been yellow and red carded for outrageous fouls in a ‘they shall not pass attitude’ but the referee had clearly left his cards at home. 
After that Midleton came under fierce pressure in an extended second half but held tight.  Kieran O’Reilly was his usual brilliant self, making three fine saves and the centre of defence with Colin Edgebe (man-of-the-match) and Adam Morris were resolute. The whole team showed character in a fighting performance.  Daire Daly stood out with a brilliant performance at right-back and later in the game in midfield but all the players can be proud of their individual and team performances.

 

League away to Passage A on Saturday 23rd April
Passage A 2   Midleton A  6
Any problems Midleton have had this season are not due to ability but due to inconsistency often starting slowly in games before getting into their stride. Such was the case here. In the first half they made a number of chances and Tom Scanlon was prominent making a number of opportunities for himself and others and was a constant threat. However, they converted only one (Alex Marij) following good work down the left by Luke Smith but this was sandwiched between two strikes from Passage, the first was a tremendous free kick that flew into the top of the corner from the left hand side.  
The second half saw Midleton at their best and five goals turned the game around completely.  Alex Marij scored what could be the goal of the season from the right hand of the box, a curler into the top corner.  Goals followed from Chigozie Igboanusi who out paced the defence and Luke Smith. Cal Baldwin who had a great game scored a fine fifth before Michael Mullins rounded the game off.  Killian Leahy, David O’Sullivan and Leon Cahill performed well at the back and with Adam Morris, Colin Edgebe and Kieran O’Reilly they have a really solid centre.  Midfield and attack have some gifted young players and Midleton are finding out that excellent play needs a strong work ethic if they are to reach their potential.

 

League home to Douglas Hall A on Saturday 9th April
Midleton A  9  Douglas Hall A  1
Midleton turned in their most impressive game of the season to beat the bottom team in the division.  Midleton were impressive throughout and bettered their opponents in all areas of the field.  Kieran O’Reilly opened the scoring from the penalty spot but more goals followed quickly.  Leon Cahill had his best game of the season but the whole team played well.  Luke Smith scored two goals as did Alex Marij.  Shane Veillard capped a fine return after illness with a goal. 
Daire Daly had a fine second half  and was unlucky with a number of strikes and was thwarted only by the woodwork.  However, amongst a host of strong performers, Captain Michael Curtin, grabbed the honours and a man of the match performance with a fine hatrick although one goal has been sent to the referee for comment as Daire Dalys original shot may have been over the line before being turned in. 

Cup at home to Springfield Ramblers B on 27th Feb
Midleton A 2 Springfield B 3
Midleton began very slowly and looked slow on the ball. There were isolated attacks but Springfield held the ball and used it much better. There was a strong wind blowing into the faces of the Midleton team which made defending difficult but they could not cope with the eager Springfield team that were 3–0 up before half-time, two of the goals resulting from sloppy paly at the back. Luke Smith smashed a fine goal before the break, a goal he deserved as Midleton’s best player, to bring Midleton back into the game. 
In the second half Midleton did not get the better of the wind as it dropped quickly at the start of the half.  However, Midleton finally began to play and the introduction of Chigozie Igboanusi gave the team extra edge up front. Cal Baldwin provided some dynamic running and Adam Morris began to push into midfield to add some bite and Midleton began to make a serious chances which were not taken until they had two ‘goals’ ruled out somewhat harshly for offside. Cal Baldwin scored a great goal from the edge of the box to give Midleton a glimmer of hope but time ran out. In the end they were unlucky to lose but the team have only themselves to blame for a poor first half.

League home to Springfield Ramblers A on 12th February
Midleton A 3 Springfield Ramblers A 1
Midleton A had a good win over a spirited Springfield A team at Knockgriffin today.
After early stalemate Cal Baldwin opened the scoring with a fine shot after intercepting a goal kick. Further goals from  Alex Arij and Michael Curtin followed, with Chigozie Igboanusi providing assists for both. This left Midleton with a healthy 3-0 lead at half-time.
 
The second-half started with a booming shot by Luke Smith which unfortunately went over the bar and after this Springfield came more in to the game. Good work by the back 4 and some fine saves by Kieran O'Reilly prevented Springfield from scoring until late on, and at times Midleton threatened to add to their goal tally.
 
This was a fine team performance with excellent tracking back and good tackling being done by the Midleton midfield which made a big difference to the game.
 
Team: 1. Kieran O'Reilly, 2. Daire Daly, 3. David O'Sullivan, 4. Adam Morris, 5. Colin Edgebe, 6. Tom Scanlon
7. Cal Baldwin, 8. Alex Arij, 9. Michael Curtin, 10. Chigozie Igboanusi, 11. Luke Smith, 12. Conor Daly, 13. Ryan Higgins, 14. Michael Mullins, 15. Killian Leahy

League home to Carrigaline United B on 16th January  
Midleton A 1 Carrigaline United B 3
The recent run of good form of Midleton came to an end with reverse to a good Carrigaline team.  In the first half Midleton looked very rusty after a long break due to the poor weather and were 2 – 0  at the break. The score reflected  pressure that Midleton had been under throughout the half. After the interval Midleton rallied and began to exert pressure which led to a goal through top-scorer Luke Smith.  Midleton pressed for an equalizer and made a number of chances and could have rescued the match.  However, Carrigaline scored a third to settle the match.

League away to Blarney United A on 21st November
Blarney A  1 Midleton A 3
That is three straight wins for Midleton A in the league and they are playing as a real team and with confidence.  Against a strong Blarney A team Midleton had more in defence and the midfield and attack created more chances than their hosts.  Midleton easily held the Blarney attack in the first half (0:0) and could easily have scored a couple of goals – Luke Smith scored his usual point from in front of goal!  Adam Morris and Colin Edgebe were brilliant in defence and the midfield of Damian Pekala, Alex Arij and Daire Daly bossed the midfield.  The introduction of fresh legs (Cal Baldwin, Michael Millins and Michael Curtin) allowed Midleton to attack almost continually and Blarney were held to one or two breaks.  Michael Curtin was particularly impressive as an attacking midfielder and pressure paid off and Luke Smith tapped in following a great cross from Alex Arij.  Luke added a fine second form the right hand side of the penalty box and Michael Millins was rewarded for his recent excellent form with another tap in.  Blarney added a consolation effort late on but the game was over by then.

League home to Passage A on 6th November
Midleton A 7 (seven) Passage A 1 
Midleton’s best performance of the year so far.  Midleton attacked from the start and created a hat of chances that went spurned until Luke Smith broke clear and finished from the edge of the box.  What should have then been easy, weak defending left passage equalise.   More chances were missed until just before half time when Chigozie Igboanusi gave Midleton a deserved lead after missing one or two chances.  The half time rest obviously did the trick because the chances were turned into goals as Midleton kept breaking clear through  the  centre and down the wings.  Chigozie was the man of the match and soon bagged a hat trick.  Michael Millins came on at half time and ran the defence ragged creating chances.  Alex Arij popped in two more goals which was well deserved because he has had a good season so far.  Dylan Finn-Hannon scored to complete the scoring.  There will be harder games but this was a good performance from everyone.  Excellent midfield play and pace up-front and Midleton will hopefully continue to move up the table.

National Cup home to Midleton 24th October
Midleton A 0 Midleton 10
The nightmare game for the two U11 teams became a nightmare for the U11 A team. They were simply overwhelmed by a sharper team where Ray Sweetman, Adam Wilson and others played brilliantly as they have done for much of the season. 
Luke Smith was the best of the U11 A team and was unlucky with a brilliant shot that hit the bar. Adam Morris and Colin Edgebe did their best in defence but Midleton were simply too strong and showed the form that has taken them towards the top of the 2nd division.

League away to Douglas Hall 10th of Oct
Douglas Hall 0 Midleton A 3
Midleton started brightly and had a few good chances before a good move midway through the 1st half saw Michael Curtain play a fine ball through for Shane Veillard to round the keeper and slot the ball home to give Midleton a deserved lead. It was all Midleton at this stage and they should have gone 2-0 up only for the referee to wrongly rule Shane Veillard offside after a good run from Michael Mullins.

The 2nd half started the same as the 1st ended with Midleton enjoying a great deal of possession. A great through ball by Dara Daly should have saw Midleton double their lead but the Douglas keeper saved well from Shane Veillard. It was only a matter of time before Midleton got a second and Tom Scanlon got rewarded for his hard work when he burst through on goal and beat the keeper at the 2nd attempt. It wasnt long before Luke Smith added a 3rd for Midleton in a game where the whole team played very well especially in defence where they limited douglas hall to very few chances.
All in all a great team performance and lets hope they carry the same attitude and comitment into their forthcoming matches.

League vs Mallow United A, St Gobnaits Park, Sunday Sept 26th
Mallow United A  2  Midleton A 1
Midleton A were just edged out in a tense game in St Gobnaits park. Midleton came under pressure throughout the game and mallow had two speedy wingers who got good ball in the box. However, Midleton probably had the best two strikers, Luke Smith and Shane V who were always a threat on the break. Mallow lead 1–0 at half time as a cross shot somehow found its way into the net via a post and a defender. 
Shortly after half time Midleton equalised on the break. Shane V levelling a scrambled effort after Luke smith broke from half way. Tom Scanlon and Michael Curtin had strong games in the middle and Daire Daly and Alex Arij performed excellently at the back. Mallow pressed forward and both David O’Sullivan and Luke Smith made clearances off the line before Mallow scored with a fine drive from the edge of the box. Midleton had a couple of opportunities to equalise but time ran out before one could be converted.

League vs Greenwood A, Knockgriffin Sunday Sept 12th
Midleton A 1 Greenwood A 4
Midleton were beaten after a strong second half performance for Greenwood.  An end-to-end 1st half included a fine goal by Luke Smith to cancel an early Greenwood strike and the half finished 1:1.    However, in the second half Greenwood pressed forward at every opportunity and put the Midleton defence under fierce pressure for the half.  Greenwood took an early lead and only good goalkeeping from Kieran O’Reilly and sound play at the back from Colin Edgebe and Adam Morris and the rest of the defence prevented further goals.   As the match neared the end Midleton conceded two late goals.  Despite the efforts of Tom Scanlon, Cal Bowdren and Luke Smith who all put in a lot of work, Greenwood had a deserved win.
Midleton A:  K O’Reilly, D Daly, C Edgebe, A Morris, D O’Sullivan, C Baldwin, T Scanlon, A Arij, R Higgins, M Curtin, L Smith   SUBS:  K Leahy, L Cahill, C Daly, A Ryan

League v Springfield Ramblers 29th August
Midleton led by 4 goals by half time there where some spectacular goals from Tom Scanlon, Luke Smith (2) and Shane Veillard
In the first half, then ten minutes into the second half Michael Curtin made it 5 followed by a 2nd for Shane Veillard
A great all-round performance. Springfield came back with two late goals but Midleton got there heads together to see out. Springfield Ramblers 2 Midleton 6.
A great start to the season.