Result: 1-04 to 3-19

Boden’s final division 5 league game took place in the gloriously sunny surroundings of Sancta Maria against a Towers team aiming for promotion. Boden on the other hand were battling at the other end of the table.

The game started brightly for Boden with Gillo on the end of an intricate move that saw him put his shot wide from a very tight angle in the second  minute. Towers had gone in front with a point in the first minute. Despite winning plenty of possession from Adam Farrell’s kickouts we were unable to create clear cut scoring chances. Mono and Conor Barton were fetching good ball in the middle and Deano at centre forward worked tirelessly to prise an opening in the resolute Towers defence. Gillo and Cian Lynch were lively and did their best work too far from the Towers goal to be a serious threat. Ciaran Cashman ploughed a lonely furrow in the corner winning good ball and trying to hold it up for the cavalry to arrive. In the other corner James was getting little change out of his tight marking opponent.
Boden were working hard but not reaping the rewards unlike our opponents who kept the score board ticking over.
At the back Alex Craven and Aidan Garvey were displaying manly qualities associated with players a lot older. Time and time again Alex recovered ball that wasn’t his and coolly transferred it to a team mate. Aidan exhibited the fighting spirit that we’ve come to know and was equally positive in driving forward from wing back. Rory and Kev battled bravely against experienced canny and skillful footballers. Rory’s tenacity saw him intercept passes and Kev’s physical presence stemmed the incoming tide. On the wing Shane Bobbett emerging from an unseasonal hibernation was working his socks off – never afraid to go forward he was the catalyst for numerous attacks. At centre half back Karl Reddy was again displaying his raw powerful talent in defence and in attack. As the half drew to a close Gillo managed to put a gloss on our tally cheekily lobbing the keeper for a goal and quickly following it with a point.
The second half saw the introduction of three players; Daire Lynch (brother of Cian) both of whom were watched by a proud mammy on the sideline, Ciaran Dempsey who doesn’t seem to age, and hurling star James Enright. Those changes and a few positional switches raised the intensity of the Boden challenge. unfortunately this didn’t manifest itself on the scorebard. Goal chances came and went. Conor Barton was clean through on goal and taken out of it from behind. – all we got was a point from the resulting free. Later Cian found himself one on one with the keeper who saved briliantly. Later a superb crossfield ball from Demo again found Cian whose effort was again saved.  Finally Gillo shot wide from close in.
All in all a disappointing result which didn’t reflect the effort of the lads. There was much to commend in this performance both in defence and in attack. The presence of “older” * lads like Deano (who won’t thank me for saying it), Demo and James who were on a lot of ball brings strength and a “presence” that we require. The youth as represented  by Sam and Karl bring a lively skillful balance to the team. Deano acting like a General offered himself as the out-ball, moved the ball smartly and generally encouraged those around him.
A word of gratitude to the lads who represented the club today and throughout a tough season. Kev, Rory, Mono, Gillo and Conor have almost been ever present -others would have been only for their elevation to greater challenges (Tommy, Dave, Ruairí, Barry and Cathal).
The team is also grateful to Cormac and Liam of the minors who have encouraged Alex, Aidan, Daire and Adam to play today. During the season there have been others. The four lads today were particularly impressive – Adam is a solid goal keeper who managed to pick our midfielders and wingbacks on the kick-outs and position himself properly when they attacked.  We’ll claim Alex as one of ours as he’s played so many games – his progress to a commanding and imposing corner back has been impressive. Likewise Aidan’s introduction has been seemless. Today was Daire’s debut and he didn’t disappoint – rock solid and tough. Best of luck to the minors in their upcoming championship games.
I have already mentioned Shane, and it was great to see him back. Also Ciaran Cashman slotted in nicely for his for his first football game of the season.
* = over 21 !!!
Panel
Adam Farrell
Alex Craven
Kevin Cronin
Rory Jordan
Aidan Garvey
Karl Reddy
Shane Bobbett
Eoghan Monahan
Sam Lally
Cian Lynch
Conor Deane
Conor Barton
James Hutchinson
David Gilheaney
Ciaran Cashman
James Enright
Ciaran Dempsey
Daire Lynch