St James Ath 4-4 Terenure FC

Whatever happens, there are always things you could have done
better. You score two goals and you usually feel you could have
done better. You score two goals and you usually feel you could
have scored a third. That's perfectionism. That's what makes you
progress in life."

- Eric Cantona

Another clash that we had quiet hopes for ... and the boys did not disappoint.
We started off in confident mode (despite the absence of Hugh “Gaffer” Palmer, who was rumored to be interviewing at Old Trafford for a vacant post). Declan stood in for him, giving a very dodgy José Mourinho impression ... and it was time for kick-off. We had asked the opposition manager for a 35 minutes-a-side game, but he wanted the full 45 minutes “to give me weaker players a chance to play – that should suit youse (sic)”. Hmmm – over-confidence that came back to haunt him … Declan collected the earrings and we got ready…

We went at them from the off and we were clearly in the same efficient and confident mood that saw us beat Park Celtic 5-0. Some nice passing up front saw Matto slip the ball across the goal mouth to Oisín who flicked it past the keeper – 0-1! Clearly, St. James were not expecting this kind of side and they were definitely rattled. In fairness, they responded quickly and some miscommunicaKon at the back saw them slip the ball past Andy – 1-1. Our defence was a little bit disorganised, so Matt R. came back from Midfield to Central Defence, whilst Charlie, who had done some great running, came off for Jackson. We now had Andy (who had a fine game) in goals, Tom, MaU, Louis and Sam across the back, Jonn, Oisín and Jackson in Midfield, Luke and Dan on the wings and MaUo up front. We came at them relentlessly, with wave after wave of attack. Jon was smashing in midfield and Oisín had some lovely touches – one of which sent Dan on a run- and it was 1-2.

With the opposition was limping badly on the back-foot, we attacked again and the ball made its way from Oisín to Luke who kept his composure and scored with a fine finish – 1-3!

We kept up the pressure in to half-time, with Matt R clearing the lines with his own distincitive Garry Owens (several balls were in danger of leaving earth’s orbit) and Sam, Tom and Louis doing great covering and closing down the St. James’ attack. Jackson was prominent in the aerial Midfield battle, whilst Dan and Luke provided danger and pace up the wings constantly.

Whilst being 3-1 up at half time was pleasing, we knew that it would not be enough. We chewed our glucose sweets and prepared to recommence battle. St. James made a few substitutions and came at us with gusto. We conceded a corner and they swung it in well – after a bit of a fracas, a St. James’ head got to the ball – 2-3.

We had a lot of chances after that but despite our best efforts, we failed to convert them at the rate we should have – and the referee’s myopia did not help – we were fouled quite a lot (much to the chagrin of our hordes of fans) but the ref gave us very little. St. James capitalised well on a couple of set-pieces chances and all of a sudden, we were trailing 4-3! Oh, the injustice of it all. But here is the best bit – we maintained our composure, kept up the pressure and after a cute back heel from the captain a great strike from Matto (his 7th of the season) brought it back to 4-4!

At the final whistle, it was a strange feeling to find ourselves drawing 4-4 away with a team that had beaten us 1-7 at home earlier in the season and actually being dissaKsfied (or maybe that was just me ...). This team has come a long way ...