On an airless, muggy evening in Geevagh, our U12 Boys Group B team were very unfortunate not to take at least a point from this league opener versus Valley Rovers tonight.

Having fallen behind after 15 minutes to a far more physically imposing side, our lads bravely repelled attack after attack until we gradually got a foothold in the game - the defensive line of Rian McConigly, Scott Breheny, Sean Giblin, Samuel Oyewusi and the outstanding Noah Curley launched themselves into countless tackles & blocks in front of the excellent Wesley Elliott in goal.

Manager Kevin Gillespie switched to a counter attacking formation in the 2nd half which played to our strengths as the pacy AJ McDonagh, Bobby Cavanagh and Kyran Gethins stretched the Valley backline to the limits in the second half and when team captain Conor Crossan unleashed a swerving free kick towards goal with five minutes left it was Samuel Oyewusi who was alive to the rebound and turned home a well deserved equalising goal on his competitive debut for the club.

More crunching defensive work and hard running from substitutes Darragh Culkin, Adam Graham, Fionn McHale, Marcel Koniesczka & Kaleb Leydon kept the scores level as chances were missed at both ends and what looked likely to end in a draw both sides would have been happy with took a late twist with the cruellest of deflected goals conceded in the dying minutes.

A massive performance from these brave boys who refused to back down in this full contact battle on a bumpy surface - after the final whistle, disappointed young faces were soon quick to enquire  "when is the next game, coach?" and this was certainly a match where they learned a lot about themselves and their team - Forza BUFC 🔴⚪