Match Report: Seapatrick U15 vs Markethill Swifts U15
Venue: St. Patrick’s College, Banbridge
Conditions: Cold and windy
Seapatrick U15 took on Markethill Swifts U15 in cold and windy conditions under the lights at St. Patrick’s College, Banbridge. The game started slowly, with neither team able to create clear chances in the first 10 minutes, as both sides battled for control in midfield without seriously threatening either goal.
Seapatrick thought they had taken an early lead from a well-delivered corner, but the referee ruled it out for a foul on the Markethill goalkeeper. Markethill soon started to find their rhythm and created chances of their own. Caie and Sydney both had goals disallowed for offside, frustrating the visiting side.
In the 30th minute, Markethill broke the deadlock. Oscar unleashed a powerful shot from outside the box, striking it cleanly into the bottom corner to give Markethill a 1-0 lead, going into half time.
The game resumed and remained tight, but Seapatrick found their breakthrough in the 40th minute. After sustained pressure, a well-placed cross was met with a clinical finish inside the box, leveling the score.
This saw Seapatrick come out stronger, and in the 50th minute, they took the lead. A surging run from their quick right winger opened up the Markethill defense, and he slotted the ball home with a composed finish, making it 2-1.
Markethill fought hard to find an equalizer in the remaining 20 minutes, controlling much of the possession and winning several corners. Seapatrick’s defense, however, held firm, repelling crosses and blocking shots.
In the final moments of the game, Struan came closest to bringing Markethill level when his powerful long-range shot rattled the crossbar, but it wasn’t to be. The referee’s whistle blew for full time, sealing the win for Seapatrick.
Final score: 2-1 to Seapatrick. Despite Markethill’s early lead through Oscar, Seapatrick’s second-half surge was enough to take all three points.