Mighty Ducks draw on a wing and a prayer

A (more sentimental) match report from our roving reporter Declan Gill

The Lisnagry U12 Mighty Ducks march on undefeated but not after a titanic battle against League 2 Table Toppers Granville Rangers. This pivotal fixture took place at Granville’s Glendale grounds on the Bloodmill Road. There might have been no blood spilled but instead plenty of honest endeavor as both teams went hammer and thongs at each other from the get go.

The referee had to keep a firm handle on proceedings and this he did with aplomb, showing time after time with sensible decision making that one just can’t buy experience. The goalkeeping duties are being shared this season by Coolbawn Stopper Gill and Bartek and both custodians had fine outings. Indeed the entire defense performed admirably after it was rumored Gaffer Ken Casey had a succinct conversation with Defensive Coordinator Gill about a leaky rearguard display versus Balla and the embattled defense coach managed to get a great tune from his defensive line. Ducks Captain Casey Jnr was immense whilst Knight and Fogarty reminded seasoned observers of the great Pallister & Bruce combination.

Speaking of former Utd stars (hard to believe Man U once actually had stars) the young debutant Moran made a distinct impression on his first competitive start. Like his namesake, Kevin - Cillian comes from a strong Gaelic football background and his aggressive and intelligent midfield destroyer role adds another dimension to the Ducks. Oslakovic was superb and was always available to take and retain possession whilst it was business as usual for midfield stars Hickey and Hogan - both the subject of considerable interest from outfits with more financial clout than the Ducks. However these local boys are both as loyal as Labradors and have both publicly stated they hope to spend their entire careers with the Ducks.

Power forward Gillen threatened throughout and paved the way for Oslakovic's deserved equaliser and the electric Gallagher was a constant threat, fresh after his superb left footed finish in a different code on Wednesday night. The in form Quinlivan is proving to be Mr. Adaptable this season moving seamlessly from defense to attack whilst the pace laden Kiely linked tirelessly with star Belgian forward Maxime, who is already a firm fan favourite.

The Ducks have already given their supporters wonderful entertainment this season and their dream of promotion is alive and well after 4 games - sitting pretty in 3rd with 6 pts. It’s also worth saying what a sporting opponent Granville were - playing good football in the right spirit and a draw was a fair result all round .Once a Limerick Schoolboy Soccer League powerhouse ,like Lisnagry themselves - The Childers Road Men have been scavenged by other clubs hungry for success at all costs but on this display, they have a young squad that can help bring back the glory days to a once great club.

Playing football and having fun with your childhood friends whilst representing your locality and your family with pride and honour - money also can’t buy experiences like these!

Squad: Gill, Mazur, Casey (capt), Fogarty, Knight, Quinlivan, Moran, Kiely, Hogan, Hickey, Gallagher, Oslokovic, Maxime, Gillen.

Management: Casey, Gill.