Castle prove to be thorn in Thistle’s side

Iveagh Thistle 0

LOCAL side Iveagh travelled to the Billy Neill Playing Fields in Belfast to take on Castle Juniors in the George Best Under 11 League.

Both teams were sitting in fourth and fifth respectively so a close encounter was on the cards.

It was Castle who started the brighter pushing forward through the middle but centre backs Scott and Stewart held firm. Thistle’s attacks were finding more joy out wide on the wings with Moore trying to play in striker McCavitt when the opportunity arose.

Fifteen minutes in it was Castle who made the breakthrough, again winning possession in the middle of the field playing direct and effective football. They worked the ball forward to their striker who dispatches the ball into the corner from close range, giving keeper Hunter no chance.

At half time Thistle made three changes in midfield; Breen, McMillan and Cairns being replaced by Wilson, Walker and Hunter. These changes seemed to take effect as Thistle were now holding their own in the centre of the pitch winning the ball and spreading it wide pinning in the Castle defence.

Twice inside one minute it looked like the equaliser would come but McCavitt’s shots were well saved by the Castle keeper.

With five minutes left in the game Thistle’s best chance had arrived when right back Russell played the ball to Moore who chipped it over the defence to onrushing captain Woods who in turn chipped the keeper but agonisingly the ball went inches wide.

The remainder of the game was played out in Castle’s half but the illusive equaliser did not come. On the journey home Thistle could reflect on a valliant effort but unfortunatly no points gained this week in their quest to push up the league.