NIAFL 2C – Ballynagross 4 Castlewellan 6
The firsts continued their good start to the season with a good win away to local rivals Ballynagross. The 6-4 scoreline flattered the hosts, as in truth the final scoreline should have been a lot worse but for some questionable finishing and defending from the town. The boys got off to the perfect start when a long throw from Lee Ward found the head of Smed Murray who flicked the ball into the back of the net for his 3rd goal in 2 games. The same combination then led to the second goal only a matter of minutes later with Murray’s header being blocked this time but Jarosinski was on hand to smash home the loose ball. This was to be a day to remember for Karol in front of goal.
Ballynagross were clearly rocked here and the town should have put the game to bed at this point when Steele and Jarosinski both missed good chances. These chances came back to haunt the town as Deagens grabbed 2 quick goals against the run of play. With Ballynagross very much back in the game, it took a moment of magic from Jarosinski to put the town back in front as his long range effort arrowed straight into the top corner giving the Gross keeper no chance. The action didn’t stop there though as the eventful first half continued with Ballynagross getting a penalty with 5 minutes remaining. There were no arguments from the town boys but it was Mickey Watson to the rescue as he denied Deagens a first half hat-trick.
There was to be a first half hat-trick though with Karol Jarosinski heading home from a Steele flick on to grab his 3rd and the towns 4th in what proved to be an eventful first half. With the clock ticking down to half-time, the town turned counter attackers with Lee Ward combining with Kamil Jarosinski on the break and after a mix-up between a Gross defender and the goalkeeper, Ward was left with an empty net to roll the ball into. Unfortunately, young Lee got a bit excited and proceeded to put his boot through the ball with the goal at his mercy and blast over the top. The ball ended up in a housing estate about a mile away and Lee will have the tag of worst miss ever hanging over his head for a long time no doubt!
The second half began with the firsts very much on top with Jarosinski and Steele dominating in centre midfield. It was the older of the Jarosinksi brothers who really shone in the second half though as Karol helped himself to 2 more excellently taken goals thanks to assist from his brother Kamil, and the evergreen Steven Trainor. The town continued to press and should have added to the 6 goals they already had with Trainor, Steele, Ward and Fitzsimmons all going close.
The boys showed some nievity in going forward and left themselves open on the break. Ballynagross benefited from this with Fryer grabbing a consolation from the spot and Deagens getting a hat-trick to cap what was an impressive performance from the Gross front man. The final whistle went and on reflection, the town management will be more than happy with the 3 points in a venue that is never easy. Plenty of chances were created and converted and the new look, youthful team continues to impress. The big worry from Saturday was the goals that were conceded and this is something that can probably be put down to early season rustiness, but something that needs corrected.
Best for the town were Donagh Steel, Lee Ward, Kamil Jarosinski and man of the match Karol Jarosinski after helping himself to 5 goals.
Next up for the firsts is a home game this Saturday against Ravenhill YM as the boys look to make it 3 from 3 in 2C.
Team:
- 1. Mickey Watson
- 2. Shane McCann
- 3. Aidan Kelly
- 4. Nial Toner
- 5. Conor Stratton
- 6. Sean Fitzsimmons
- 7. Donagh Steele
- 8. Kamil Jarosinski
- 9. Karol Jarosinski
- 10. Edward Murray
- 11. Lee Ward
- 12. Steven Trainor
- 13. Conor Magorrian
