This week saw us off for a 2nd round cup match against Carryduff Colts who we have played twice this season in the league losing on both occasions; the last game was tight, which we only lost 1 : 0
so we knew we could win this. With Carryduff one place above us in the league we knew this was going to be a tight game but with a full strength squad, were Ards going to be up to the challenge.
The match kicked off with both teams trying to get the ball down and play good attractive football. The back four of Marcus Barron Jack Hare Reece Atkinson and Brandon McFerran were clearing any Carryduff attacks. With Kurtis Barkley Ryan Hannah and Matthew Guest in midfield surly the chances would come and sure enough they did with Jack Patterson going close and Stuart Graham also hitting one just wide. Ards at this stage were well on top but they could not take any of their chances. Halfway through the half and Carryduff were then awarded a corner kick which was swung in and the Carryduff striker scored a wonderful over head kick to put Carryduff 1 nil up. But today this team were in no mood to let this set them back and straight from the kick of Matthew Guest found himself running at goal only for the defender to foul him on the edge of the box free kick Ards. Matthew got up place the ball and stuck a great free kick high and into the back of the net Ards were back on level terms 1 each all to play for now. Ards then never let up chance after chance went by Andrew Graham going close then Brandon McFerran also going close .Then with 25 mins gone Jack Patterson feed the ball to Matthew Guest who in turn hit it on the volley from just outside the box which flew past he the Carryduff keeper and into the top corner of the net Ards 2 Carryduff 1.Ards were now looking for more but chance after chance went a begging and the half finished Ards 2 Carryduff 1
Half time Ards 2 Carryduff 1
The team talk was easy more of them same attack concentrate and work hard for each other. There were no changes at half time and Ards were to play some of the best football this season. Carryduff were also up for this and attack after attack was broke up by Jack Hare and Reece Atkinson .A change was needed and Kurtis Barkley was replaced by Noah Crenshaw in midfield. With Carryduff now coming more into the game Ards were now playing on the break with Jack Patterson giving the Carryduff strikers a lot to think about with his speed and running of the ball. Another change and on came Matthew Cunningham for the hard working Ryan Hannah who had gave 100 percent today. With time running out the boys played some good football and they were to hold on until the final whistle for a well dissevered victory to the relief of the coaches and the parents and supporters.
Ards Youth 2 Carryduff Colts 1.
Today the team showed team work, good attitude and they done what was asked of them.
The Man of the match award was sponsored by PR Engineering and voted by the parents and supporters today and the award went to
Matthew Guest who is now getting back to playing some great football (keep it up Matthew 2 wonderful goals today)
Next up in the cup will be North Belfast
