Yet again we find ourselves two behind but as they did in our first match the boys showed the have the character and skills to get back in the match.
We started the match brightly and we knew we would have to battle hard and play good football to compete with a very good and strong Holywood team and that's what the boys did. In the 7th minute we were unlucky not to take the lead when Rory Nelson out on the right wing send over a superb cross to the back post that was met by the head of Stuart Hannah but his attempt went just over the crossbar. In the 13th minute we failed to clear our box properly and Holywood sent the ball back in the striker controlled and turn to put the ball in the net; 1 : 0 Holywood. This didn't seem to bother our boys as the rallied round supporting each other and started to look for the equiliser. Both teams were giving it their all and chances were being created at both ends. We finally got the equiliser in the 25th minute with a bit of bravery by Stuart Hannah, again it was Rory Nelson who would supply the ball as he was having a superb game down the right wing, he sent over a cross and as Stuart Hannah came in to meet it, it was just about waist height but Stuart got his head to it to directed it over the keeper into the net; 1 : 1 all square. The game was still going from end to end with not much success for both teams but in the 33rd minute we had a great chance to take the lead when a quick one - two between Rory Nelson and Ryan Hannah saw Rory one on one with the keeper but the Holywood keeper pulled of a superb save low to his left hand post. We came close again two minutes later when the Referee awarded us a free kick just outside the holywood box after Ryan Hannah had been brought down,Reece Atkinson stepped up to take it but sent his attempt over the crossbar.
HALF TIME; 1 : 1
Half time team talk was given by Ards F.C. U19's Manager Daryl Irwin who came along to support the team and let them know what he is looking for in the future.
A mad first five minutes in the second half saw us go two behind, the first came in the 2nd minute when we gave away a slack pass in front of our own box and Holywood nipped it to score; 2 : 1 Holywood. Three minutes later Holywood were 3 : 1 up when a long high ball was headed back by Jack Patterson but with Jai Sykes of his line it went over his head and in to the net. A quick substitution was made and a reshuffle was made, Curtis Higgins replace Brandon McFerran with Jack Patterson going out to right back, Travis Jamison who was having a great game in centre midfield went back to centre half and Curtis Higgins went in to centre midfield. The boys knew what was needed as the were in the same situation last week and yes they were about to do it again. We pulled one back 5 minutes after falling behind as Stuart Hannah, who was having one of his best games was brought down inside the box and the Referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Up steppedReece Atkinson who has yet to miss a competitive penalty but in his mind would be his last one in pre-season that he struck the post with, this time he was back on track as he calmly slotted the ball low to the goalkeepers left hand post giving the keeper no chance; 3 : 2 Holywood. The boys were now believing again and were out to get a result but they knew they would have to work to the end as Holywood's defence were hard to penetrate. Referee Stephen Saunders was having a super game and eventually had to go in to his pocket to produce the first yellow card in the 55th minute to the Holywood No.10. With Stuart Hannah now playing down the right wing & Rory Nelson playing down the left wing it was starting to create chances and the the equiliser came in the 64th minute whenRyan Hannah gathered the ball on the left wing and he slipped the ball past the Holywood defender only for the defender to foul him, Reece Atkinson stepped up to take the free kick sending it over to the back post and Rory Nelson met it and smashed it on the volley in to the back of the net; 3 : 3 all square. We were the more settled team now and we were now pressing for a winner. In the 70th minute we had to make a forced change as Ryan Hannah couldn't continue due to an occurring back problem that's been bothering him for the last few weeks, he was replaced by Ryan McKittrick who took up his usual position on the left wing with Rory Nelson going back to the right wing and Stuart Hannah taking up his brothers position up front.
FULL TIME; 3 : 3
Managers Comments:
Well done lads a great comeback again and some good football played but we must iron out our defensive mistakes which i have know doubt you will do.
Coaches Comments:
Robbie McGarry: Well done to Ards FC U17's on a hard fought draw today against a strong Holywood side but we showed great fight to come back from 3.1 down to take a share of the points and it finished 3 each.
Parents Comments:
Robbie Mulligan: Good 3 all draw against holywood today for Ards FC Academyninetyeights...well done lads good fight back from 3-1 down.
