ACC lose out to New Ross in cool encounter
Report by Sarah Jane McDonnell and Caoimhe Cullen
Avondale faced their first defeat in a sub zero face off against New Ross on Wednesday Morning. It was a blistering cold morning as the u19 lads set off for a physical challenge in Arklow. Due to a last-minute change because of the weather, the match was to be played on the astro turf in Arklow. The match kicked off at 10:45 am. The starting 11 looked ready to fight. Both sides showed great determination with great defensive efforts shown from both sides. Great saves from Darcy Santos in goal kept ACC in the game. However, after the first 20 minutes, Avondale had nothing to show for their efforts but things were looking up after Avondale took the lead in the 23rd minute with an incredible goal from Mark O’ Reilly. The match stayed competitive until the 36th minute when New Ross were awarded a penalty due to a hand ball. The penalty was scored, and the match was level but not for long as 4 minutes later New Ross put themselves 1 up. At half time the score was 2-1.
The second half got off to a quick start with a third goal for New Ross in the sixth minute of the second half. Both sides had various chances but if it weren't for keeper Declan Murphy the score could have been very different. The defense line stood strong with players like Calem Nangle, Joe Sinnott, Cillian Byrne and Noah Fahy. It was a physical match but players like Mark O’ Reilly, Cormac Moore and Aaron Fahey were well up for it. However, despite their efforts, New Ross added a fourth goal in the 33rd minute. 4 minutes before full time Sonny McHale brought the score back to 4-2. Despite Avondale's best efforts it was New Ross who took the win.