- HOME
- HISTORY
- LOCATION
- RESULTS
- FIXTURES
- CONTACTS
- CLUB NEWS
- GALLERY
- CONTACT US
- GIRLS SECTION
- PAFC GENERAL CLUB GUIDELINES FOR PARENTS
- LOCAL AREA WEATHER
- PAFC ADDITIONAL CLUB GUIDELINES FOR SSG COACHES & PARENTS
- PAFC CODE OF PRACTICE
- CLUB MEMBERS PRIVACY NOTICE
- ASTRO & TRAINING ALLOCATIONS MON -FRI 21/22
Man U did pre-season by bringing soccer to the states, Arsenal did likewise to Asia, Porto u15 did their bit today by bringing "total football" to Ashbourne.
In the first game against a strong host 11 Porto owned the football, passing sweetly and choosing their moments to attack at pace down the wings. A number of chances came and went to Porto before, totally against the run of play the opposition latched onto, the second phase of a long ball and slotted home neatly.
This was like a red flag to a bull and Porto midfield of Ciaran, Ryan and Ethan upped the passing tempo, a delicate ball slipped through from midfield saw Danny and the keeper in a race for the prize. Danny got there first and under pressure lobbed the keeper, the ball flicked wide, but the keeper had taken Danny out as he shoot, so the ref had no option but to award a peno, which Porto slotted home.
AJ, Ryan and crew now took total control of midfield and with James and Danny dragging the opposition center half’s all over the place, gaps a plenty were to be had through the center. It was not long before Porto benefited from these, with a brilliant individual goal by AJ.
The second game was one of 3 parts, on a bumper pitch the initial third was a cagey affair with both teams feeling each other out. A contrast in styles, with Ports slick pass and move, v a more physical direct approach from the opposition. Porto's keeper, Cian and back two of Alex and Harry were strong when needed, and clam and collective in possession, setting the tone for those in front of them. With full backs Matt and Andy overlapping constantly, Slowly the opposition tired from chasing shadows and chances started to fall to Porto, but rustiness with the final finish, meant the score remained 0:0 at the break.
After a confidence boosting management chat at half time, Porto started to show more composure in front of goal. Soon they were rewarded with a goal, that James passed into the net, Ala Messi and another one, that was something real special by AJ, where he cut in from the left and was able to out fox the keeper and toe poke home, thanks to the Porto player movement in the box distracting the keeper.
With the opposition 2 down and time running out, phase 3 of the game kicked in, where the opposition heads dropped and Porto showed no mercy hitting home their advantage, in the end winning by 4:0.
Porto controlled the final more than the end 2:1 score line suggested, with both teams tired after the initial two games, the match lacked the bite and intensity of the earlier games, but Porto were always in control, going 2:0 up before steeping off the gas.
Post-match team captain Ryan gave a very gracious acceptance speech, I would say this might be the first of many! Also, special mention to AJ who was the first player in the history of the tournament to win the player of the tournament by a unanimous vote.
This was my first time watching this team play and if they keep playing with this style and pomp, it won't be my last.
Best of luck in the second half of the season lads.