ERGS VS Model School Belfast 3rd Round U14 Northern Ireland Intermediate Cup

Enniskillen Royal played the third round of the U14 NI Intermediate Cup on Monday 28th October in the Lakeland Forum against the Model School Belfast to try and secure themselves a place in the last 16 of the competition. The Model School were one of the few teams seeded by the NISFA as they regularly reach the final stages of this competition in the various age groups. Our players were aware a big game was needed from every member of the team.
From the very start, the Model players played some good football and it paid early in the first half when a good cross in the box found the foot of their centre forward who slotted the ball out of reach of Jack Balfour. However Enniskillen Royal kept playing their game and it resulted in an equaliser after some great play by the midfield and Edward Keys finished the scoring opportunity with precision.
The team kept pushing and put the Model defence under pressure. After some great through balls and a few missed chances, Casey Howe scored a goal from a great chip over the goalkeeper’s head.
At the start of the second half, a mix up between our goalkeeper and one of his centre-backs allowed the Model team to make it 2-2. Despite this set back, Enniskillen Royal’s players kept working hard in defence where Jamal Tavares was dominating the proceedings as well as in the midfield. As the game went on, they became the dominant force. They were rewarded when Aaron Smyton scored a great goal assisted by his brother. The clock was now against a tiring Model team and more space was opening in their defence. Edward Keys took this opportunity and scored a fourth goal ending the game with a brace.
The final whistle was blown on an impressive and fully deserved 4-2 victory. The team goes through to the last 16 round of the NI Cup. The next match will be played against another Belfast Giant, St Mary’s GS, on Thursday 8th December in the Big Smoke.