We took the squad away to the UK for a short 4 day trip, based in Preston. We played 4 matches of which, we won 2, drew one and lost 1. We stayed at Myerscough College and used their facilities of pitches and 5-a-side pitches for warm ups and matches.
The whole squad played a part in at least 3 matches each, all performing well and behaaviour of the lads was excellent.
Preston Academy 1-1 South Tipp, this match was played on the first day after travelling since 4am, the boys performed well and should have won this opening match, coming from a goal behind they responded well and equalised in the 2nd half.
Nantwitch Town 4-0 South Tipp, this match was played against Nantwitch who provide players for Burnley, Bolton, Blackburn etc, holding them at 0-0 at halftime, injuries meant we had to make changes which changed the whole complexion of the game.
Preston Youth 1-2 South Tipp, this match played at Myerscough was against 14/15 year old lads who are academy level players for Preston and other Championship level teams. We performed excellently, taking the lead early in the 2nd half after dominating the first half, we then lost the lead to an excellent flowing move by Preston Youth, however the boys responded and scored within 2 minutes of the restart, dominating the rest of the game without scoring again.
Crewe Academy 1 - 4 South Tipp, this match played against a team made up of 13 & 14 year olds was on paper our toughest as Crewe have a history of excellent Academy teams, were unbeaten this season and also had just returned from winning a tournament in Holland.The team play was outstanding, with slick movement both on and off the ball and clinical finishing being the hallmark pf a great victory.
The trip was a great success with the team bonding and a great sense of team work being instilled in the boys.
South Tipp vs North Tipp
Played at Newhill last week, South Tipp with a weakened team due to injuries ran out 3-2 winners. The game was played in a great spirit with North Tipp going ahead from an own goal, 10 minutes into the first period, South Tipp responded by equalising 4 mins later, then taking the lead with a great finish from Darran McGrath (Bansha), South Tipp scored again in the 2nd period to take a 3-1 lead, North Tipp scored late on to set up a tense finish, but South Tipp held on for another victory.