On Thursday Holywood headed to the Bangor Fuel Arena to take part for the 1st time in the Supreme Sports Football Tournament in which 16 teams were competing from across the Bangor, Holywood and Ards areas.
Semi Final vs Ballyholme P.S
Before the tournament commenced Holywood had an important Semi Final for the League Trophy to contest against tough competition Ballyholme P.S. Holywood were going into the fixture on a comprehensive unbeaten run in the league and were in high hopes after previously edging a 2-0 win against Ballyholme in the Semi Final of the Priory Cup. The game kicked off with Ballyholme taking control in the early stages and their pressure paid off with a well taken goal. Holywood unfortunately had not started well and were left flat footed when Ballyholme took a 2-0 lead shortly after the kick off. Holywood regrouped at half time and moved the ball well creating chances that were marginally short of pulling one back. With all the offensive pressure that Holywood were applying it left them vulnerable at the back and Ballyholme were able to counter to make it 3-0. The boys kept their heads up and battled hard in the second half and made a late rally at the end of the game. They managed to get on the scoreboard with a great strike and had Ballyholme penned into their own half but with a sluggish start in the first half they unfortunately left themselves with a mountain to climb. Ballyholme went on to win 3-1 but had to work hard for the result. Holywood did themselves proud and showed great sportsmanship cheering Ballyholme after the final whistle. Holywood had a great league campaign and played some wonderful football that has been a joy to watch! Well done to all the boys involved!
Supreme Sports Tournament
Holywood were drawn into a tough group alongside Bangor Central Integrated P.S, Towerview P.S and Sullivan Prep.
Bangor Central I.P.S 1 - 0 Holywood P.S
A very hard fought match that was end to end. Both teams had some great chances and Bangor Central I.P.S made the most of a wayward pass to score the only goal of the game.
Towerview P.S 0 - 0 Holywood P.S
Towerview had a very strong side with some good individuals but Holywood matched them all over the park. Towerview had a majority of the possession but Holywood had the more clear cut opportunities to take the lead. Holywood showed great enthusiasm and teamwork throughout the game and thanks to some heroic defending earned a deserved 0-0 draw.
Sullivan Prep 1 - 2 Holywood P.S
A local derby at stake and both teams were ready to go! Holywood dominated the game from the first whistle but Sullivan defended well and managed to keep the game tight going into the half. Holywood were now playing with more freedom and began to express themselves on the pitch. Two super long range strikes from both Ollie and Ben gave Holywood a comfortable lead going into the final few minutes. Sullivan managed to grab a late consolation to end what was a fantastic game to watch 2-1.
Unfortunately with a change of set up in the tournament the top teams in each of the four groups were the only teams to advance to the knock out stages. Holywood managed to finish second in their group against tough opposition and just missed out on progressing to the next round. Although the results weren't what Holywood were hoping for it was still a fantastic day overall and the boys loved the opportunity to play football in the sun with their friends.
A massive thank you to all the boys involved this year for their hard work and dedication. They played some wonderful football all season and were unlucky not to lift a trophy this year!
A big thank you again to all the parent helpers for supplying lifts to and from the venue and for all their continual support throughout the year. I know all the boys and myself greatly appreciated it!
SQUAD: Hamish, Danny, Zach W, Matthew, Ollie, Zak D, Charlie, Darcy and Ben.
