U11 7-a-side Shield Final : St Josephs 2 Mullingar 1
Congratulations to our U11 side who won the 7-a-side shield final on Saturday to claim the first trophy of the season for the club. (Full Report next week)
U12 Div 1: St Joseph’s 2 St Francis 2
This turned out to be a very exciting end of season encounter at Monksland on Sunday afternoon. Missing several key players St Joseph’s started the game with 9 men, however the under-strength home side still dominated the first half possession and were very unlucky to find themselves 1-0 down at the break. The highlight of the first half came from James Kilmartin as he cut inside on the left and curled a fine effort goalward only to be denied by the crossbar. Early in the second half the home defence paused to claim an off-side that wasn’t given, leaving the simplest of tasks for the Francis striker to make it 2-0. St Joseph’s spent the rest of the match camped in the Francis half and were rewarded after Darragh Kildea picked up the ball on the left wing, beat the full back and crossed superbly for James Kilmartin to slot home from close range. Shortly after, Kilmartin then grabbed the equaliser with a moment of excellent vision as he lobbed the keeper from the edge of the box. With Kevin Kelly and Brian Hannon looking menacing on the right and Damien Duff and debutant Sea Henry strong in midfield St Joseph’s looked the more likely to go on and win this game and had several chances to do so, however the visitors defence held strong and in the end 2-2 was probably a fair result. The St Joseph’s team should be commended for their spirit and determination, which are qualities that this fine young side have displayed throughout the season. Well done lads.
U13 Premier League Play-off: St Joseph’s 1 Willow Park 1 (St Joseph’s win 5-4 on pens)
With these two teams finishing level on points, the U13 Premier League was decided by a play-off in Lissywollen on Sunday afternoon. The morning rain had cleared to leave a bright sunny afternoon to welcome the players onto the pitch in front of an impressive turnout of support for both sides. St Joseph’s enjoyed the majority of the first half possession with the outstanding Cian McManus, controlling the game in midfield and Mark Shine acting as target man up front. The early part of the second half saw several half chances for both sides before the deadlock was finally broken in the 40th minute. Seconds after what Tony Flannery will no doubt claim as an inspired substitution, St Joseph’s took the lead as Jack Connaughton beat the full back with his first touch of the game and crossed magnificently for Cathal Callinan to head home from 6 yards. With creative play from Fergal Lennon and Shane Brennan on the wings and a solid performance from Noel Cotton in the middle, St Josephs’s had several chances to extend their lead before a goalmouth scramble resulted in the Willow equaliser. Finishing 1-1 after 60 minutes the game went to extra time where the size of the pitch began to take its toll on both sets of players. It was during this period that concentration levels in defence were going to be critical and Joseph’s back four of Martin Flannery, Killian Bannon, David Connaughton and Colin Cotton held firm as they had for most of the game with a series of well timed interventions and solid defending. At the other end Willow were equally strong and the game ended 1-1 leaving a penalty shoot-out to decide the league. It was going to be a nervous few minutes for both sides but with Shane Scally’s shot-stopping capabilities in goal, St Joseph’s remained confident. After willow scored the first penalty Cathal Callinan equalised for Joseph’s. Willow were then unlucky to hit the post with their second, however Fergal Lennon made no mistake with the next to put Joseph’s 2-1 ahead. Willow converted their next two as did St Joseph’s through Cian McManus and Jack Connaughton. Willow then drew level with their last spot kick, leaving Shane lacey with the final kick if the game to win the league. The only question remaining was, would the pressure get to him?. What pressure? said Lacey, as he finished confidently to win the League for St Joseph’s. Congratulations lads.
Other results from the weekend:
U11 Cup Semi-final : St Joseph’s 5 Hodson Bay 0
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