U11 Premier: AC Celtic 0 St Joseph’s 7
St Joseph’s, captained by birthday boy Darragh Kildea, had a comfortable win against a talented but young home side at the AIT last Saturday. Ciaran Lennon added a hat-trick to the five he scored last time out and Ian Naughton scored a couple but the best goals of the match were the last two – a brilliant shot from the corner of the area by Kevin Kelly and a goal by Niall Connaughton that rounded off a 17 pass move that twice involved the goal-keeper Niall Fowler.
This goal typified the style of play St. Joseph’s are trying to make their trademark – quick one/two touch passing and great movement to support the man in possession. So far so good for this team which stands top of the league, but greater challenges lie ahead.
U12 Major Division: St Joseph’s 2 Willow Park 0
(Match played Sat 5th Dec)
St Joseph’s continued their unbeaten run in the league as Colin Cotton proved the hero in a very tight game. Both teams huffed and puffed throughout the first half but with defences on each side playing extremely well, the keepers were rarely tested. Willow Park had the better of the first half possession but failed to turn this into chances and the teams went in scoreless at half time. The second half saw St Joseph’s dominate the early exchanges and a brilliant through ball by Callum McCormack found Colin Cotton whose shot fizzled narrowly wide of the goal. Jamie McBride almost opened the scoring after being setup by Cathal Shields but the Willow keeper denied him on this occasion. Josephs eventually got in front as Colin Cotton turned his marker to fire a low hard shot into the back of the net. Josephs were on top now and were eager to extend their lead but Willow’s defence held strong. Likewise, St Joseph’s back line of Eoin Hannon, Harry O’Rourke, David McManus and Gary Nicholson had to graft hard throughout the game, while Cathal Shields and Seán McManus worked in their usual Trojan-like manner in mid-field. Josephs had to wait until two minutes from time to seal maximum points but Colin Cotton’s excellent free kick was well worth waiting for. Well done to all.
Team: Brandon Ryan, David McManus, Eoin Hannon, Harry O’Rourke, Gary Nicholson, Seán McManus, Darragh Lennon, Jamie McBride, Callum McCormack, David Griffin, Cathal Shields, Colin Cotton, Niall Connaughton and Ciarán Lennon.
U13 SFAI Cup: St Joseph’s 2 Real Tubber 2 (St Joseph’s win on penalties)
It took a nail-biting penalty shoot-out to separate these two sides with St Joseph’s finally emerging victorious and ensuring their place in the 4th round. Well done again lads.
Other results from last weekend:
U10 North: Mullingar Lions 1 St Joseph’s 11
U16 Cup: St Joseph’s 2 AC Celtic 2
Well done to all teams from club sponsors Athlone Springs Hotel