CLERIHAN SCHOOLBOYS FC

U12 SFAI CUP ST PATRICKS BOYS ( CARLOW ) 1 CLERIHAN 2

An outstanding performance from the U12s who travelled to Carlow town on Saturday and defeated a strong team in a thriller. Clerihan settled really quickly and took the game to their opponents from the kick-off. A couple of half chances were spurned before the deadlock was broken after 20 minutes. Rian Quigley played a quick one-two with Callum Meagher out on the left wing before sending over a pinpoint cross which Sean Cotter volleyed to the net. The home side responded strongly but solid goalkeeping from Michael Cleary and a no-nonsense approach from centre-backs Conor McGrath and Daniel Fitzpatrick ensured that Clerihan took their 1-0 advantage to the interval. The second half was a real cup tie with both sides committing numbers to attack. Clerihan’s wide players , Rian Quigley and Liam McGrath , were causing all kinds of problems for the home defence while Sean Cotter brought the best out of the keeper on a couple of occasions. Eventually , Callum Meagher went on a wonderful run before firing a great shot from 20 metres to the corner of the net. St. Patricks threw everything into attack and , after a great save from Michael Cleary , a Carlow forward smashed the rebound to the net to reduce arrears. However , the Clerihan defence was not to be breached again and a famous victory was achieved. Great credit is due to all the panel for their work-rate and never-say-die attitude on a very warm day and the reward is a home game against Courtown Hibs from Wexford in the next round. Thanks to those who provided lifts and vocal support on the day and to the host club for their exceptional hospitality after the game.

U14 SFAI CUP CLERIHAN 7 OYLEGATE UTD. ( WEXFORD ) 0

The u14s were in scintillating form in their opening SFAI cup tie on Saturday. Just three minutes had elapsed when Sean Maher played in Luke Hahessy , who finished clinically. The same pair were at it again on 10 minutes as Sean hit a pile-driver which the keeper could only parry into the path of Luke, who claimed his second. Further goals from Sean Maher, Alan O’Donnell and Jack Burke left Clerihan in a comfortable 5-0 position at half-time. The second half saw the introduction of all the subs but the goals continued to come. Alan O’Donnell volleyed home a Conor Horan cross before Shane Hickey completed the scoring with a sweet strike off the underside of the crossbar. This was a brilliant team effort all round with the defence rock solid and Sean Maher giving a virtuoso midfield performance for the second week running. Another home tie in the next round gives this squad a good chance of further progress in the competition.

U16 LEAGUE CLERIHAN 0 CLONMEL CELTIC 2

A disappointing defeat for the U16s on home turf as a failure to take their chances cost them dearly. Clerihan had some great opportunities in the early stages but the finishing was poor and it was Celtic who struck first to take the lead. The pattern continued the same into the second half but a more economical Celtic attack secured a second goal and all three points to leave Clerihan struggling in the early stages of this league.