CLERIHAN SCHOOLBOYS FC

U13 SFAI CUP CLERIHAN 1 RAILWAY ATHLETIC ( CAPPOQUIN) 2

There was no joy for the U13s as they made an early exit from the SFAI Cup at the hands of Railway Athletic from Cappoquin. Things looked good early on for Clerihan when Alan O’Donnell sent an unstoppable volley to the net after 5 minutes to take the lead. However, the visitors were awarded a penalty minutes later which they converted to equalise. It appeared a harsh call by the referee against Glenn Cullinane, who was Clerihan’s top defender and who clearly won the ball in the challenge. Chances were few and far between after that as both sides lacked the killer instinct in front of goal. With extra-time looming, Railway Athletic broke through for the winner, an attacker reacting quickest after Eoin Power had made a fine save. Clerihan almost snatched an equaliser from the restart as man-of-the-match Alan O’Donnell played a great ball through to Liam McGrath whose brilliantly struck shot came back off the crossbar and away to safety. It was a disappointing outcome for the lads but their cause was not helped by this being their first game of the season , no league games played at all during September. They will undoubtedly improve for the outing and should be a force in their own league.

U13B LEAGUE CLONMEL CELTIC 8 CLERIHAN 2

This was also the first game played by the U13B squad and the most disappointing aspect was the failure of some players to show, leaving ten to take the field. Each and every one of the ten gave it their all and competed brilliantly in the first half especially. Aaron Doyle , more used to stopping goals than scoring , and Seamus McMahon both got on the scoresheet as Celtic took a 3-2 lead to the half-time break. The extra man really told in the second period as Celtic took over and over-ran the Clerihan defence.Despite the best efforts of goalkeeper James O’Donnell, who made a couple of great saves , the home side added five more goals to give the final scoreline a flattering look. Kevin Freier and Luke Boyle worked their socks off throughout and were Clerihan’s best players while credit to all who stuck at it in difficult circumstances. In fairness to coaches Shaun and Kristian, there will have to be a better commitment forthcoming from those who failed to show.