U13A LEAGUE
The concession of an early goal proved to be decisive as Clerihan suffered a major
setback in Thurles on Saturday afternoon.The home side were quick out of the blocks
and had the ball in the Clerihan net after just three minutes. Clerihan set about the job of
getting back into the game with Alan O’Donnell and Glenn Cullinane assuming control
of the midfield sector. Numerous chances were created but Clerihan lacked the killer
instinct in front of goal to take full advantage. The Peake Villa goal enjoyed its fair
share of luck also with three balls cleared off the line , Liam McGrath being particularly
unlucky not to score.Despite their best efforts , it was one of those days for the Clerihan
lads when a goal could not be bought and this reverse sees them drop further down the
league table.
PEAKE VILLA 1 CLERIHAN 0
U11A LEAGUE CLONMEL TOWN A 2 CLERIHAN 1
The u11s suffered their first defeat of the season on Saturday at the Clonmel Town
complex but the general concensus was that they were desperately unlucky not to at
least get a draw. Denis Mulcahy was inches away from giving Clerihan the best possible
start but just failed to connect with an inviting cross from the right. Town took the lead ,
a good shot just deceiving goalkeeper Aidan Lonergan who couldn’t keep it out and
doubled their advantage with a soft goal from a corner. Callum Meagher then drove
through the home defence but his well-struck shot hit the post with the keeper beaten.
The second half saw Clerihan up the pressure and Anthony Phelan rattled the crossbar
with a wonderful header. The same player was on hand to head home after Conor Ryan’s
corner had been flicked on at the near post. This was the signal for Clerihan to throw
everything into attack in an effort to get the equaliser and Callum Meagher , Cormac
Freier and Anthony Phelan all came close. At the other end , Aidan Lonergan made a
great save to deny Town a goal and Riain Bolton was outstanding in clearing all danger.
As if to prove that luck was not with Clerihan , Evan Mullins brilliant strike cannoned
off the post and away to safety , the third occasion in the match that the woodwork had
denied the Clerihan lads a goal. However , the result aside , this was a fine performance
from a squad that is developing into one of the best in the club. All played their part on
the day but a special mention for Conor Og Ryan and Brian O’Sullivan , both of whom
were outstanding in unfamiliar defensive roles in the second half.