Mallow minor footballers see off Na Piarsaigh to advance to final

sides. They were level at 0-1, 0-2 and 1-2 each by the end of the first quarter the goals coming by Dan McGuire and Anthony Bowles for their respective teams.

The rest of this half belonged to Mallow. They gained control in the key midfield sector with Trevor McEvoy and Darragh Moynihan excelling while Matt Glynn was also very effective in the half back line. In attack their entire forward line worked very hard as a unit with full forward Ben Slattery most impressive.

In the 19th minute Cian Buckley set up John Browne for their second goal. The North Cork side added two rapid points before Eoin Buckley was brought down in the square and a penalty awarded in the 24th minute. The resultant spot kick by Ben Slattery was finished to the net to make it 3-5 to 1-2. Mallow continued to surge forward at every given opportunity and just before the break they had their fourth goal by substitute Paul Lyons that helped them hold a commanding 4-7 to 1-4 lead at the interval.

On the changeover, Na Piarsaigh came out a much improved side with Shane Barrett, Dan McGuire, Evan Sheehan, Blake Murphy, Conor Bowen, Dan Gunning, Colm O’Connell and second half substitute Cormac Murphy doing well as they attempted to claw back their opponents lead. In the 35th minute they got a goal they so badly needed when Shane Barrett set up Dan Gunning who made no mistake 4-8 to 2-5. Further pressure by the City side saw Blake Murphy with four well taken points reduce the margin to 4-9 to 2-9 at the mid way stage.

In a gripping finish Mallow gradually weathered the Na Piarsaigh revival. In the 52nd minute they struck for a vital score when Enock Khanile set up Ben Slattery who netted from a very tight angle. At this stage time certainly wasn’t on Na Piarsaigh’s side. Shane Barrett had their third goal from a penalty at the end of normal time. It was not enough with Mallow holding on for a deserved win and a place in the final against Mitchelstown.