U14s into last 32 of National Cup
MALLOW United U/14 boys had a comfortable win last Sunday afternoon when they hosted Listowel Celtic in the last 32 of the SFAI National Cup.
Mallow, who were finalists in the competition two years ago, were considered favourites going into the game and they did not disappoint.
The opening 20 minutes was very balanced as both sides sustained a high tempo while defensively both Mallow and Listowel stood firm. Evan Magner threatened for Mallow on the left wing, delivering a number of low crosses into the six yard box, but the Mallow attack could not capitalise.
The opening goal came after 30 minutes when Ben Buckley floated a 30 yard free kick towards the back post which deceived everyone including the Listowel keeper and snuck in to the top corner.
With the second half underway Mallow appeared to grow in confidence and increased the pressure on the Listowel goal with a Donnchad O’Doherty header clipping the crossbar. Paul Griffin, who was introduced at half time, was involved in some excellent exchanges on the right wing and his low cross was too much for the Listowel defence to handle as it was deflected into the goal after 50 minutes.
Mallow continued to press, creating a number of good opportunities with John Adedji coming close and O’Doherty hitting the post with a 20 yard effort.
Listowel had not given up, however, continuing to threaten and Mallow required a late defensive intervention from O’Connell to keep the opposition at bay.
At the 70 minute mark, however, the result was put beyond doubt as Kennedy Amechi ended a probing run with a superb finish into the bottom left corner. 3 – 0 was the final score and Mallow now go on to face Douglas Hall in the last 16 of the SFAI National Cup.
Mallow United U/14 A boys also had a hard fought win in Carrigaline United last weekend which was enough to put them back on top in Division 3 of the Cork Schoolboys League. James Lysaght got the decisive goal which gave Mallow their fifth league win of the season.
Mallow remain unbeaten and sit one point clear of second placed Passage after six games.
Both Mallow United U/15s and U/13s boys are in action in the last 32 of the National Cup this weekend. In the U/15 competition Mallow travel to take on Charleville on Saturday while on Sunday the U/13s travel to Tralee where they face St. Brendans Park.