Charleville claim U-21 ‘B’ FC title
Charleville 1-11 Clyda Rovers 0-9
FOLLOWING a keenly contested O’Sullivan/Lewis Accountants (Mitchelstown) sponsored Under-21 BFC final at Doneraile on Sunday Charleville emerged victors by a five point margin. In a low scoring first half both sets of defences were well in control. Clyda Rovers opened the scoring from the throw in when a delivery from midfield saw Conor Roche kick over. Charleville forced level in the third minute through Aaron O’Connor.
The remainder of the first quarter saw both teams work the short passing to great effect. Clyda Rovers at a time when they shaded matters missed a number of chances before Colin Kelly with a free in the 11th minute moved them back in front.
Charleville’s response was immediate with Finbarr Cagney picking up possession in his own half back line and after a great solo run kicked over to force level at 0-2 each. From the kick-out the Rathluirc side missed the games first goal scoring opportunity when Tim Hawe set up Jack Callaghan who was denied by a fine save by the Rovers keeper Elliott Sheehan.
Both teams continued to kick a number of wides before Charleville edged in front for the first time in the 23rd minute. James Kennedy intercepted a Clyda Rovers attack and his clearance set up ‘man of the match’ Darragh Fitzgibbon for a well taken point.
In the run up to the break Charleville moved double scores in front when James Kennedy, Jack Barry, Darren Butler and Tim Hawe combined well for Darren Butler to kick over. Just before the half time whistle Clyda Rovers rallied once again and their effort were rewarded when a sweeping movement saw Ben O’Connor eventually kick over to leave a point between the teams at the interval when trailing 0-4 to 0-3.
On the changeover Clyda Rovers introduced substitute Matthew McEntee at midfield and he made an immediate impact when kicking over a fine point in the 32nd minute. For the rest of this half both teams enjoyed spells of dominance that ensured the game remained in the balance right till the end.
Charleville who had some fine displays by Jack Meade, Finbarr Cagney, Jack Doyle, Cathal Carroll, Jack Barry, Jack Callaghan, James Kennedy, Darren Butler, Aaron O’Connor, Tim Hawe and Darragh Fitzgibbon upped their efforts greatly. Jack Meade moved them in front in the 33rd minute with a point before Darren Butler pointed following a goal mouth scramble two minutes later 0-6 to 0-4.
Despite being well on top Charleville were unable to extend their lead with Clyda Rovers lifting the siege as the half went on with Ronan Flanagan, Michael Forde, Tim Buckley, Colin Kelly, David Walsh, Darragh Buckley, James Buckley and Matthew McEntee featuring strongly.
In the 43rd minute a great movement saw David Walsh cut through the spine of the Charleville rearguard to score a fine point. Further pressure saw them back on level terms in the 46th minute when Conor Roche kicked over following good work by William Cronin and Michael Forde.
In a gripping finish both teams sensed victory. Charleville who possessed a greater scoring threat restored the lead when Darragh Fitzgibbon had a point in the 48th minute Both sides traded a point before Charleville struck for what proved to be the match winning score in the 52nd minute.
A kickout by their keeper Jessie Smith was gathered by team captain Cathal Carroll whose clearance found Jack Callaghan who in tun set up the inrushing Aaron O’Connor. O’Connor’s initial shot at goal struck the crossbar but he made no mistake from the rebound when he finished to the net 1-8 to 0-7.
Further pressure by the winners saw the lead increase to five points when Cathal Carroll set up Darragh Fitzgibbon for a point. Clyda Rovers with their never say die attitude battled to the end. A point apiece by William Cronin and Conor Roche closed the margin to three points. The Rovers went in search of an equalising goal but it was the Charleville backline that held firm in the closing moments. The winners sealed victory in injury time when Darren Butler and James Kennedy added late points that helped them run out deserving winners by a five point margin.
After the game Liam Hanley on behalf of the sponsors O’Sullivan/ Lewis Accountants (Mitchelstown) presented the cup to the winning captain Cathal Carroll in the presence of North Cork Board Treasurer John Roche.
CHARLEVILLE: J Smith, K Cagney, J Meade 0-1, C Sheehan, C Carroll, F Cagney 0-1, S Buckley, J Doyle, J Barry, J Callaghan 0-1f, J Kennedy 0-1, T Hawe, D Butler 0-3 (1f) D Fitzgibbon 0-3, A O’Connor 1-1. Subs: J Madigan for K Cagney, C Collins for A O’Connor (inj)
CLYDA ROVERS: E Sheehan, A Walsh, E Doherty, D Fitzpatrick, S Kelly, R Flanagan, M Forde, D Walsh 0-1 J Buckley, C Kelly 0-1f. T Buckley, D Buckley, G O’Hanlon, C Roche 0-4 (2f), B O’Connor 0-1. Subs: M McEntee 0-1, for G O’Hanlon, W Cronin 0-1, for S Kelly, M O’Sullivan for J Buckley (black card)
REFEREE: Michael Sheehan (Liscarroll)