U-17s do half a giant-killing

SSE AIRTRICITY U-17 LEAGUE Kerry 1 Shamrock Rovers 1

KERRY were within seconds of causing the biggest upset of the day in the SSE Airtricity U17 League at Mounhawk Park on Sunday when they led unbeaten table toppers Shamrock Rovers 1-0 entering the final minute of the game.

However in a cruel twist of fate at the very end the visitors got in for a dramatic equaliser in the 89th minute.

It was a fast exciting game spiced up with passages of great football and it gave the large attendance top class entertainment.

A few of the Kerry team must have caught the eye of the Republic of Ireland under 17 manager Colin O’Brien who was an interested spectator at the game.

It was a fantastic all round display by Kerry were matched their more illustrious opponents stride for stride and but for a bit of bad luck could have scored a couple of more goals.

They were excellent at the back superb at midfield and a constant threat up front where Dillon Robinson really impressed.

Kerry began on the front foot and went ahead in the eighth minute. A quick free kick outside the box by Thomas Burke caught the visitors defence off guard and when the ball broke loose in front of the goals

John Hayes used his strength to force the ball over the line from close range.

Shamrock Rovers had to wait 22 minutes for their first shot at goals and a long range effort from Adam O’Connor was high and over the top.

Kerry almost doubled their lead five minutes from the break when Dillon Robinson played in Sheagh O’Connor and he was denied by some very couragious goalkeeping by Kalvin Geraghty in the Shamrock Rovers goals.

Kerry were looking very comfortable at half time but they had turned in a great shift and the fear was that they might tire in the second half.

They started the second half on a high and were only a lick of paint away from a second goal in the 54th minute when Thomas Burke made a great run from midfield and as he approached the box he unleashed a delicious dipping shot which came back off the crossbar.

Shortly afterwards Kerry were in again with Dillon Robinson only having the keeper to beat but he was denied by a great save by Kalvin Geraghty in the Shamrock Rovers goals.

As the half wore on Kerry began to tire and Shamrock Rovers enjoyed much more of the ball.

Although Kerry keeper Robert Osborne had very little to do up to this he saved his colleagues bacon in the 80th minute making a stunning save to deny Dean Williams.

Down the other end Kerry hit on the break with sub Boki Nikic putting Dillon Robinson through on goals but he was denid by a fine save by the Shamrock Rovers goalie .

As the final minute approached Kerry looked to be over the line but that all changed in the 89th minute when they were caught napping at the back when failing to clear their lines after a Shamrock Roverrs attack and Dean Williams stole a march on a defender and managed to steer the ball over the line for a most dramatic equaliser.

This did not dampen Kerrys enthusiasm as they almost went ahead again with a net bound shot from Dillon Robinson was taken off the line.

It was a very nervy ending to the game for Kerry as the visitors pushed for a winner and in the last attack of the game, sub Lee Mc Entee supplied Cian Kelly with a great ball and he crossed for Dean Williams who hurled himself at the ball and his header from 5 yards was brilliantly saved by Robert Osborne.

The rebound gave sub James Clarke a chance but Sean Carmody came to the rescue with a great block while a last effort hit the frame of the goals.

Overall it was a great team performance by Kerry who showed great self belief with each and every player rising to the enormous challenge they faced.

Considering they were without three key players - Martin Coughlan, Eoin Clifford and James Rusk - it made the result all the more meritorious.

Now they are well positioned midway in the table and can look forward to resuming their league programme at the end of June.

There is a four-week break now and Kerry’s next game which is away to Bray Wanderers on June 25. KERRY: Robert Osborne, John Ward, Sean Carmody, Ronan Cahill, Kevin Williams, John Hayes, Sebastian Vasiu (Boki Nikic 65 mins), Dillon Robinson, Thomas Burke (Michael O’Gara 75 mins), Sheagh O’Connor, Adria Miravet,

SHAMROCK ROVERS: Kalvin Geraghty; Martins Olakanye, Conor Fitzharris, (Andy Spain 65 mins), Adam O’Connor (Lee McEntee 91 mins), Eric Abulu; Jack Kelly, Conor Grant (Evan Smithers 60 mins), Conor Behan (James Clarke 71), Thomas Hannon, Dan Howlin; Dean Williams.

REFEREE: Adrian Quirke