Rathnew capture league honours
A SIDAARDHAR Santosh brace helped Rathnew claim the league title as they defeated runners-up Greystones 4-1 in the Wicklow under-14s Division 1 decider at Shamrock Park, Rathnew on Saturday.
From the first whistle, Rathnew looked like they meant business, in what was a winner takes all clash. A slick build-up saw Michael Cash test Greystones keeper Ryan Cheevers early on as his team bolted out of the starting blocks.
Cash had another good opportunity from close in just minutes later, but the ball skidded over his boot in what were damp and difficult conditions.
Next, it was Cole Byrne who came close for the home side. Byrne intercepted a goal kick by Cheevers, but his effort from just outside the box struck the side netting of the goal.
Rathnew continued to dominate the game and on the 25-minute mark they should have been ahead but for an exceptional double save by Cheevers.
Michael Cash found himself through on goal, but the goalie spread himself well to block the initial effort and somehow got back up to produce a diving save against Santosh’s follow up.
As the first half came to a close, both O’ Reilly and Cash had headed opportunities, but their efforts narrowly missed as Rathnew went into the break unlucky to still be goalless.
The second half would be a much different story however, as despite more top goalkeeping from Cheevers, Greystones wouldn’t be able to hold on to their clean-sheet.
Rathnew were still well on top after play resumed, and just minutes in Santosh received a through ball to go one on one against the keeper.
Santosh’s first effort was well saved by Cheevers but he managed to gather the rebound and place it into the net to give Rathnew a well-deserved lead.
Five minutes later and it was two for Rathnew as Santosh doubled his tally.
AJ O Reilly picked up the ball just outside the box and after a nice weaving run, found himself in a two on one situation against Cheevers.
O’Reilly unselfishly squared it and an on-form Santosh couldn’t miss, slotting into an empty net.
Despite Rathnew continuing to dictate the game, it would be Greystones who grabbed the next goal. Against the run of play, a dangerous corner from Hugo Birch saw Alex Earls’ attempted clearance fly into his own net, in what was otherwise a strong display from the defender.
Rathnew wouldn’t be deterred though and soon after they restored their two-goal advantage when a Jake O’Reilly corner was tucked away by AJ O’ Reilly.
Late on in the game, Conor Snell fired a goal in off the post to put the game beyond all doubt and see his team crowned league champions.
In a post-match interview, Rathnew captain AJ O’ Reilly was very gracious as he thanked his fellow players and coaches for their hard work during the season.
O’Reilly also praised Greystones for their effort in the match and a well-earned second-place finish in the league.
RATHNEW AFC: 1. Mionav Manot, 2. Matt Gleeson, 3. Alex Earls, 4. Jake O’Reilly, 5. Brandon Eagers, 6. Billy Bannon, 7. AJ O’ Reilly, 8. Sidaardhar Santosh, 9. Michael Cash, 10. Cole Byrne, 11. Conor Snell, 12. Matthew Porter, 13. Bill Moorehouse, 14. Jamie Hayden.
GREYSTONES AFC: 1. Ryan Cheevers,
2. Cian Smyth, 3. Mark Beausang, 4. Adam Redmond, 5. Nathan Ocampo, 6. Oscar O’Neill, 7. Charlie Neilan, 8. Daniel Mooney, 9. George O’ Connell, 10. Jack Cullen, 11. Hugo Birch, 12. Emmett Beatty,
13. Ollie Orr, 14. Sean Darcy, 15. Conor Keogh, 16. Tadgh Parker, 17. Niall McKenna, 18. Louis Coppe, 19. George Morrison,
20. Andrew Duggan.