Mell team’s Under-14s in seven heaven

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GROVE Rangers had seven different goalscorers as they fended off the strong challenge of Slane Wanderers to win this Under-14 Division 1 clash at Wheatfield Park on Sunday morning.

In a hard-fought battle it was hosts Slane who shot out of the blocks to score first, but Grove composed themselves and equalised on 20 minutes thanks to a strike by the in-form Padraig Finn Gallagher. Further goals from Danny Byrne and Elena Alvarado saw Grove lead 3-1 at half-time.

The second half started in much the same vein as the first, with Slane pressing to score, and they duly halved the deficit with a goal from the penalty spot.

Grove weren’t in the mood to allow the game to slip away, though, and they piled the pressure on Slane, with further goals from Niall Maguire and a fine solo effort from Adam Hughes Dobson making it 5-2.

Slane were awarded another penalty which was coolly slotted home, making for a tense finish, but Grove’s team spirit was superb and late strikes by Adam Donegan and Emran Moustafa made sure of victory.

Sean Mullen didn’t get on the scoresheet but was among Grove’s best players, while there was an outstanding performance from Finn Gallagher.