Patience rewarded as Ardee capture U-12 Cup
ARDEE CELTIC 2 BELLURGAN UNITED 1
ARDEE Celtic finally got their hands on some silverware at the third time of asking as a Tadgh McDonnell strike seven minutes from time clinched the Under-12 Cup trophy.
After missing out in the finals of the Under-13 and Under-15 grades on Saturday, there was eventually a silver lining for the Deesiders at Bellew Park on Sunday afternoon.
The win rounded off a brilliant season for the U-12s after reaching the last 16 of the SFAI National Cup and finishing runners-up in the Premier Division, just three points behind champions Rock Celtic.
Bellurgan United also had a very good season, especially the second half, and they can look forward to a bright future over the next few years with the talent at their disposal.
Both teams looked nervous from the beginning and played with caution, but Ardee took the lead after 16 minutes when Darragh Roe skipped past three Bellurgan defenders before cutting the ball back into the path of Leon Myles who drilled the ball past Ciaran Cotter.
Bellurgan almost levelled one minute before the break when a stinging 25-yard free kick by James Sharkey was superbly tipped over the bar by Ardee keeper Andrew Wogan, and the netminder had to make another important save from the resulting corner kick as Sharkey’s effort nearly went straight in.
The Peninsula side did level the game in the 52nd minute when Cormac Mallon’s free kick was knocked on by Shane Murphy and Thomas McCarragher pounced to fire past the stranded Andrew Wogan.
Ardee responded almost immediately to go 2-1 in front when Evan Dunne made space for himself down the left wing before holding off the challenge of Bellurgan’s Cillian Keenan and unleashing a superb shot past the advancing Ciaran Cotter.
Dundalk FC centre-back Brian Gartland was representing sponsors Dundalk FC and he warmly congratulated both sets of players for their overall performances throughout the game at the presentation afterwards.