Heartbreak as Drogheda are pipped again in cup decider
DROGHEDA Boys Under-16s produced a performance full of determination, a never-say-die attitude and no little skill to claim a place in the DDSL Neville Cup decider - only to fall at the final hurdle for the second year in a row.
The semi against Verona was played at the Boys’ Marleys Lane home and in the early stages the Boynesiders were first to the ball, looking to impose their authority on the game.
This lead to sustained pressure from Ben Maguire and Darren Fanning on the Verona keeper to force the ball into the net in the seventh minute.
The midfield trio of Chris Darga, Danny Reilly and Josh Talabi were dominating the exchanges in the middle of the park and when in possession of the ball were releasing the front three of Darren Fanning, Ben Maguire and Terrence Tiertcbu who put the Verona defence under severe pressure.
The visitors’ goal led a charmed life and their keeper also pulled off a string of saves to keep the score at 1-0 going into half-time.
The second half saw Verona
LARKVIEW DROGHEDA BOYS 2 0
start strongly, but with Sean Collier skilfully marshalling his defence of Shane Campbell, David Chrobocinski and Josef Bergin, the capital side were finding it hard to get through. However, on 44 minutes Verona got the ball to the on-rushing winger on the back post to make it 1-1.
This served as a wake-up call to Drogheda and with the introduction of Alan Beattie and Aaron Lawler the team regained the momentum and didn’t let Verona settle.
On 49 minutes a corner from Josef Bergin bounced favourably for Darren Fanning who unleashed a shot through the advancing Verona defenders and the ball took a touch off Aaron Lawler on its way to the net.
Although Drogheda continued to dominate the game, Verona gave them a real scare on 65 minutes when they hit a hopeful ball into the Boys penalty area and in the ensuing scramble a spot kick was awarded. However, the Drogheda keeper Ciaran Keating pulled off a dramatic double save to keep the score at 2-1.
Drogheda bossed the game after that and on 75 minutes Lawler got his second and Drogheda third, with Femi Laiyemo scoring in the 80th minute to make absolutely sure of the Boys’ place in the final.
The decider against Larkview took place at the AUL Complex, and after leaving from a sunny Drogheda the Boys arrived in the capital to incessant rain which continued until the game was over.
Things didn’t go too well on the field either as Larkview took control with a goal in each half.
Trailing 2-0 going into the last 15 minutes, the Boys rallied in the latter stages, but the goal they needed to force a grandstand finish just wouldn’t come and the Drogheda lads had to settle for the runners-up medals. DROGHEDA BOYS:
SFAI Under-14 Kennedy Cup
Tuesday June 12th
Drogheda S’children’s Lge
Tuesday June 12th Under-13
Saturday June 16th Under 13
Under 11: Under 8: