FAI Junior Cup Action
The KDFL fared very well in Round 1 of the FAI Junior Cup this weekend with five teams coming out of round 1 from a possible seven. Clane United had a convincing 4-0 victory over Senior CCFL side Birr Town FC. Goals from Scott Britton, brothers James and Aidan Ralph and John Ball was plenty to see them through to the second round draw.
Coill Dubh AFC took on Rathangan AFC in an all Kildare tie with Coill Dubh coming out 3-0 victors on the day, their goals came from Ryan Grace, Sean MacMahon and Sean O Connor. Best on the day for the Dubhs were Joe Bowers, Cian MacMahon, Jamie Gartland, Ryan Murran and David Hanley. Sean MacMahon picking up the man of the match award.
Clonmullion FC took on Mullingar Town at home in M O Neill Park and came away with a 2-1 victory over the CCFL side. Their goals came from Ceilum Maher and Mark Hughes. Best on the day for the Athy men were Jamie Boyne and Jake Nicholl.
Old Fort Celtic received a walkover from Gracefield FC. Finally Division 1 side Bush Celtic had a fantastic 3-2 victory over CCFL senior side Ballinhown to also book their place in round 2.
Senior – Premier Shield action.
Arlington FC 0 Newbridge Hotspurs FC 1
Hotspurs last chance of silverware this season saw them make the trip to third place Arlington. A resolute and resilient performance from the lads saw them come away with the 1-0 win.
Hotspurs started well and it was on the 1st minute when Scott O’Donoghue volley just over the bar from Mikey Murphy pass. On the 7th minute, Eoin McGrath went close when his shot went just over the bar. Hotspurs got the breakthrough on the 12th minute when good link up play between Eoin Walsh, Greg Kelly and Tomas Hennessy eventually led to pass from Eoin Walsh to Eoin McGrath, some fine footwork in tight spaces led to Eoin McGrath crossing to Mikey Murphy whom headed past the keeper at the near post, 1-0 to Hotspurs. The game settled down a bit after a frantic start and it became very much a midfield battle between the two teams. Arlington had a few half chances but the resolute defending from the Hotspurs back four of Tommy Walsh, Robbie Higgins, Sean Higgins and Chris Higgins kept Arlington at bay. Despite a barrage of crosses in the half the defence and keeper, Ryan Harvey dealt with them with composure and authority. Arlington’s best chance perhaps came via a header at the far post which went over the bar. Arlington had a half chance on the 35th minute when a volley from outside the box was heroically blocked by Mikey Murphy. On the 40th minute, Hotspurs nearly made it 2-0 when Scott O’Donoghue went clear following a fantastic Sean Higgins from defence, O’Donoghue controlled it well but his shot was well saved by the Arlington keeper. Just two minutes later, Mikey Murphy shot just wide of the post when the ball fell to him inside the box. The game went in 1-0 at half time.
Hotspurs first chance of the second half fell to Eoin McGrath on the 47th minute. His run on the right wing ultimately led to his shot hitting the side netting. On the 60th minute, Scott O’Donoghue went close again when his shot went just over the bar. The next 20 minutes of the game saw Arlington really press and push Hotspurs into retreat. A number of fine moves occurred on Arlington’s left hand side of the pitch but Tommy Walsh and Ryan O’Donoghue were on hand to thwart Arlington’s advances. It should also be said that Sean Higgins and Robbie Higgins were excellent in controlling the defensive line. A number of corners from Arlington in quick succession were dealt with by Hotspurs and Mikey Murphy was on hand on a number of occasions to contribute and head the ball clear. This pressure from Arlington did leave spaces for Hotspurs on the counter attack. On the 64th minute, Greg Kelly went very close when his shot inside the box went agonisingly wide. A breathtaking counter attack straight from the Arlington corner on the 84th minute led to pass from Noel Kelly to Mikey Murphy who switched the ball to the left wing, O’Donoghue took an excellent touch and on the half volley his shot skimmed the post. On the 89th minute, Scott O’Donoghue nearly got his deserved goal when his free kick was brilliantly saved following a deflection. Despite 5 minutes of injury time, Hotspurs brilliantly saw the game out to advance to the semi final. Best for the winners were Scott O Donoghue, Mikey Murphy and the defensive quartet of the three Higgins and Tommy Walsh. Best for Arlington were Evan Grattan in goal who put in again an inspired performance. Robbie McNeil in Midfield and James Haberlin at left full.
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