Junior Soccer
Aisling Junior D team lost out 5 4 on penalties to St Pats B in a hard fought Open Cup Final in newly reopened Jackman Park on a sweltering Friday evening 13thMay. The match finished 1 each in normal and after extra time. The Aisling goal came about 15 minutes in from a stunning Manni Kuol strike from outside the box. Aisling had a number of chances to make it two in the first half- the best of which was a sweet one two between Conor Fleming and Kuol with the resultant Fleming shot forcing an excellent save from the keeper. St Pats did cause some trouble with some long range balls over the top – a couple of last ditch tackles from Conor Nelson and Thomas Holmes snuffed out the threat.
A much older and possibly wiser St Pats team scored a scrappy goal from a corner just after half time and kept Aisling chances to a minimum in the second half. One Jason Daly strike again well saved by the keeper was the best of the Aisling opportunities. A couple of long range St Pats effort were acrobatically kept out by Jack O’Brien in the Aisling goals. Aisling shaded extra time but the winning goal didn’t come. The penalty shootout was top quality – nine out of the ten penalties were scored. Most of the nine were unstoppable. Conor Hanrahan, Stuart Hoare, Lee Gleeson and Ben Belazi scored for Aisling.
This concluded a good first season for this new Junior D team – most of whom were in their first season in the junior ranks. A mid table finish in division 3a and a final appearance in Jackman Park in the open cup covering divisions 3a,3b and 4 gives plenty to build on in the future.
Under 14 Premier League
The 14As clinched their second premier league title away to Regional United on Friday night. It was the third season in succession that this very competitive league had gone down to the last game and the lads had to draw on all their big match experience to get over the line. We started very well and after just five minutes a powerful shot by Caimin Ayres was well stopped by the Regional keeper. Their keeper was in action again later in the half turning a Sean O’Shea free kick around the post. Regional came more into the game in the second half and it took big performances by Jake Dillon, Rory Murphy and Mark Donnellan to keep our goal intact. But the lads showed great composure as the game entered its tense final stages and we kept the hosts pinned back in their own half. In fact, we could have put the result beyond doubt near the end when great work by Donnacha O’Dalaigh down the right created a chance for Sean O’Shea but the striker’s first time shot flew just past the post. The final whistle confirmed our boys as worthy champions having been beaten just once over the course of the campaign. Captain James Collopy accepted the trophy of behalf of the team and thanked everyone for their tremendous support during the season.
AislingAnnacottyU14A: Caimin Ayres, Paul Brennan, Alan Conway, James Collopy, Mark Collins, DaraCostelloe, Jake Dillon, Sam Den Dikken, Mark Donnellan, Sean Fahy, James Lane, Tom Marsden, Rory Murphy, DonnachaO’Dalaigh, William O’Leary, Sean O’Shea, Joey Ryan.
Barnardos Blitz
Belgium had a great win in an Under 10’s and 11’s blitz on Sunday organised to raise funds for Barnardos. Great fun for all the players and raising funds for a good cause at the same time.
Barnardos Tournament
The club is hosting the Barnardos Tournament in UL on Sunday on the all weather pitches in UL. Wishing everyone the best of luck with the event.
Summer Soccer Camp
Our annual soccer camp is being held the week of 4th– 8thJuly. Bookings can be made through www.summersoccerschools.ie
Club Communications
AislingAnnacotty have a Facebook page. Give it a like for updates and photos of our teams. We are also on Twitter, follow for updates and finally, our website www.aislingannacotty.ie
Match Reports to aislingpro@hotmail.com .
www.aislingannacotty.com
