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Gary Ferry, 10 May
NI SCHOOLS FA U-12 FOOTBALL
AQUINAS GRAMMAR 0
ST. JOSEPH’S BOYS SCHOOL 2
Two first half goals at a sun-drenched Blanchflower Stadium in Belfast
on Thursday were enough for Derry’s St. Joseph’s Boys u-12s to see off
Belfast College Aquinas Grammar and bring the NI Schools FA Plate back
to the Maiden City.
This Northern Ireland Schools FA U-12 Plate Final saw a game of open
football with both sides creating chances over the game but the Derry
school’s two first half strikes, the first a penalty and the second a
headed goal from a corner, were enough for victory.
The game opened with St. Joseph’s creating the better of the chances
and it was striker Liam Gallagher who opened the scoring after ten
minutes.
A through ball from Shea O’Hara saw Gallagher turn past his marker
before being brought down in the area. The referee pointed to the spot
and it was young Gallagher who neatly slotted home to give the Derry
team the lead.
The Belfast school attempted to draw level and applied pressure looking
for an equaliser but St. Joseph’s back four, ably marshalled by captain
Kian Gibbons and goalkeeper Conor Clarke, thwarted any danger of
conceding.
Midway through the half, it was St. Joseph’s who added to their lead.
Harry Morrow won a corner on the right and his resultant kick was met
by the head of Shea Quigley who gave the Aquinas keeper no chance,
slotting low into the corner.
Half-time 2-0
Aquinas came out all guns blazing in the second half but again
netminder Clarke was on hand to keep his side in front. Most notably,
was a brave dive at the feet of the Belfast side’s striker when he
broke through on goals.
A bout of pressure on the Derry goal midway through the half saw three
corners aptly dealt with. On the latter, a St. Joseph’s breakaway saw
Gallagher dart past two defenders but his shot was parried wide for a
corner. From the St. Joseph’s corner Harry Morrow also had a chance to
put the game beyond Aquinas but stubbed his shot from six yards.
It was the travelling support of St. Joseph’s who had the loudest cheer
when the referee blew full time and St. Joseph’s captain Kian Gibbons
climbed the steps to lift the trophy. Final score 2-0 to St. Joseph’s
(Derry)
Best for St. Joseph’s was goalkeeper Conor Clarke while the back four
unit of Caoimhin Hassan, Kian Gibbons, Alfie Kelly and Shane Woodrow
were superb and solid throughout. Midfielder Shea Quigley had a notable
game and upfront striker and this year’s highest goalscorer Liam
Gallagher stood out.
Team
St. Joseph’s Boys School – Conor Clarke; Shane Woodrow; Dion
MacFarland; Alfie Kelly; Kian Gibbons (capt.); Shea O’Hara; Shea
Quigley; Caleb O’Doherty; Liam Gallagher; Harry Morrow and Caoimhin
Hassan. Subs: Aaron McVeigh; Odhran Moreland; Kevin Bond; Oisin
McMonagle and Jake Boyle.