CSL: Bandon U16s come from two down to snatch win over Leeds

Goalscorer Ben Noton, Bandon, in action against Leeds in the U16 Division 1 clash in Ballyvolane. Picture: Larry Cummins
BANDON came from two goals down to snatch victory against Leeds in the Joma Sportsgear Direct U16 Division 1 match at Leeds Park over the weekend, a result which gave the visitors only their second win of the season and three points above their hosts in the table.
It was all going so well for Leeds who held a narrow 1-0 lead at halftime and extended their lead even further by the 51st minute but let Bandon back into the match with two goals in seven minutes and a third, which proved to be the winner, in the 69th minute.
Bandon had most of the chances and possession in the first half, Adam Kelly’s cross into the area scrambled away by the Leeds defence followed by Iruka Nniakato’s effort on goal being well covered by the Leeds keeper James Murphy.
Leeds did come forward, with Ronan Healy’s effort saved by the Bandon keeper John Buckley, but he could do nothing to prevent Leeds’s opener when Sean Kent fought his way into the near side and duly passed to an unmarked Jamie Walsh who found the net from 12 yards.
Bandon’s Jack Cullinane’s 30-yard free was well saved by Murphy, while at the other end Bandon keeper Buckley did well to dive at the feet of Leeds’ Kent as play was going from end to end.
Chances fell to Bandon’s Humphrey Canty and Eric Gleeson and Sean O’Leary of Leeds before the end of the first half as the home side held a seemingly comfortable 1-0 lead.
Leeds almost doubled their lead in the 42nd minute when an inswinging corner was cleared off the Bandon goal line while at the other end Bandon almost equalised when Ben Noton’s effort sailed over the bar from close range and Nniakato’s effort was blocked only for Kelly to send the rebound over the crossbar.
