Ebo and Thornhill goals secure U16 Cup for Midleton CBS against Christians 

Midleton CBS 2 Christian Brothers College 1

MIDLETON CBS won the Cork FAI Schools U16 Cork Cup for the third time in a row after defeating Christian Brothers at St Colman’s Park.

Gabriel Ebo and Rian Thornhill got the goals and decided a frantic game that opened up with an abundance of chances for the eventual winners. Midleton CBS’s persistence paid off in the 10th minute when a corner from Ben Fitzgerald dropped into the area and Ebo headed in.

It was a dream start for the school, and things got even better when Ben Dumigan split the Christians midfield with a through ball that landed at the feet of Thornhill. He kept his composure and slotted in, and Midleton CBS went 2-0 up midway through the first half at St Colman’s Park.

CBC reacted by switching to a 3-5-2 formation, and with that came a burst of chances during the time left to play in the first half. The first fell to Donal O’Connor and he was denied by goalkeeper Jago Evans, who stood his ground to catch the ball inside the penalty area. Max Murphy then tried to turn in a header, and his attempt went out for a goal-kick.

Christians kept pushing after the break and this pushed CBS deep into their half. Darragh Morley was the next player to try and pull one back for his side, and he hit the woodwork.

CBC pulled one back in the 88th minute through a mistake which created an opportunity for Donal O’Connor that he took with ease.

However, the city school pushed for an equaliser during the time that was left but were repeatedly denied by the defensive trio of Shane O’Mahony, Senan Carroll and Cillian Scanlon.

MIDLETON CBS: Jago Evans, Senan Carroll, Ben Dumigan, Ryan Murphy, Cillian Scanlon, Dara Birdthistle (c), Shane O'Mahony, Alex McSweeney (vc), Ben Fitzgerald, Gabriel Ebo, Rian Thornhill, Darragh Heavin, Sam McAllister, Sean Dempsey, Tom Walsh, Aesa Murphy, Rory Lynch, Shane Murtagh, Cuan Twomey, Cormac Crowley, Jarlath Cullimore, Mark Cody, Sean Gregory, Jack Mulcahy, Oisin Kirby, Will O'Mahony, Finn Connaughton, Alex Horgan, Tommy Casey, Andrew Brenner, Zak Butler, Alan O'Reilly, Cormac Deane.

Management: Adrian Desmond and James Walsh.

CBC: Harry Walsh, Tom McGrath, Ciarán Kelly, Max Murphy, Donagh Holland, Ben Phillips, Darragh Morley, Elliot Quin, Darren O'Connell, Rossa Finirons, Larry Butler, Shane Kavanagh, Jack Mills, Dessie Carroll, Eoin Brennan, Aidan O'Shea, Cathal Walsh, Liam Lynch (c), Michael Scott, Donal O'Connor.

Management: Stephen Hogan and Tim Mawe.