Passage advance in the Munster U17 cup thanks to a big win over Springfield Ramblers
Youth Soccer: The Passage U17 Premier side who beat Springfield Ramblers in the Munster Youth Cup at Rockenham Park.
Passage proved too strong for Springfield Ramblers to advance to the next round of the Munster U17 Cup at sun-soaked Rockenham Park on Saturday afternoon.
The Premier League side led at half time 4-0, with ex-Cork City player Morgan Kelleher netting twice along with Ultan Cronin and sub Lee Maher-O’Donovan.
They added two quick goals in the second half through Cronin and Maher-O’Donovan again.
However, the Rams, to their credit, never dropped their heads and struck twice late on through the hard-working Kyle O’Callaghan.
The Passage management team of Darran McMahon, Alan Lehane and Dave Kelleher showed great sportsmanship by making their subs early to respect their U17 League 1 opponents.
Passage started the game on the front foot and after some good buildup play in the sixth minute, Rhys Looney dug out a superb cross for Morgan Kelleher to head goalwards but keeper Michael Adedayo made a fine save.
Passage didn’t have to wait long to make the breakthrough. Looney floated in a dangerous corner in the 10th minute and Ultan Cronin found space to head his effort into the roof of the net.
They were two up five minutes later when Morgan Kelleher, who was causing all sorts of problems with his pace and strength, received a through ball from Callum Hanna to drill home.
Kelleher came close to grabbing a second goal when he found a pocket of space but his powerful effort crashed off the crossbar.
Soon after, Looney put in another superb corner and Kelleher was on hand to head in from close range.
They increased their lead to four five minutes before half-time when fullback Jack O’Herlihy raced into the box and while his effort hit the butt of the post, Lee Maher-O’Donovan was first to react to the rebound.
The home side were 5-0 up two minutes after the restart. Looney again showed his worth from setpieces and when he put in another pinpoint corner Cronin was on hand to head into the net.
They added another goal in the 52nd minute when two subs combined. Moussa Al Steif showed great feet to breeze past two Rams defenders and he squared the perfect ball for Maher-O’Donovan to score from close range.
The Rams freshened things up by ringing the changes but Kyle O’Callaghan was full of running and got his reward to score the goal of the game in the 77th minute. He won a good ball outside the box then beat two defenders before stroking home.
With three minutes remaining, the visitors were awarded a penalty for a handball. O’Callaghan stepped up to take the spot kick and although Daly got his hand to his effort, he got his second goal.
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