Douglas Hall manager Dave Butler is happy with start to the new U18 league season

The Daly Industrial Supplies U18 Premier League is proving to be another very competitive and exciting Division with all teams capable of beating one another on their day.

With only five games played to date all the teams look very competitive, which id down to the excellent work done by all the managers age coaches from all the clubs involved.

Dave Bulter the Douglas Hall manager is reasonably happy with his team’s start to the season and he was full of praise for troops for their commitment and attitude to the way they approach every game.

“Our first three League matches were all away from home, however the lads have been excellent and showed great fighting spirit to get something out of those games,” Dave said.

“Having been down by two goals in both games against Lakewood Athletic and Avondale United we showed great desire and ability to rescue a draw in each.

“We then put in our best performance losing 1-0 in early title favourites Leeside Untied and we probably deserved a draw on the day.

“Our next two games were at home in the Jako Ireland Munster Youth cup and U18 League cup against Leeside United A in both ties. Leeside were very disciplined in both games and were set up well, so we had to work hard to win the matches.

“We have a tight enough squad so the lads have had to be very adaptable, shown great attitude and ability in all our matches to date,” Butler added.

Micheal Kiernan the Carrigaline United manager is equally delighted the way his team has started this League campaign. They drew 3-3 away to Leeside Untied and probably deserved to win the game as they pushed very hard for the winning goal on the night.

“We’ve had a fairly solid start to the season so far and I must say the boys have given a great account of themselves in all our games,” Micheal said.

“Our numbers have been great at training, we’ve good competition for places and the lads all seem well up for it this season.

“Midleton and Leeside United still look like the teams to beat and are getting some fine results, but we’ll just have to keep focusing on our games and hopefully stay in touch with them,” Kiernan added.

Newly promoted side Leeds have made a very solid start to the season and their manager Noel Coughlan is very pleased with his team’s effort and attitude.

“Considering this is our first year in the Premier division we have to be very happy to have six points from our opening three games in the League,” Noel said.

“We have a few new players still settling into the team, but the majority of the squad are players who came up from Division 3 last season and we can only be so proud of how well they have stepped up to the plate.

“We are fully aware there are a number of strong teams in this League, but the positive attitude in the team gives us every chance,” Coughlan added.

Aodh Quinlivan who is part of Lakewood Athletic is aware of his teams slow start to their League campaign, however, they won their Munster Youth cup game against Leeds two weeks ago that will help them gert back on track in the League.

“Playing three league matches in seven days at the start of the season was challenging as we had a few injuries and a lot of lads involved in GAA Minor Championships with Éire Óg and Ballincollig,” Aodh said.

“This contributed to a slow start and the big disappointment was the home match with Douglas Hall, where we led 3-1 with time nearby up but were pegged back for a draw.

“. In between, we had a good win at Leeds in the Munster Youth Cup. We hope to have a good run in this competition and we kick on in the League.

“We are optimistic that we will settle into a good rhythm now and pick up a few more wins.,” Quinlivan added.