Mixed results for Cork Youth teams in the FAI U17 Cup

There were mixed results for Cork Youth teams in the FAI U17 Cup with both Douglas Hall and Leeside advancing, however, Leeds crashed out of the competition last Saturday.

The result of the day was definitely Leeside’s 2-0 victory against Edenderry Town at Leeside Park.

James Daly was their hero with strikes in the ninth minute and 68th minute for the U17 League 1 side to progress to the quarterfinals of the competition.

Douglas Hall met Mungret Regional at Moneygourney and are in hat for the next round with an another superb performance by winning 5-0.

Darragh O’Flaherty put them 1-0 in front after 17 minutes and Macdarragh Lynch had them 2-0 up when he netted in the 28th minute. 

Two minutes later they were 3-0 to the good with a strike from Eoin McCarthy. 

Lynch grabbed his second of the game in the 65th minute to lead 4-0 and Vilson Sefolli added a fifth goal ten minutes to see them safely into the next round.

Donagh Keeesan one of the Hall’s coaches was delighted for his team to be in the next round of the competition.

“We are delighted to reach the last eight of the FAI U17 Cup and looking forward to the draw for the for the quarter finals,” Donagh said.

“The boys did a great job in blustery conditions to control the game and our captain Darragh settled any nerves to score with a great free kick. "Goals from Eoin, Macdarragh (2) and Vilson added to our lead to secure another great win.

“Most pleasing today was to see the return of Jack McCarthy after a 12 month lay off with a serious knee ligament issue,” Keeshan added.

Leeds entertained Tullamore Town and although his side had the better of the game for 70 minutes they were left rue their dominance because the visitors finished the game with a flourish. 

Tullamore were awarded a penalty in the 80th minute, however, the spot kick was missed. However, five minutes later Scott Halloran scored with a bullet head that saw Leeds crash out of the competition.

Gavin McCarthy, the Leeds U17 coach, although very disappointed with the result, he was very proud of his team and wished Tullamore Town and the remaining Cork teams the best of luck going forward in the competition.

“I really thought we were the better team for 70 minutes, however, we left Tullamore Town back into the game,” Gavin said.

“They finished the game the stronger team, missed a penalty in the 80th minute and five minutes later scored a great goal from a corner, however, our boys gave everything on the pitch on Saturday which is something that I'm very proud of.

“However, I want wish Tullamore the two remaining Cork teams Douglas Hall and Leeside the very best going forward in the competition,” McCarthy added.