Midleton advance to the semi final of the FAI Youth Cup with a big win over Freeboothers

Three were mixed emotions for the three Cork football clubs in the FAI Youth cup last weekend.

Midleton FC sailed through to the semi final of the competition with a superb team performance, by beating Kilkenny side Freebooters AFC 3-1 last Saturday evening at Goal Road Pitch, Jamesgreen, Kilkenny.

However, the other two Cork sides bowed out of the competition on Sunday.

Lakewood Athletic going down to Dublin side Finglas United by one goal to nil at Ovens, and Kanturk crashed out by three goals to nil to Waterford side Tramore AFC at Banteer Community Complex.

Midleton booked their place in the semi-final of the FAI Youths Cup with an impressive 3-1 victory over a strong Freebooters AFC side in an entertaining quarter-final clash.

The Magpies made a bright start and were rewarded early when Rian Thornhill showed great determination to close down the Freebooters goalkeeper. 

His pressure paid off as his block diverted the ball into the net, giving them an early 1-0 advantage. 

Despite falling behind, Freebooters responded positively, increasing the tempo and asking questions of the Magpies defence. 

However, the backline remained resolute under pressure, ensuring they went into the break with a 1-0 lead.

Midleton made a bright start to the second half and they struck again shortly after the restart and went on to extend their advantage 2-0 in the 49th minute. 

Thornhill grabbed his second of the game with a composed finish, cutting across the ball from the edge of the box and placing it precisely into the far corner beyond the goalkeeper.

However, the Freebooter boys continued to attack and deservedly pulled a goal back just three minutes later to trail 2-1. 

Bill Trehy whipped in a dangerous free kick that evaded everyone in the box and found its way into the net, setting up a tense and competitive second half.

The game opened up following the goal, with both sides creating chances in an end-to-end spell. 

However, Midleton regained control in the 72nd minute when Ben Fitzgerald produced a decisive moment, firing a powerful effort past the keeper to lead 3-1 and restore their two-goal cushion.

From there, the Magpies managed out the game professionally with their defence holding firm, while the team worked tirelessly from the front to limit Freebooters’ opportunities and that was enough to see out the victory and book their place in the semi final of the competition where they will play Finglas United at Knockgriffin Park in the coming weeks.

The Midleton manager Colm Fitzgerald was delighted with his side with the way they went about the game and now he is really looking forward to a busy few weeks, as the play leaders in the U18 Premier League Carrigaline United this Sunday in the U18 League Cup semi final in Knockgriffin.

“It was a strong all-round performance from Midleton, we now look ahead to a semi-final clash in Knockgriffin against Carrigaline United on Sunday,” Colm said.

“We also look forward to the FAI cup semi final against a very good Finglas United. 

"They looked a very good and organised team and I was very impressed especially the way they beat Lakewood.

“They had a solid back four and good players in the middle of the park, so If we want to reach the final we’d have to put in a strong performance to get by them.

“I’m sure it will be a good game for the neutral and I hope we get a big crowd down to Knockgriffin to cheer us to the final,” Fitzgerald added.

Lakewood Athletic entertained Finglas United at Ovens last Sunday and after excellent high-quality FAI Youth cup tie they bowed out of the competition 1-0. 

The home side dominated the opening 20 minutes, but couldn't find the back of the net. 

Finglas then scored from a Clayton McKeever well-flighted corner after 25 minutes. From there to the end of the match, Lakewood pushed hard but were repelled time after time. 

The home side's had another chance in 75th minute but Cillian Barr's low powerful effort came back off the inside of the post and the Dublin side held on to book their place in the semi final.