Carrigaline land Daly Industrial Supplies U18 Premier title after dramatic win over Leeside

Carrigaline United 2 Leeside 1

Carrigaline United won the Daly Industrial Supplies U18 Premier League in style when they defeated their closest rivals Leeside United 2-1 in front of a large attendance at Ballea Park.

Leeside who broke the deadlock first to lead 1-0 when their marksman JJ Foley struck home in the 33rd minute. 

Then Carrigaline levelled the game 1-1 nine minutes later through Fionn Waugh-O’Donovan.

Both side’s had some good opportunities to take the lead in the second half, however, it was Carrigaline’s Daniel McSorley, who would score from the penalty spot in injury time to give his side victory and remain unbeaten in the league for the season.

The game started tensely as expected with the league title on the line, however, Carrigaline only needed a point while Leeside had to win the game to be crowned champions. 

Carrig had the majority of possession in the opening exchanges, while Leeside tried to catch them with their counter-attacking football. 

They went ahead 1-0 in the 33rd minute when a through ball by Jamie Coughlan found JJ Foley and he lobbed Carrig’s keeper Cillian Blake-O’Shaughnessy, who came racing out of his goal to try close him down. 

Carrigaline began to get a foothold in the game after that setback and they were rewarded for their attacking play when they earned a corner in the 42nd minute. 

Luke Jordan swung in an excellent delivery and Fionn Waugh-O’Donovan headed home at the back post to level the game one goal apiece.

Leeside started on the front foot second half as they knew they had to get a goal to try win the game. 

Both sides had a couple of half chances, but it was Leeside who had more of the possession. 

With time running out for Leeside they overloaded the Carrig back line, however, the home side hit them on the counter and when there was a hand ball inside the Leeside penalty area, a spot kick was awarded. 

Daniel McSorley took the responsibility and he buried his effort into the top left corner to win 2-1.

Micheal Kiernan, the Carrigaline manager was very happy with his side’s display and is now looking forward to the Murphy Cup final Wednesday night against Douglas Hall at Turner's Cross.

“I thought we were on top in the first half after creating more of the chances, but Leeside came out in the second half and put us under pressure and created a good few opportunities,” Micheal said.

“Our defence held tough and as the game wore on, a bit more space opened up, we then came more into the game and got the winner late on.

“I was delighted for our lads to get over the line after the effort they all put in over the season, and going the season unbeaten in the league is testament to their ability and resilience,” Kiernan added.

Leeside manager Conor Murray was disappointed with the result, however, he praised Carrigaline on their great season and also paid tribute to his own players.

“We are disappointed to not get over the line,” Conor said.

“As expected, it was a very tight game with nothing between the teams. I thought they shaded the first half and thought we did in the second.

“In the end though, they came out on top and we congratulate their coaches and players on a fantastic season.

“We are very proud of our own players, as won the Munster Youth Cup which was a big achievement,” Murray added.

CARRIGALINE UNITED: Cillian Beale-O'Shaughnessy, Fionn Waugh-O’Donovan, Liam Collins, Paul Kelly, David Murphy, Josh O'Callaghan, Alex O'Connell, Matthew Kiernan, Marc Looney, Joey Fielding, Luke Jordan.

Subs: Max Rainey-McCabe for Collins (73), Sam O’Donoghue for Waugh-O’Donovan (81), Lewis O’Dea for Jordan (85), Daniel McSorley for Looney (88).

LEESIDE UNITED:

Olan Buckley, Christopher Kelly, Ryan Lane, Scott Busteed, Daniel Brennan, Ronan Murray, Alex Bollard, Craig Nolan JJ Foley, Jamie Coughlan, James Grayem.

Subs: Warren O’Mahony for Grayem (65), Craig Mostyn-St Leger for Coughlan (75), Aaron O’Mahony for Kelly (78).

Referee: Dave Finnegan.

Assistant Referee’s: Timmy Kelleher, Ricky Parker.