Under 14 Match Report , Iveragh Utd 3-2 Killarney Athletic

U14 Tom Hayes Semi Final

Iveragh 3 – 2 Killarney Athletic

Played in Cahirciveen on Thursday evening the lads traveled in high spirits having drawn with there opponents two weeks ago at home. Playing into a stiff breeze in the first half, Athletic started slowly and found themselves behind after 7 minutes when the Iveragh midfielder unleashed a pile driver from 20 yards that flew into the corner. Not to be dismayed the lads pressed on and as Pierce, Alade & Quill got more control in mi…dfield, it was the excellent Lee who dropped deep, creating good chances for Mulvanney & O’Sullivan, with the latter seeing two great shots saved by the Iveragh keeper who was inspired throughout. However, with 5 minutes to go to halftime disaster struck as an Iveragh striker avoided 4 tackles and broke through, and while his shot was saved well by Doolan, the referee called it back for a pull on the jersey for a penalty.
Into the second half and Athletic pressed with the wind but could not make the final ball count with Lee and Rejuvcan going close. Midway through Athletic got their breakthrough when a corner from Lee was only half cleared to Pierce who sent a looping header back across goal into the top corner. With the whole team pressing now it looked like only a matter of time before Athletic got the equaliser. Then controversy as Horgan fired a shot from as acute angle only to see it deflect off the defender and out for a corner only for the referee to point for a goal kick. Straight from the kick out Iveragh broke down the wing and as players were caught forward, the cross from the wing found the onrushing striker to make it 3-1. Deflated at this point Athletic pushed again and only for some excellent defending from both sides the score remained the same until the final minute. A corner from Mulvanney was cleared to Alade on the penalty spot who unleashed a thunderous left foot volley to the net for what was the last kick of the game.
Athletic could have won the game on their first half performance alone but in what was a true reflection of a great season, the disappointment was there for all to see at the final whistle. The squad have come a long way since September and should be proud of their achievements. We would like to wish Iveragh the best of luck in the final.