UNDER-14 CUP FINAL 2010 (Nicky O’Brien Cup)

Ryan’s late goal wins the ‘double’ for Ross Celtic

New Ross Celtic 1      Curracloe 0

IN A very close U14 final, New Ross Celtic scored late in the second period of extra time to win the Nicky O’Brien Cup.

Celtic were the better side early on, with Eoin Rhodes, Jonathan St. Ledger and Liam Walsh a constant threat. But the Curracloe defence was well marshalled by Colm Cleary, Simon Donohoe and John Forde.

The first clear chance fell to Conor Purcell who headed over the Curracloe crossbar following a Stephen O’Gorman corner kick.

There was no score at the break, and Curracloe started the second half well, but Celtic almost took the lead when a great strike by Jonathan St. Ledger had keeper Richard Blake beaten, but Colin Cleary made goal-line clearance.

Just before the final whistle, Curracloe had the chance to win the game but some last gasp defending by Celtic saved the day and the game went to extra time.

The first half of extra time a nervous affair, Ross started the second half with more purpose, but were held scoreless by a resolute ‘Cloe defence.

Then, just when the game looked likely to go to penalties, Ryan Delaney hit the sweetest of shots to the top corner of the net for the winner to clinch the double for his team.

Schoolboys League chairman Nicky O’Brien presented the Man of the Match award to Curracloe’s Kevin O’Connor for his all-round display.

New Ross Celtic squad: Danielis Niekis, Cian O’Donoghoe, Eanna Kennedy, Jack Foran, Conor Purcell, Donncha O’Connor, Conor O’Callaghan, Dean Kehoe, Ryan Delaney, Eoin Rhodes, Jonathan St. Ledger, Liam Walsh, Stephen O’Gorman, Gavin Walsh, Shane Wilde, Conor Tierney, James Walsh. Team manager: Robbie Power. Assistant manager: John Tobin.

Curracloe United squad: Kevin O’Connor, Graham Staples, Stephen McGuire, Colin Cleary, Simon Donohoe, Conor Forde, John Forde, Richard Blake, Eoghan Nolan, Ryan Donnelly, Aaron Murphy, Glen Malone, Niall Cash, Aaron Donovan, Tadgh Dunleavy, Kevin Kehoe, Larry Stoute, Robbie Power, Gavin Potter. Team managers: Aidan McGuire and Philip Whitmore.

Referee: John Wafer. Assistant Referees: Sean Sinnott, John Colfer.