Clontarf_U14s_Victory_in_SFAI_National_Cup_Last_16

This Clontarf teams ongoing journey in the U14 SFAI National Cup continues. After their success in previous rounds including the final Dublin only round versus a very strong Cherry Orchard side which qualified them for the national stage of the competition through to their win on the road in the last 32 against Nenagh AFC, this exceptional group of young footballers from Clontarf secured a pivotal victory against a formidable Portmarnock side at Paddy’s Hill on Saturday 24th of February.

The conditions on the day were perfect for football, a little chilly but the sun was shining and the Paddy's hill pitch was in great condition after a harsh few wintery months.

Portmarnock, riding high in the DDSL U14 Saturday Premier League, had dealt Clontarf a harsh lesson just five weeks prior, with a resounding 6-2 triumph in a friendly encounter. However, as is often the case, cup clashes possess a unique intensity, and this bout was no exception.

The sight of a boisterous Clontarf supporters contingent bolstered the lads as they took to the field, injecting an electric atmosphere into the proceedings.

The match commenced with both sides displaying a degree of trepidation, as midfield skirmishes dominated the early exchanges. Then, with a quarter of the game elapsed, a moment of magic from Zaid Al Mesry who engineered an opportunity for Derin Jonmark, who was subsequently fouled in the box, earning Clontarf a penalty.

Enter Seánie Whelton, whose demeanour exuded composure as he calmly placed the ball on the spot, blocked out all the surrounding noise and dispatched the spot-kick, sending the keeper the wrong way and propelling Clontarf into a 1-0 lead.

Clontarf kept the pressure on with Lucio Colella and David Pepper dominating the wings and Eddie Ross keeping things ticking over in midfield by protecting the back 4.

Portmarnock’ s danger men, their 9 and 10 were kept in check by Max Murphy and Seánie at the back.   But a team of Portmarnock’ s quality weren’t going to be quiet for long and as the first half went on they took greater control of the game and just before the half time whistle, the scored an equaliser making it level at the break.

Undeterred by the setback of conceding a equaliser just before half time, Clontarf emerged from the interval with renewed vigour, following a rousing half time team talk by Urban and Padraig. Immediately you could see the lads in blue were starting the half with a determination that would take some stopping, including Cormac Nolan showcasing his skill, speed and trickery on the left side of the park and our central midfield pairing of Dylan Jordan and Ryan Caffrey orchestrated proceedings, creating opportunities for the likes of Jake Osborne and Derin, only to be thwarted by some stellar goalkeeping from the Portmarnock number 1.

In defence, the introductions of Robbie Porter and Mark Rush injected pace down the wings, while Seán de Burca in goal demonstrated his shot-stopping prowess with a series of crucial saves, including claiming two dangerous corners and making three exceptional diving saves down to his left hand side.

Then, in the 60th minute, came the decisive moment. A well-crafted set-piece from an indirect free kick saw Seánie Whelton with that wonderful left peg of his, float a pinpoint delivery into the box, which was met by the head of Eddie Ross our inspirational captain, reminiscent of Steve Bruce's heroics for Manchester United 31 years prior, sending Clontarf players, coaches and supporters into a jubilant frenzy.

And as the clock ticked down, Clontarf faced a tense final quarter of the game, including extended injury time following a head injury to Cormac, our sincere thanks to Norma Ross for looking after him, and thankfully he was feeling much better later that day.

And with Portmarnock, showing why they are doing so well in the Saturday Premier division, pressing for an equalizer. The Clontarf team continued to be resolute in their defence, and It was backs to the wall for the last seven minutes.

And to add to the tension with the game entering the final minute of time added on, Portmarnock were given one last opportunity to send this enthralling encounter in to extra time when they won a freekick on the edge of the box. Silence fell over Paddy's Hill, as Portmarnock lined up the free kick, but the Clontarf wall stood firm and did its job. That was the last kick of the game, as the ref blew his whistle and ensured victory for the blue side, eliciting celebrations both on and off the pitch.

Credit must be extended to Portmarnock for their spirited display and generous gesture of Easter eggs for our lads after the game. Their sportsmanship and talent sets a benchmark for our lads to emulate, and we wish them all the best in the remainder of this season.

The other 7 teams through to the Quarter Final with Clontarf are, Mount Merrion and St Kevin’s of Dublin, Aisling Annacotty and Newcastle west of Limerick, St Brendan’s Park from Tralee, Lakewood Athletic of Ballincollig, and College Corinthians from Douglas in Cork.

With the draw beckoning on the 29th of February, Clontarf now sets its sights on a big quarter final tie, as the journey towards SFAI Cup glory marches onward.

The quarter final matches will take place on the weekend of March 23rd and 24th. The journey continues, and the excitement mounts as Clontarf's aspirations soar ever higher.

Squad:

Seán de Burca, David Pepper, Lucio Colella, Eddie Ross ©, Max Murphy, Seánie Whelton, Ryan Caffrey, Cormac Nolan, Derin Jonmark, Dylan Jordan, Jake Osborne, Adam Thompson, Robbie Porter, Mark Rush, Zaid Al Mesry

Injured: Cathal Markey, Jared Quinlan and Marc Woods