Two u12 teams, and a whole lotta football
23rd August 2016
Saturday
Albion Rovers Eddie Maher Tournament (16 Teams)
U12 Major's
Intensive pre-season training gave way to tournament football for the first time this season for the Major's.
In a very tough group the lads performed marvelously with wins over the home team and Finglas Celtic and an entertaining draw with a very talented Balbriggan side, leaving the lads being pipped at the post for top spot on goal difference, and seeing them enter the Semi-Finals of the Shield competition.
In the Semi against Laytown Utd in torrential rain, the match went all the way to Peno's where Luke McQuillan scored the winner.
The final beckoned against opponents Drogheda Town and although a very close encounter, our neighbours came out on top.
U12 Premier's
The lads kicked off against a very dogged Knockncarra side from Galway, the match was played on a tight pitch with very little space for either side and ended up a scoreless draw. This was followed up with wins vs Donacarney and local neighbors Drogheda Town, to see the team top the group. In the semi, the boys came up against Cherry Orchard and came out worthy winners. The final would see the lads take on Balbriggan who had pipped Monica's team in the group stages. Although Drogheda had most of the possession it wasn't until the last minute that they broke the deadlock when Josh Effiom slotted home to see the lads lift the Cup and finish the tournament without conceding a goal.
Sunday
East Meath United Soccer Festival
9 hours after finishing the final in Albion the lads kicked off in the East Meath United Festival, an 8 team tournament featuring some of the finest U12 teams on this side of the island.
In arguably the tougher of two groups the lads were first matched with top NDSL side Corduff United. In a game that Drogheda controlled the lads unfortunately only came away with a point due to a defensive mixup. In the next game against fellow Premier League team Home Farm the tiredness had set in and Home Farm came away with a 1-0 win. Sandwiches and rainbow skittles applied, and needing a win in the last game against last season's U11 Premier League Champions Belvedere, the lads threw the kitchen sink at Belvo and although they shaded the encounter in possession and chances, could only come away with a point in a 2-2 draw.
So the shield tournament beckoned and up first were Dundalk champions Glenmuir United. Some wonderful goals were scored in a strong performance which saw the lads into the final against another fellow Premier side, Lourdes Celtic. A tense final went all the way to penalties and it was 'keeper Oisin Sutton who was once again the hero of the day with a wonderful save on the 8th penalty to see the lads pick up their second piece of silverware of the weekend. And earn a very deserved day off from training on Monday.
The club would like to thank both Albion Rovers and East Meath United for their wonderful hospitality.