Our talented Drogheda Boys U14's played in the Champions Blitz tournament in Newbridge Town FC this past weekend, and were drawn into a group with Leixlip, Ballyjamesduff, Lourdes Celtic and Clodiagh Rangers.

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There’s that old adage in tournament football, don’t get beaten in your first game. And so it was the case in the opening game of the tournament for both Drogheda Boys and Leixlip. After a tense, tight affair, with very few chances, both teams settled for a goalless draw

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With a hard earned point in the bag, next up was Lourdes Celtic. In yet another tight game, Drogheda Boys found themselves one nil down with time running out, and in need of some inspiration. First up was Eseosa. He went into absolute over drive, chasing every loose ball and giving the opposition defense no time whatsoever. The tide started to turn and panic began to set in for Lourdes. The game seemed to be there for the taking. Sensing his opportunity, Michael Leddy returned to the game and ‘wham, bam, thank you mam’ grabbed himself a brace to secure the win.

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Now with the belief they could compete and beat anyone, it was not the right time for Ballyjamesduff to play Drogheda Boys. Full of confidence the Boys put on an absolute clinic in quick, attacking football. Ben Sweeney in particular stepped up to the mark and controlled the midfield. Indeed, most of the team could be name checked here as they tore into the opposition and came away with 7 (seven) goals and the victory.

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It came down to the final game against Clodiagh Rangers to see who came out on top of the group. Drogheda Boys started exactly where they left off in their previous game and laid siege to the opposition. Attack, attack, attack. It was just a matter of time for the first goal which would undoubtedly open the floodgates. But the Rangers keeper stood firm and kept his side in the game. And as happens so often in football, Rangers nicked the win with a breakaway goal.

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Drogheda had to settle for runners up spot in the group, and this meant a semifinal fixture with the much fancied Cherry Orchard. After a long day the zip in the legs wasn’t quite there for the Boys. But the desire, hunger, and drive will never be left wanting with this group of lads. They dug deep and there was very little between the sides. Cherry Orchard broke the deadlock early in the second half. The Boys picked themselves up and went at it again, but to no avail. The game ended with a hard earned victory for Cherry Orchard.

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This time round there was no trophy at the end of the day for our U14s. But we had outstanding performances from every single member of the squad. Each of whom represented the club with pride.

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Squad: Ciaran O'Dwyer, David Masqui, Kyle McElroy, Cole Everitt, William McSweeney, Vedran Saric, Josh Wall, Ben Sweeney, Daniel Reilly, Eoghan Maguire, Eseosa Omereghe, Michael Leddy, Ryan Campbell, Michael Soyemi, Sean Smith.

Our captain Antony O'Donnell couldn't make it on the day and was missed.