U13 Division 2 Trophy Final
Wicklow Rovers C - 2
St Anthony's B - 2
AET
Wicklow Rovers C win 3-1 in penalties
Wicklow Rovers C and St Anthony's B contested the U13 Division 2 Trophy Final under the lights at Whitegates this evening.
Chances were at a premium in the first half as both sides cancelled each other out. Rovers created several chances but couldn't find their way past the St Anthony's defenders. St Anthony's had a chance at the end of the half, from a free kick, which was expertly saved by the Wicklow keeper Loukas Karamalis.
The second half was a cagey affair as both teams went for the win in normal time. It finished 0-0 and went to extra time.
Both sides dug deep and it was Rovers who scored first. A delightful ball was played to Federico Caruso who lashed the ball into the back of the net. Rovers went for a second but were thwarted by a stubborn St Anthony's defence.
Then St Anthony's got their reward for persistence. A corner was not cleared by the Rovers defence, it was prodded goalwards and somehow crept over the line despite the attempts to clear by the Rovers rearguard.
In the second half of extra time, Rovers created the better chances and scored through captain Luke Mulhall who zipped in ahead of the keeper and slotted into the empty net. Credit to St Anthony's, they kept going and created a number of half chances but we're kept out by the Rovers defenders. Rovers created a couple of chances of their own but some fine defending kept St Anthony's in the tie. With time ebbing away, Rovers failed to clear their lines. The winger pushed into the Rovers box, passed the ball past the Wicklow keeper towards 3 St Anthony's players and it took only one to find the net. 2-2 and shortly afterwards the referee blew the final whistle.
Onto the dreaded penalties and it was Rovers who came out on top, winning 3-1 in the shootout. Rovers had Wicklow keeper Loukas Karamalis to thank, with 3 fine saves. Rovers spot kicks were converted by Paddy Donnelly, Sean Donnelly and Kai Jameson.
Well done to all 15 players who took the field for Rovers and it is a reward for their efforts this season.
Commiserations to St Anthony's, but they should hold their heads high having played their part in a brilliant game.
Wicklow Rovers C - 2
St Anthony's B - 2
AET
Wicklow Rovers C win 3-1 in penalties
Wicklow Rovers C and St Anthony's B contested the U13 Division 2 Trophy Final under the lights at Whitegates this evening.
Chances were at a premium in the first half as both sides cancelled each other out. Rovers created several chances but couldn't find their way past the St Anthony's defenders. St Anthony's had a chance at the end of the half, from a free kick, which was expertly saved by the Wicklow keeper Loukas Karamalis.
The second half was a cagey affair as both teams went for the win in normal time. It finished 0-0 and went to extra time.
Both sides dug deep and it was Rovers who scored first. A delightful ball was played to Federico Caruso who lashed the ball into the back of the net. Rovers went for a second but were thwarted by a stubborn St Anthony's defence.
Then St Anthony's got their reward for persistence. A corner was not cleared by the Rovers defence, it was prodded goalwards and somehow crept over the line despite the attempts to clear by the Rovers rearguard.
In the second half of extra time, Rovers created the better chances and scored through captain Luke Mulhall who zipped in ahead of the keeper and slotted into the empty net. Credit to St Anthony's, they kept going and created a number of half chances but we're kept out by the Rovers defenders. Rovers created a couple of chances of their own but some fine defending kept St Anthony's in the tie. With time ebbing away, Rovers failed to clear their lines. The winger pushed into the Rovers box, passed the ball past the Wicklow keeper towards 3 St Anthony's players and it took only one to find the net. 2-2 and shortly afterwards the referee blew the final whistle.
Onto the dreaded penalties and it was Rovers who came out on top, winning 3-1 in the shootout. Rovers had Wicklow keeper Loukas Karamalis to thank, with 3 fine saves. Rovers spot kicks were converted by Paddy Donnelly, Sean Donnelly and Kai Jameson.
Well done to all 15 players who took the field for Rovers and it is a reward for their efforts this season.
Commiserations to St Anthony's, but they should hold their heads high having played their part in a brilliant game.
