Congratulations and well done to our U12 Saturday team on reaching the final of the Paddy O'Malley Cup.

Last weekend's semi-final match was a very tight first half between both sides.  Manortown went ahead with a goal from Zach O’Brien, but the visitors hit back just before half-time to level the score.  In the second half, Manortown took control, Zach showed great footwork and delivered a lovely cross into Jack Gray, who headed the ball in off the post to make it 2-1.  Manortown then extended their lead to 3-1 when Paul McCormack burst down the line and delivered another excellent cross for Jack to head into the roof of the net.  Jack then completed his hat-trick when Zach won the ball in midfield and played him through.  Jack still had a lot to do, beating three defenders before slotting the ball into the far left corner to make it 4-1.  Trinity Donaghmede responded with a superb top-corner strike, leaving keeper Harry Dillon with no chance.  Harry made a few more important saves to keep the scoreline in Manortown’s favour.

Max Strutt then played a brilliant pass to Zach, who was named Man of the Match, and Zach put a perfect through ball into the path of Calin Cummins, who fired home into the far right corner to make it 5-2.

There were a few more chances for the visitors, but Sam Kaya dropped back into defence alongside Thomas Carroll and Noah Beere to shore things up.  Quy Nguyen and Calvin Carass also came on late to help see the game out, earning Manortown a well-deserved place in the cup final on Sunday 4th May.

Thanks, as always, to our team sponsor, KIA Stuart's Garages.