Cup success for Tullamore Town U19s

Tullamore Town 1 Mullingar Athletic 0

By Eamon A. Donoghue

Sebi Holota scored a late winner for Tullamore Town against Mullingar Athletic in the CCFL Under-19 Cup final at TP Hickey Park, Mount Temple last Friday evening.

Playted at the Temple Villa grounds, this game was played at a frantic pace with neither side settling down at any stage of the game. Both teams lacked composure and control and because of this, they struggled to create goal scoring opportunities. Both defences were on top, helped by some chaotic play from both sides.

The first corner of the game arrived in the 15th minute for Mullingar. Besides erratic shots from distances, attempts were few and far between from both sides.

Mullingar had two speedsters up front, but they didn't get the ball in behind the Tullamore defensive line nearly often enough. They continued to rush everything and this played into the hands of Tullamore's defensive structure. Tullamore also played somewhat erratically and that suited a Mullingar defence that wasn’t mobile.

Both teams were fired up from the off and they threw themselves into the action and what the game lacked technically was made up for with endeavour. Mullingar had the majority of possession in the first half, but they rarely looked like scoring.

Alex Sheerin and Nathan Scully did threaten when they were given the opportunity by their teammates but that was seldom. They had shots from distance but they didn’t threaten Tullamore 'keeper Szymon Skura.

Tullamore had just the one chance to score in the first half. Some confusion in the Mullingar defence gave Eoghan McEntee an opportuity but he was unable to take advantage. The sides were deadlocked scoreless at half-time, when a heavy downpour of rain and hailstones made conditions for the second half slippery with poor visibility.

Tullamore came more into the contest after the break and started to threaten the Mullingar goalmouth more. The introduction of Jakub Priekop on the right wing gave them an outlet.

Mullingar attacked with great intent but that final ball continuously let them down.

Shots from distances from Ryan Bitu and Emmett Brennan were coming from more frustration than imagination. The Tullamore defensive resolve was gradually causing discontent in the Mullingar team. With time running out, the game had all the hallmarks of extra-time and maybe even the dreaded penalties.

Then Tullamore’s substitute Priekop offered renewed energy down the right flank and his cross forced a corner. From the resultant delivery, Holota rose highest to head home the only goal of the game in the 80th minute. That goal clearly energised the Offaly team and they inspired each other to see out the win.

Mullingar did bombard the Tullamore goalmouth desperately in search of an equaliser but they then forced the play and failed to create the chance they needed.

Tullamore should be delighted with the win which was possibly somewhat flattering. It couldn’t be said they were the better side given the general trend of play, but they did take one chance from a limited number. Mullingar had more possession, more shots at goal, although few hit the target and that one goal gave the Offaly side the trophy.

Tullamore Town: Szymon Skura, Ben Gleeson, JJ Minnock, Jack Murphy, Jacob Browne, Conor Hanniffy, Callum O’Connell, Aaron Tuohy, Sebi Holota, Jack Maher, Eoghan McEntee. Subs: Jakub Priekop and Samuel Brickland.

Mullingar Athletic: Matthew Shaw, Hayden Wadan, Ethan Bowman, Emmett Brennan, Ryan Kenny, Ryan Bitu, Mahomad Mugtate, Alex Sheerin, Nathan Scally, Owen McMahon, Callum Rigney. Subs: Lonut Lungu and Ameen Hacini.