SBYL U16
Despite the final scoreline in this exciting encounter, there wasn’t really much between these two strong teams.
The early exchanges saw Aquinas shade the statistics as Hughes and Mohan blasted just wide and an O’Hanlon effort was hastily scooped clear.
A spinning Morgan effort, and driving shot from O’Connor, couldn’t get the better of the visitors’ keeper and Immaculata began to take the initiative. After a series of corners the imposing figure of Flynn superbly managed to head clear a rocket Immaculata volley that had goal written all over it.
Despite a surging run from O’Connor, which ended in a blast just over, a counter from Immaculata found the first of three defensive lapses as they sliced through to take the lead moments before the break.
O’Doherty covered every blade of grass after the restart as the Blue n’ Blacks battled to get back on terms.
He was unlucky to be ruled offside following a super run onto a pinpoint delivery from Mohan.
Aquinas soaked up a period of pressure mid-way through the half with great interchanges between Cunnane, O’Boyle and Toner.
However, a second defensive error led to a carbon copy of the first goal for the visitors.
To their credit, Aquinas attempted to overcome the mountain they had created as Flynn nearly pulled one back with a towering header and Hughes continued to threaten.
Despite this positive spell Aquinas made their third error of the day, allowing an Immaculata striker to weave his way into the box and slip the ball, virtually unchallenged, past McGovern.
Aquinas grabbed a consolation when the energetic Toner solidly netted to open his account as the game drew to a close.
AQUINAS: Kevin McGovern, Hugh O’Connor, Niall McCourt, Conor Flynn, Thomas Cafolla, Caolan Lynch, Joe Cunnane, Matt Carson (c), Cormac O’Hanlon, Ciaran Mohan, Dan Rainey, Philip O’Sullivan, Paddy O’Boyle, Peter Morgan, Matt Hughes, Conor O’Doherty, Conor Toner.
U14 SBYL First Division
Aquinas 5
Dixon Colts 2
AQUINAS secured their fourth win on the trot but this was the toughest game of the season so far.
Ryan McGuigan continued his excellent run of form to open the scoring after five minutes with a storming run.
Aquinas continued to dominate possession but it was another 25 minutes before Frank McCormack settled nerves, sneaking in at the far post to head in a free-kick. Half-time: 2-0.
McCormack added his second with a nearly identical header soon after the restart, and McGuigan grabbed his second when set up brilliantly by Peter Lavery, who had a terrific game on the left.
When Matthew McCrory tucked home to make it 5-0 soon after, it looked like game over, but as Aquinas seemed to ease off, the Colts came back with one soft goal soon after, and another quality goal from a free-kick.
The hard working Darragh Doherty closed down the Colts’ danger man to help the South Belfast men hold on for the win.
AQUINAS: Jack Johnston (Tiarnan Cahill), Frank McCormack, Rory Flynn, James Carson, Daire McGarvey (Ronan Whyte), Peter Lavery, Matthew McCrory (Ciaran Diamond), Darragh Doherty, Jake Morrison (Finbar Devlin), Ryan McGuigan, John Blaney.
