Grassroots Under 18 Football
Bohemian FC under 18's won their third title of the season on Sunday morning when they defeated Skerries Town FC 2-1 at the Oscar Traynor Centre (Rep of Ireland). In the wake of Maynooth Super Cup and Premier Division title victories, Bohemians were looking for a treble-winning season. Following their promotion to the NDSL Premier Division in 2021, Skerries Town were no strangers to success.
A Special Goal To Break The Deadlock
Skerries Town started brighter in the first half. In the sixth minute, their number 9 should have opened the scoring when he muscled past a Bohemian FC defender before shooting wide. Bohemian FC began to gain control of the game and looked the more comfortable of the two sides in possession. Daniel Sabatin narrowly missed the target with a header from six yards out before Shane Mooney failed to convert a 1v1 opportunity with the outstanding Skerries Town number 1. After rounding the goalkeeper and falling to the ground, Mooney was booked for diving. While Bohemians had the majority of opportunities in the first half, Skerries had some of their own as well, with Luca Fogerty being tested twice by long-range shots as the half progressed. Not long before halftime, the first goal of the game was scored. A neat approach play from Bohemian FC saw number 9 Cian Murtagh pick up the ball 30 yards from goal. In a neat move, Murtagh skipped past two Skerries Town players and drove a low, hard shot into the bottom left corner. Halftime: Bohemians 1-0!
Second Half
On 51 minutes, a Skerries Town equalizer ended Bohemian FC's high intensity start to the second half. Luca Fogerty was beaten by a cracking volley from the edge of the box after two failed attempts to clear a corner kick. Skerries 1-1, game on! The Skerries Town goalkeeper was the game's outstanding performer. A string of saves by the young man denied Bohemians. When released 1on1, Con Murray chipped over the crossbar under pressure from the advancing keeper. The shot stopper then denied Sean Doran with a sensational finger tip save after a superb 25-yard free kick strike. The lively Shane Monney was denied twice in 1v1 situations. Bohemian FC hit the post when Ben Breslins header somehow was cleared to safety off the line. Despite Bohemians FC having the best chances of the match, Skerries Town remained a threat on the counter attack as several times they attempted to get past Bohemians' backline with a direct approach, requiring the interventions of Bohemians' defenders to prevent scoring opportunities. Bohemians' Josh Waters missed a golden opportunity to win the game in a 1v1 situation before the end of normal time, but his attempt on goal narrowly trickled past the post. EXTRA TIME NEEDED!
Over The Line
Evidently, both sides were beginning to tire during the extra time. Skerries town goalkeeper however continued to show his class by tipping over Cian Murtagh's shot from nine yards out to deny him. The games decisive goal arrived mid way through the first half of extra time when a Bohemians corner kick found it's way to Ben Breslin courtesy of Max O'Keefe. The Bohemians centre back directed his attempt on goal, and although a Skerries Town defender cleared the ball, an eagle eyed linesmen had spotted the ball go over the line. 2-1 Bohs!
Skerries Town Push Hard
Skerries Town were not about to give up. Some impressive football helped them gain control of the game. Skerries were able to move the ball around with impressive ease, but Bohemians' game management was exceptional, and reflected their success in just winning their third trophy of the season. Skerries Town pushed Bohemians back, but they were unable to produce the moment of inspiration needed to force penalty kicks.
Both teams and their players, coaches, and fans deserved credit for the game. An entertaining game from start to finish with some talented players on display.
Afterwards, Bohemian FC number 11 Farid was named Man of the Match despite coming on as a second half substitute, an indication of his impact on the game.
CREDIT: Thanks to Visual MK Photography for providing some superb images on the day.
