Mallow United U12Bs, who were crowned CSL Division 5 champions last weekend, pictured with Billy O’Keeffe.
Mallow United B were crowned U12 CSL Division 5 champions after their 2-0 win over Blarney United A in their title play-off decider in Leeds Park last Saturday morning. Despite playing against a strong wind in the first half, Mallow dominated this contest from start to finish. They started the game with a high tempo, creating a number of chances in the first half hour and never allowing Blarney to settle. There was a grit and deter-mination about the Mallow performance which they effectively combined with clever football and defensive discipline.
Although unable to break the deadlock by half-time, Mallow heads remained focused on the task in hand and continued to test the Blarney defence. 10 minutes into the second half, Mallow finally got the goal they deserved, however no one who travelled to Leeds Park could have expected to see the high quality finish that led to the ball finding its way to the back of the net. Playing as a lone striker, Adrian Ambroziak had been a serious threat to the Blarney back four from the start of the game, and they were helpless as he got his head on the end of a fine cross and powered the ball beyond the Blarney keeper.
10 minutes later, Billy O’Keeffe, direct from a long range free kick, drove a powerful shot around the Blarney wall and into the top corner, putting Mallow 2-0 to the good. Mallow saw out the remainder of the game comfortably, and celebrations erupted among the players and travelling Mallow support at the final whistle. Having both been promoted, Mallow will look forward to a few more duels with neighbours Blarney next season.
Thank you to coach Billy O’Keeffe and all parents who helped out throughout the season. It was only with your commitment that another great day for the club was made possible. We look forward to many more to come.
Summer Street League for U10s to U7s starts next Wednesday
The Summer Soccer Street League for kids starts next Wednesday, June 21st. The tournament will be played each Wednesday evening in St. Gobnait’s Park, June 21st to July 12th, open to all boys and girls U10 to U7 (born 2007 to 2010). The tournament will consist of short 7-a-side games on grass pitches, and will be supervised by Mallow United coaches, although there will be minimal adult intervention in the games themselves, to encourage independent creative football and freedom of expression on the pitch. Registration is at 6.30pm each evening and the games kick-off at 7.00pm sharp. For more information visit www.mallowunited.com
Reeling in the Years
This week’s Reeling in the Years photo features the Mallow United U16 team from 2002 who were managed by Tom Murphy and the late Wilsy Cremin. Wilsy is fondly remem-bered for the unfaltering dedication and good humour that he brought to the club.
Results:
Thursday 8th June:
U12 Division 6: Mallow United A 2, Youghal United 6.
Saturday 10th June:
U12 Division 5 Title Play-Off: Mallow United B 2, Blarney United A 0.
U12 Division 6: Mallow United A 2, Wilton United B 6.
Fixtures: all teams have now completed their fixtures for the 2016/17 season.