Under 17 Premier Match Reports 2006/07

Sunday 27th May 2007

FAI Under 17 Challenge Cup Final

Drogheda United  0  - 2   Belvedere F.C. 

Belvedere followed up their impressive 3-0 victory over Crumlin United last weekend in the Leinster Youths Cup final with another trophy win on Sunday, securing the FAI Under 17 Challenge Cup. The "boys in blue" beat Drogheda United 2-0 at Frank Cooke Park in Glasnevin. 

It was Drogheda who had the first chance of the game. Following a weak goal-kick Drogs' Kieran Hicks found himself with space on the edge of the box, Belvo defender David Kelly however, made an excellent interception.

Emeka Onwubiko created a great opportunity for strike partner Daniel Corcoran just before the quarter hour, but Corcoran, who had an excellent game, shot wide from eight yards out. Drogheda Goalkeeper Cian Byrne had to be alert minutes later to race from his line to clear under pressure.

Belvo's early pressure payed dividends on 16 minutes as they took the lead. After Shane Farrell had been fouled, Sean Byrne swung in a pin-point cross to find Kelly and his deft touch took the ball past the despairing 'keeper and into the far corner of the net.

That was the wake-up call the Louth side needed and they promptly sprung into action. Michael Clarke and Bryan McQuillan combined to set up Hicks, his sliced cross found an unmarked Paul O'Leary at the back post, but he headed over.

By now, Belvo were moving the ball well around the slick surface, Man of the Match Byrne shot over and Onwubiko forced a save from the massive 'keeper. Drogheda had stopped passing the ball, and looked slightly nervy at the back. John Digmam, untroubled for much of the half saved well on 29.

Byrne and Onwubiko went close again before half time but, Drogheda somewhat luckily, went in at the break only one behind.

Hicks and Peter McMahon both tested Dignam after the restart but their side suffered a fatal blow just three minutes later. Onwubiko found Alan Clarke, the skillful winger slid a wonderful ball to Corcoran, he turned and finished well from close range to give his side that crucial two goal cushion.

McMahon forced Dignam to make an excellent save before the hour. Drogheda were searching for that elusive goal, but Belvo defended resolutely. Drogheda's best player Robbie Craig showed excellent passing ability in midfield but his side found it difficult to create any real chances.

The teams then exchanged efforts, with McMahon and Corcoran both shooting wide for their respective sides. Referee John Clarke blew the final whistle minutes later to spark wild celebrations from the Belvedere contingent. 

Manager Ray McCann said afterwards "I'm very proud to be involved with Belvedere FC and I think were deserved our victory."  Drogs manager Darius Kierans and first team boss Paul Doolin both had kind words to say in the Belvo dressing room after the game, showing they were gracious in defeat. 

Overall, Belvo's ability to pass and move the ball on the immaculate pitch was the difference between the sides.

Drogheda Boys F.C.: C. Byrne, M. Clarke, P. Delaney, S. Murphy, C. Murtagh, R. Craig, B. Mc Quillan, K. Mc. Cann, P. O’ Leary, K. Hicks, P. Mc Mahon, Subs. G. Mc Grane for K. Mc Cann, J. Walsh for P. O’ Leary, S. Keely, P. Moore, D. Thornton, K. Dyas all not used.

Belvedere F.C. : J. Dignam, R. Lawless, S. Byrne, D. Kelly, M. Leahy, J. Dinneen, A. Clarke, S. Lawless, E. Onwubiko, D. Corcoran, S. Farrell, Subs: S. Fitzpatrick for R. Lawless, D. Kavanagh for A. Clarke, D. Connolly, I. Dunne, P. Matthews, D. Henry all not used.

Match Officials: J. Clarke, B. Hunter, D. Carey, M. Whelan.

Report By Jamie Moore

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Sunday 13th May 2007

Leinster Youth  Cup ( Semi-Finals )

Belvedere F.C.  2  - 0   Cherry Orchard 

Having already qualified for the FAI Under 17 Cup Final last Sunday, Belvedere welcomed Cherry Orchard to Fairview Park today hoping to maintain their good run of form and secure their place in the final of the Leinster Youth Cup. 

Belvo managers Ray McCann and Thomas Kenny have seen their side mature well of late, and they credit this mainly to the experience gained from some of their tough away cup matches this season.  

Although the first 20 minutes was tight, and Cherry Orchard created a few half chances on goal, Belvo were never really troubled at the back. Belvo gradually gained the upper hand as the first half wore on and they opened the scoring on 25 minutes with an excellently worked goal.

A long ball forward by the visitors was collected by Belvo goalkeeper John Dignam and he set left back Sean Byrne free with a great throw out. Byrne raced up the pitch on the counter attack before delivering a a slide-rule pass to left sided midfielder Sean Farrell.

Farrell then beat the defender before finding Daniel Corcoran with a low cross. Corcoran, with great skill, cleverly turned the centre half, before drilling the ball past the 'keeper into the net.

Belvo continued to knock the ball around nicely, keeping good possession, while Cherry Orchard pushed up from the back as they sought to close the ball down.  

Sean Byrne intelligently exploited the space created at the back by the visitors with a delightful chip over the top for Emeka Onwubiko to run onto, beating the off side trap, before slotting the ball past the on-rushng 'keeper into the left hand corner of the net, to double Belvo's lead after 32 minutes. 

In the second half, Cherry Orchard's main threat was from set pieces but, Belvo defended well and in general weren't troubled too much at the back. When the visitors did find the target, "Diggy" in the Belvo goal was well up to the task.

As the game went on, Belvo with their 2 goal advantage, controlled the play and passed the ball around comfortably, while their visitors forced the play in their efforts to get back into the match. With the result now beyond doubt, Belvo played out the remainder of the match and secured a well deserved win.

When the referee blew his whistle for full time there were scenes of great celebration among the Belvo players and supporters as they qualified for their second cup final of the season. Belvedere will play Crumlin United Under 18's in the Leinster Youth Cup Final.  

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Sunday 6th May 2007

FAI Under 17 Cup ( Semi-Finals )

Belvedere F.C.  8  - 1   Nenagh Celtic 

Firstly a word of thanks to Killester United ( FAI Junior Cup Winners last week ) for making their ground available to Belvedere F.C. for this match.

Haddon Park in Killester was the venue on Sunday afternoon as Belvedere hosted Nenagh Celtic from Tipperary in the semi-final of the FAI Under 17 Cup. At this stage of the competition its all about qualifying for the final, and this is exactly what Belvo did as they cruised to a comfortable 8 - 1 win over their visitors.

Following a tight first 10 minutes, Daniel Corcoran opened the scoring for Belvedere when he side-stepped two defenders and fired home from the edge of the box, after the visitors failed to clear the ball following deep cross into the penalty area.

Having broken the broke the dead-lock, Belvo then doubled their lead shortly afterwards when Emeka Onwubiko finished off a lovely passing movement with a well taken goal. Just before the half time break, Corcoran made it 3 - 0 for Belvo with his second goal, a neat finish past the 'keeper. 

In the second half, with the result beyond doubt, Belvo stepped up a gear and scored five more goals. Emeka netted Belvo's fourth goal with a great finish following a great run by Robert Lawless who beat three Nenagh players before delivering an excellent cross.

Sean Byrne then fired home Belvo's fifth goal, followed by Shane Farrell's great finish to make it six, before Corcoran completed his hat-trick with a well taken goal. Substitute David Connolly then worked a short corner with captain John Dinnean before firing to the back of the net to seal a comprehensive win.

Nenagh Celtic never gave up and they managed to score a consolation goal, but on the day they proved to be no match for this impressive Belvedere team who also maintain their interest in both the league and the Leinster Youth Cup competitions.

Belvo will play fellow DDSL Premier league rivals Drogheda United in the FAI Under 17 Cup Final at the end of May. 

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Sunday 29th April 2007

FAI Under 17 Cup (1/4 Finals )

Glebe North  0  - 4   Belvedere F.C. 

The journey out to Balbriggan on Sunday morning proved to be a successful one for Belvedere as they advanced comfortably to the semi-finals of the FAI Under 17 Cup with an impressive 4 - 0 win over Glebe North.

Belvo's intentions were clearly evident as early as the first minute when Alan Clarke was played through with a delightful pass but, he fired wide with only the 'keeper to beat.

Indeed, within the first 15 minutes Belvo created a number of chances, but the hosts managed somehow to deny their visitors. However, Belvo broke the deadlock on 25 minutes following a neat one-two between Sean Byrne and Shane Farrell and his well delivered cross was met by Emeka Onwubiko's boot at the near post for a simple tap in. The visitors kept up the pressure and were unlucky on a few occasions not to increase their lead further by the half time whistle. 

The second half started very much like the first, and Belvo doubled their advantage after 5 minutes when Sean Byrne converted a penalty kick which was awarded when Daniel Corcoran was upended in the box after he had brilliantly jigged his way past three defenders. 

Glebe North responded well and they caused a few scares for the Belvo defence, but they were unable to capitalise on their chances.  Belvo however, regained control of the play and they increased their lead further when Corcoran was neatly played in by Alan Clarke, beating the off side trap before firing past the 'keeper to make it 3 - 0 to put the the result beyond doubt. 

The hosts didn't give up and were unlucky not to pull a goal back a few minutes later when their striker rattled the Belvo cross-bar with a great shot. Belvo Captain John Dinnean was once again outstanding in mid-field and he led by example throughout the match.

With 10 minutes remaining, David Connolly replaced Corcoran, Stephen Fitzpatrick came on for Byrne, while Ian Dunne substituted for Stephen Lawless. The changes didn't effect Belvo's rhythm at all because shortly afterwards Connolly slotted home to make it 4 - 0.

Belvo now have home advantage when they meet Nenagh Celtic in the Semi-finals of the FAI Under 17 Cup. They will be hoping to maintain their good form which has seen them figure strongly in all competitions so far this season. 

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Sunday 22nd April 2007

Leinster Youth Cup ( 1/4 Finals )

Saint Patrick's Athletic   1 - 3   Belvedere F.C. 

Never an easy place to go and get a result, the tight and compact pitch at Brickfields Park ensured that this Leinster Youth Cup tie would be tough for the visitors Belvedere who faced fellow Premier league rivals Saint Patrick's Athletic on Sunday.  

The first half hour was something like the opening moves in a chess match, as both teams sized each other up, searching to find a way through on goal. Belvo however, kept to their task and were rewarded on 35 minutes when John Dineen headed home from Emeka Onwubiko's cross into the box, following a good passing movement down the right side of the pitch.

Trailing 1 - 0, Saint Pats came out all guns blazing after the half time break and they created a number of half chances. Belvo's defence remained solid however to deny their efforts on goal. 

Michael Leahy doubled Belvo's lead midway through the second half when he headed home at the far post following a delightful free kick from the right by Sean Byrne.

With 15 minutes left to play, Sean Byrne put the result beyond doubt when he scored from a free kick from 25 yards out which the Saint Pat's 'keeper failed to keep out.

Saint Pats managed to score a consolation goal late in the match, when an error by the visitors' defence allowed the striker in and he finished well from close range.

Belvo could have increased their lead further in the dying minutes of the match, but they failed to convert a few decent chances on goal. And so at the final whistle it was Belvo who go through to meet Cherry Orchard in the semi-finals of the Leinster Youth Cup. 

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Sunday 25th March 2007

FAI Under 17 Cup (4th round)

Belvedere F.C.   4 - 1   Bohemians F.C.

Another impressive performance from Belvedere on Sunday as they progressed to the 5th round of the FAI Under 17 Cup with a 4 - 1 win over local DDSL Premier League rivals Bohemians at Fairview Park.

The visitors were reduced to 10 men after only 15 minutes following a red card for a foul by their last defender on Daniel Corcoran as he raced towards goal. However, Belvo failed to score from the resultant free kick from just outside the box.

Corcoran was not to be denied however when, five minutes later he spotted the Boh's 'keeper off his line and from 20 yards out he cleverly lobbed the ball into the net to open the scoring for Belvo. Despite further chances for the hosts in the first half the score remained 1 - 0  at the half time break. 

Fifteen minutes into the second half Shane Farrell broke away down the left flank before delivering a low cross into the box which was brilliantly smashed home by the in-rushing Emeka Onwubiko, to double Belvo's advantage.

With Belvo now in full flight against the 10 man Bohs, Corcoran scored his second and Belvo's third goal 10 minutes later with another great finish, following a lovely passing movement.

Not to be outdone, Emeka also bagged himself a brace, 5 minutes from the end, when he scored with a free kick which he drilled under the four man Boh's wall from outside the penalty area. 

The visitors managed to score a consolation goal when their striker headed home from a corner kick in the dying minutes of the match.

Managers Ray McCann and Thomas Kenny were delighted with their team's performance on the day and they will be hoping to maintain this good run of form in the next round of the cup. 

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Sunday 11th March 2007

DDSL Under 17 Premier League

Belvedere F.C.  5 - 0  Knocklyon United

Not having had a match for the last two weekends, Belvedere were eager to maintain their league title challenge as they hosted Knocklyon United at Fairview Park on Sunday. 

It didn't take Belvo long to impose their mark on the match and Daniel Corcoran found the net early on to set the trend for the match. A second goal for Corcoran followed on 25 minutes and then Alan Clarke added another ten minutes later to make it 3 - 0 at the half time break. 

The second half was a dull affair as the the visitors defended deeply as they tried to limit any further damage by Belvo. Despite having the lions share of possession Belvo had to wait until the last 10 minutes of the match before extending their lead further. 

Stephen Lawless scored his first goal for Belvo with a great finish to make it 4 - 0 and this was followed shortly afterwards by Steven Fitzpatrick who fired home Belvo's fifth goal to really put the result beyond doubt. 

This Belvo team continue to play some lovely football and are a pleasure to watch. Having dropped the least number of points so far in the league, they also still maintain their interest in both the FAI Under 17 Cup and the Leinster Youth Cup competitions. 

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Sunday 18th February 2007

FAI Under 17 Cup

Belvedere F.C.   5 - 0   Leicester Celtic

The visitors defended strongly to deny Belvo in the early part of the match, but there was nothing they could do to deny Corcoran on 25 minutes when he fired home to break the deadlock. However, despite further pressure from Belvo the score remained unchanged at the half time break.

Belvo attacked straight from the re-start and doubled their lead within 5 minutes when Alan Clarke scored with a delightful volley from 25 yards out. Shortly afterwards the in-form Corcoran increased Belvo's advantage to three nil when he finished off a nice move from close range.

With Belvo now in total control, Emeka Onwubiko made it 4 - 0 with a well taken goal, before Corcoran completed his hat-trick with great goal.

Managers Ray McCann and Thomas Kenny were very pleased with their team's performance and they will be hoping to maintain this good form when  they meet Bohemians in the next round of the FAI Under 17 Cup.

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Sunday 28th January 2007

DDSL Under 17 Premier League

Crumlin United  1 - 4  Belvedere F.C.

Pearse Park was the venue for Belvedere's first match of 2007 and it certainly proved to be a successful outing for the visitors. Expecting the match to be played on Crumlin's "all weather" pitch, Belvo were pleasantly surprised to learn on arrival that it was on grass.

Daniel Corcoran opened the scoring for Belvo on 6 minutes when he netted from Alan Clarke's cross, following a lovely passing movement. But clear chances proved hard to find for both teams and so the score remained 1 - 0 at the half time break.

The first 20 minutes of the second half was tight also as both sides fought hard to gain control of the match. But it was Belvo who doubled their advantage when Sean Byrne scored from the penalty spot after Clarke was fouled in the box. 

Crumlin fought hard to get back into the match and they pulled a goal back five minutes later when a slip up by the Belvo defence allowed the home striker in to score.

However, straight from the kick off Belvo attacked and won a corner kick on the right. Shane Farrell delivered a delightful cross into the box for Corcoran to "back flick" the ball into the net to restore Belvo's two goal lead.

With 6 minutes left to play Stephen Fitzpatrick put the result beyond doubt with a well taken goal, following good work by Stephen Hickey who had broken free down the wing before delivering an inch perfect cross into the box.

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Sunday 29th October 2006

FAI Under 17 Cup

Saint Mary's Boys 0 - 3 Belvedere F.C.

Having already won 2 - 1 against a strong Saint Marys side in the Premier league earlier on this season, Belvedere knew they faced a tough task in this FAI Under 17 Cup second round away tie at Moreen Estate on Sunday.

The opening 15 minutes were keenly contested as both sides tried to forge openings in the oppositions' defence. But it was Belvedere who drew first blood when Daniel Corcoran headed home from Alan Clarkes's delightful cross, following a good build up of play down the right flank.

The home team pressed hard for an equaliser and Belvo's defence were forced to defend strongly to maintain their lead. Indeed, the turning point in the match came when Belvo 'keeper John Dignam pulled off a great save to deny the Saint Marys striker, when a goal looked certain.

However, instead of Saint Marys going in on level terms at the break, it was Belvo who doubled their advantage just before half time when Clarke once again raced down the right wing before setting up John Dineen to score with a great finish.

The second half was a scrappy affair as both teams cancelled out each others efforts. Belvo continued to knock the ball around as the hosts fought hard to gain control over the match.

With 15 minutes remaining, Corcoran put the result beyond doubt when he fired home his second and Belvo's third goal with a great shot that gave the 'keeper no chance.

And so at the final whistle it was Belvo who advanced to the FAI Under 17 Cup third round. Managers Ray McCann and Thomas Kenny were full of praise for their team who had worked extremely hard to secure a great  3 - 0 win in this difficult away fixture.

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