Under 16 Premier Match Reports 2005/06

Belvedere clinched the league title in Albert College in sunny conditions in front of a large crowd of proud, happy parents and fans.

It was a re-arranged game by (someone in) the league after Belvedere had beaten Bohs earlier in the season in Albert College by two goals to one.

Nobody was going to stop these boys from getting the title after what happened last week.

It wasn't a great game, but the result was all that mattered and there were scenes of great joy when the final whistle sounded.

Team: Vincent Whelan, Alan Clarke, Sean Byrne, Robert Lawless, John Dineen, Garry O'Toole, Stephen Fitzpatrick, Ian Dunne(capt.), Daniel Corcoran, Cillian Sheridan, David Connolly, Colin Pugh, Alan McCann, Felim McMahon, James Cumberton, Shane Farrell, Michael Leahy, Karl Byrne.

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Three first half goals from Daniel Corcoran (2) and Cillian Sheridan sent Belvedere on their way to another three points.

The boys from Fairview responded in the right manner and attitude just two days after their defeat in the Barry Cup final.

Within eight minutes Corcoran netted two good goals. With Belvedere dominating the first half and showing why they are champions elect, Sheridan pounced on the stroke of half time to make it three.

The only real set-back in the first half was the injury sustained to Belvedere's excellent centre half, Michael Leahy. In fact it was learned later that Leahy had broken his collar bone. We wish a speedy recovery for Michael.

On fifty minutes, Pats pulled a goal back from the penalty spot after John Dineen fouled their centre forward in the box. Belvedere were never going to lose their way in this game and possibly could have added to the score line.

Team: Whelan, Clarke, S.Byrne, Dineen, Leahy, McMahon, Fitzpatrick, Dunne, Corcoran, Sheridan, Connolly, Lawless, McCann, Pugh, Cumberton, Farrell.

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Cruely, Belvedere lost their grip on All - Ireland dominance when they lost this final 5-6 in sudden death after the game finished 1-1 after extra time.

The afternoon started brightly with the Blues stamping their authority on the game. When Daniel Corcoran's effort came back off the crossbar on ten minutes, many at the game felt it would just be a matter of time before Belvedere opened their account.

But to their horror they went behind on 25 minutes following a long throw - in, when the ball  was headed into the net.

In the second half, Belvedere came close on a couple of occasions and finally equalised in the 55th. minute, with Cillian Sheridan blasting home after some good approach play. 

Try as they might, Belvedere couldn't get the all-important goal and the game went into extra time and then the dreaded penalty shoot out. Crystal came out on top after their 'keeper saved the all important spot kick.

Team: Whelan, Clarke, S.Byrne, Dineen, Leahy, O'Toole, K.Byrne, Dunne, Corcoran, Sheridan, Farrell, Connolly, Pugh, McCann, McMahon, Cumberton, Fitzpatrick, Lawless.

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First things first, a big thank you from the Under 16's players and management goes to Peter Lyons the Under 15's 'keeper for answering a late call to deputise for the ill Vincent Whelan.

On the field of play it was a tough afternoon for the league leaders as the visitors gave them  a huge scare and left Fairview Park dejected after their efforts.

Apart from Belvedere needing the three points to stay on top of the league, St. Kevins also needed the points in order to stay in the Premier league.

After 10 minutes it was two nil to the visitors......... By half time it was 2 - 2.........  Ten minutes into the second half Belvedere were winning 4 - 2........ Ten minutes later it was 4 - 3................ It was that sort of game!!!!!.

With time running out for the visitors they pushed for a deserved equaliser. They thought they had it when the ball ended up in the home side's net, only for the referee to rule it out for an infringement in the box.

This was a vital win for Belvedere, who now need at least one point from their remaining league match to secure the Under 16 Premier League title.

Scorers for Belvedere were Karl Byrne, Michael Leahy, Garry O'Toole and Shane Farrell.

Team : P.Lyons, A.Clarke, S.Byrne, R.Lawless (J.Dineen), M.Leahy, I.Dunne (S.Fitzpatrick), C.Pugh (G.O'Toole), K.Byrne, D.Corcoran, C.Sheridan, S.Farrell (A.McCann). Not used - J.Cumberton, D.Connolly, F.NcMahon.

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A late second half hat trick from Cillian Sheridan along with an earlier goal from Karl Byrne gave the Under 16's three more valuable points in their quest for league honours.

After Byrne's goal on 10 minutes, the home side took their foot off the pedal allowing the visitors to get a grip on the game and at times look the better side.

It wasn't until second half substitutions were made with Sheridan, Alan McCann, Colin Pugh and Stephen Fitzpatrick coming on that Belvedere started to look like the good side they are.

Sheridan also came close with two other attempts, one just an inch wide and the other coming back off the post. 

Team: Whelan, Cumberton (Pugh), S.Byrne, Lawless, Leahy, O'Toole (McCann), K.Byrne, Dunne, Connolly (Sheridan), Corcoran, Farrell (Fitzpatrick).

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Karl Byrne and Vincent Whelan took the plaudits as Belvedere reached the Barry Cup Final to be held at the Oscar Traynor Rd. Complex on May 28th.

With an evenly contested first half played in bright but windy conditions, Saint Francis went ahead in injury time with a well taken goal after they broke quickly when the ball was given away easily by a Belvedere player.

Within two minutes of the restart the Dublin side were back on level terms. Byrne scored directly from a free kick wide on the left wing after the flight of the ball deceived the home keeper.

Belvedere pressed hard for the winner and were nearly caught out mid way through the half when the host's right winger came inside on a mazy run and hit a shot which looked like it was on the way into the top right hand corner of the net, only to be thwarted by Whelan in goal, who pulled off the most brilliant save seen for a long time.

The large crowd present could little else but applaud the save. As Belvedere kept the pressure on the home defence for a goal, they missed a couple of good opportunities, most notably when Shane Farrell thundered a shot off the crossbar.

With time running out and the prospect of facing extra time and possibly penalties, Belvedere got the decisive goal.

Picking the ball up on the left wing, Byrne danced his way past a couple of challenges until he got the desired space he needed to fire an unstoppable strike into the far corner of the net.

Belvedere were on their way and as full time approached they nearly increased their goals tally, but the Saint Francis 'keeper made some good saves to deny them.  

At the final whistle, there were great celebrations as this Belvedere side qualified for their third successive SFAI Cup Final in as many years................... ONWARDS AND UPWARDS!

Team: Whelan, McMahon, S.Byrne, Dineen, Leahy, Dunne, K.Byrne, O'Toole, Connolly (Sheridan), Corcoran, Farrell (Pugh). Not used - Lawless, McCann, Cumberton, Clarke.

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 It is always difficult to get a result in Drogheda and this time it was no different. 

There were chances at both ends, with Vincent Whelan in goal for the Blues showing his goal-keeping qualities with two outstanding saves.

Outfield it was a spirited performance by Belvedere who were up against a strong Drogheda side and some very questionable refereeing decisions throughout the game.

But the Dublin side kept their discipline, despite Alan Clarke being scythed down twice from behind by the same player.

Clarke had to be helped off the field to be replaced by James Cumberton five minutes into the second half.

Belvedere grew stronger as the game progressed, with the Drogs relying on quick breaks out of their defence.

Team: Whelan, Clarke (Cumberton), S.Byrne, McMahon, Leahy, Dunne, Fitzpatrick, McCann, Connolly, Corcoran, Farrell. Not used - Pugh.

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Having led 1-0 at half time through a finely taken goal by Daniel Corcoran, Belvedere found themselves 1 - 2 down late into the second half.

Belvedere had a below par performance throughout the game, and along with being reduced to ten men, they didn't look like getting what happened next.

With seven minutes left on the clock and 1-2 down, Alan McCann came off the bench and was duly sent up front in search of an equaliser.

Along with David Connolly and Corcoran, McCann unsettled the Shels' defence and Belvedere looked like getting that all important goal.

With just one minute remaining on the clock, Connolly had a golden opportunity to level things, but instead his effort sailed over the bar.

Then as we entered added on time, a most extra ordinary thing happened. In the two minutes played, Connolly was able to score possibly the fastest hat - trick ever seen in Fairview Park.

The first was a tap in after some great work by Corcoran who had pulled the ball back from the end line. The second goal came after the Shels' defence failed to clear the ball, and Connolly pounced to rattle the back of the net.

The third came after a corner by Shels was cleared to the feet of Corcoran. An inch perfect pass by him to Connolly who was in his own half was neatly controlled.

On he went with two Shels' defenders in pursuit. Connolly kept his head and calmly slotted the ball past the advancing 'keeper.

Those watching were left scratching their heads and asking each other if what they witnessed had really happened!

Team: Whelan, Clarke, S.Byrne, Lawless (McMahon), Leahy, Dunne, Fitzpatrick (O'Toole), K.Byrne, Connolly, Corcoran, Farrell (McCann). Not used : Pugh, Cumberton.

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David Connolly scored both goals, one in each half to ensure his team came away with all three points from Mobhi Road.

Belvedere, with a good solid defence aided by superb work from Karl Byrne and Ian Dunne in midfield  were never going to allow the Farm any chance of getting anything out of this game.

Vincent Whelan in goal dealt with anything that was thrown at him with a safe pair of hands.

Up front Daniel Corcoran who had extra work to do never let up and left the pitch a happy and tired player.

His strike partner Connolly, despite playing with a slight knock, rewarded his team mates with two superbly taken goals.

Team: Whelan, Clarke, S.Byrne, Lawless, Leahy, Dunne, Pugh (Fitzpatrick), K.Byrne, Connolly, Corcoran (McMahon), Farrell (McCann). Not used - Cumberton

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Daniel Corcoran grabbed all the plaudits today as he scored four of the five goals. He gave warning of his intent as early as the 2nd. minute when he got on the end of a Sean Byrne free kick only to see his header strike the crossbar. 

Three minutes later he scored with an exact replica effort to set Belvedere on the road to a semi - final encounter with St. Francis  from Athlone.  The home side worked extremely hard throughout the game as they knew that any lapse of concentration could result in Bantry getting into this game.

Spured on by a hardworking central mid-field pairing of Karl Byrne and skipper Ian Dunne, the Dublin side never let up on their quest of reaching the semi - final.

Colin Pugh was a constant thorn in the side of the Cork team as he produced a skill-full display all afternoon. With Vincent Whelan in goal  marshalling his back four of Alan Clarke, Sean Byrne, Michael Leahy and John Dineen, it was always going to be hard for Bantry to get anything from this game with this defence in such good form.

Corcoran was on hand again as he slotted home with his left foot after good work from the tireless David Connolly.

The second half started brightly with Dunne and Byrne in the centre of the park gaining control. Within two minutes from the restart Corcoran had the ball in the net again, this time from his right foot. The perfect hat-trick, header, left foot, right foot.

Shane Farrell was probing down the left with some good crosses at the end of his runs. Alan McCann replaced the injured Connolly and was unlucky not to get his name on the score sheet when a couple of chances fell his way. 

From here on in to the end of the game it was all Belvedere with Corcoran adding a fourth, while substitute Felim McMahon netted goal number five.

To be fair to the visitors, they never stopped trying, but on the day they proved to be no match for this impressive Belvedere side

Team: Whelan, Clarke (Cumberton), S.Byrne, Dineen (Lawless), Leahy, Dunne, Pugh, K.Byrne (McMahon), Connolly (McCann), Corcoran Farrell. 

{ Congratulations go to Michael Leahy from the Under16's who recently represented the Republic of Ireland Schools in their recent Centenary Tournament. He also played in games in Slovenia against Slovenia and the Check Republic  It was a proud moment for Michael to play for his country and was rewarded for his services with a well earned cap. }

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At the Aul Complex on Tuesday evening, Belvedere maintained their challenge for the Under 16 Premier League title with a great 3 - 0 over Saint Kevin's Boys.

But it took 30 minutes before Belvedere found the Kevins' net thanks to a well executed left footed volley from Daniel Corcoran.

It was no more than the visitors deserved during a first half which saw them well on top of the play.

The home 'keeper had a big say in keeping the score down as he proved to be one of the busiest players on the pitch.

In the second half Karl Byrne was denied a penalty after the ball struck the hand of the home sides centre half and was cleared for a corner. 

However justice was done when, from the resulting kick Michael Leahy rose highest to head firmly into the net.

Corcoran then rounded things off with his second and Belvedere's third goal of the evening to put the result beyond doubt.

Team: Whelan, Clarke, S.Byrne (Cumberton), Lawless, Leahy, McCann (McMahon), Fitzpatrick, K.Byrne, Corcoran, Sheridan (Pugh), Farrell (Connolly).

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Peter Lyons stepped into the breech to replace ill Vincent Whelan in goal.  Unfortunately his first touch of the ball was to take it out of the net as Willows pounced on a mistake by the Belvo centre halves.

The ball fell kindly for the visitors' centre forward and he made no mistake from 20 yards. It was a full twenty minutes before Belvedere responded with Cillian Sheridan heading in superbly from a corner kick.

Within a minute Willows were in front again when the home defence failed to clear the ball. Lyons parried a shot only for the on-rushing forward to simply pass the ball into the net. Three minutes later it was all square again with Sheridan hitting an unstoppable shot into the roof or the visitors net.

Lyons was virtually a spectator throughout the second half as Belvedere took control and bossed the rest of the game. With Karl Byrne controlling mid-field, and Sheridan in superb form, it wasn't long before Belvedere went in front for the first time in this match.

Neat play involving Byrne, Sheridan and Daniel Corcoran saw Shane Farrell on the end of a good move to put the ball past the visiting 'keeper. John Dineen notched his first goal of the season for his new club when he hit a half volley into the top right hand corner of the net following a corner.

Corcoran then rounded things off with his 15th. goal of the season after he was put through by Sheridan.

Team: P.Lyons, A.Clarke, S.Byrne (D.Connolly), R.Lawless, J.Dineen, I.Dunne (F.McMahon), S.Fitzgerald (C.Pugh), K.Byrne (J.Cumberton), C.Sheridan, D.Corcoran, S.Farrell.

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Belvedere Under 16's put a halt to their recent bad run of results when they grabbed all three points in Albert College Park on Tuesday, but only just.

Bohemians went in at half time a goal to the good when they scored after the visitors 'keeper  spilled a shot which spun into the air and was nodded in by the on-rushing Bohs' forward.

To be fair to the 'keeper, the ball bounced awkwardly in front of him, hitting a divot before spinning off his left arm and into the air.

Belvedere replied with Daniel Corcoran's effort coming back off the bar before being cleared to safety.

In the second half Belvedere pressed hard for an equaliser with some good passages of play where the mid-field of Ian Dunne, Karl Byrne, Stephen Fitzpatrick and Shane Farrell took control and supplied the forward line of Corcoran and Cillian Sheridan with opportunities to draw level.

Meanwhile the back four of Alan Clarke, Felim McMahon, Michael Leahy and superb left back Sean Byrne were busy keeping Bohs at bay.

Byrne, who picked up an ankle injury was replaced by Alan McCann with 10 minutes remaining. Also Colin Pugh for Fitzgerald and Robert Lawless for McMahon came on in a last ditch effort to rejuvenate Belvedere.

With just five minutes left on the clock, Corcoran popped up to score after good approach play through the middle. Then with only two minutes left, it was that boy Corcoran again who sealed victory when he finished off another good move with a decisive header.

Team: V.Whelan, J.Cumberton (M.Leahy), S.Byrne(A.McCann), A.Clarke, F.McMahon (R.Lawless), I.Dunne, S.Fitzgerald (C.Pugh), C.Sheridan, D.Connolly ( K.Byrne), D.Corcoran, S.Farrell.

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The 16's will rue several missed chances in this game as they succumbed to their second league defeat of the season.

Belvedere's goals came from Sean Byrne (pen) and David Connolly.

Although loosing this game, the management were pleased with the attitude and performance of the team, and feel that had some of the many opportunities which were created been put away, then everyone would feel a lot better!

Team: V.Whelan, A.Clarke, S.Byrne, M.Leahy, J.Dineen, K.Byrne, S.Fitzpatrick (A.McCann), I.Dunne, D.Corcoran, C.Sheridan, S.Farrell (D.Connolly).  Not Used - C.Pugh, J.Cumberton.

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Trailing one nil after 10 minute to a well taken free kick, Belvedere had the chance to get on level terms within 5 minutes when they were awarded a penalty kick.

However, Gary O'Toole saw his spot kick hit the inside of the right hand post and squirm across the goal line and out past the far post.

The home side had failed to produce any more chances throughout the half and went in at half time disappointed with their first half performance.

Belvedere came out in the second half strongly and looked like getting the upper hand until Bohs were awarded a penalty of their own when Sean Byrne was judged to have pushed the Bohs no.10.

Up stepped the Bohs player to make it two nil. The home side never gave up and it was no surprise when they halved the score as Kark Byrne scored. Belvedere tried to get the equaliser but eventually ran out of time.

Team: Whelan, Clarke, S.Byrne, Lawless, Dineen, McMahon, Fitzpatrick, O'Toole, Corcoran, K.Byrne, Farrell (Pugh).  Not Used - Cumberton, Madden.

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The Under16's travelled to Limerick on Saturday looking for a place in the last 16 of the SFAI Barry Cup. They achieved this  thanks to a thoroughly professional attitude and performance.

With many chances coming their way, it wasn't until just before half time that Daniel Corcoran produced a classic finish to give the away side a deserved lead. Until that moment, Belvedere were being frustrated with a disallowed goal (by Corcoran) and some strange decisions by the referee and linesman.

With the second half barely 10 seconds old it was nearly two nil, but Corcoran was denied, this time by the crossbar. Three minutes later it was indeed 2 - 0.  Again it was Corcoran who was on hand to finish off a good move. Goalkeeper Vincent Whelan was called on to produce a wonder save when a momentary lapse of concentration in the Belvedere defence allowed the Rovers forward a strike on goal.

After 15 minutes of the second half Stephen Fitzgerald burst through the Rovers defence to score a superb third goal. After tireless work in the "engine room" throughout the game, Ian Dunn was replaced by Colin Pugh. Karl Byrne moved into the centre allowing Pugh to play on the right. Byrne, who had being playing superbly throughout the game, was upended inside the box and the referee rightly pointed to the spot.

Up stepped Gary O'Toole to take the spot kick. O'Toole (who is from Limerick) had been barracked all through the game by a vociferous home crowd, and was on the receiving end of some bad challenges, slotted the ball into the corner of the net to make it 4-0 to the visitors.

Shortly after that O'Toole was finally replaced, due to the fact he received no protection from the referee as he was constantly being fouled. Carl O'Reilly slotted into mid-field and continued in the roll that O'Toole had just vacated.

Felim McMahon came on for Robert Lawless and James Cumberton replaced Alan Clarke. The team may have changed during the game but the performance never altered.

Team: Whelan, Clarke (Cumberton), S.Byrne, Lawless (McMahon), Dineen, O'Toole (O'Reilly), Dunne (Pugh), K.Byrne, Corcoran, Connolly, Farrell (Fitzpatrick).

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There is never an easy game against Joey's and this one at Fairview Park on Sunday was no different. On a sticky pitch the players found it difficult to run with the ball and so a quick pass was always the better option.

This came true with Belvedere's opening goal. Good passing and good movement saw an accurate pass to Cillian Sheridan, who controlled the ball brilliantly with one touch, good control and a burst of pace before slotting the ball into the net past the on-rushing Joey's 'keeper.

Sheridan had a repeat chance on 30 minutes. He did everything right, got the ball down and past the 'keeper, only to see it cleared off the line by Joey's. Moments later, Karl Byrne was fouled inside the box, and the ref blew for a penalty kick.

The defender injured himself making the foul tackle and there was a delay of over three minutes as he was attended to by the Joey's physio. Byrne then took the spot kick, only for the 'keeper to save it.

The home side added their second of the afternoon within 5 minutes of the second half starting. The Joey's 'keeper kicked the ball out. Stephen Fitzpatrick rose highest in mid-field to head a pin-point pass to Sheridan who hit a half volley into the bottom right corner of the net. Belvedere kept the momentum going while looking for a third goal, but Joey's weren't throwing in the towel.

In fact they put three men up front in order to salvage something from the game. But for outstanding displays by the Belvedere defence they might have been rewarded for their pressure.  The visitors thought they had a goal, but Alan Clarke came from nowhere to get his toe to the ball, as everyone was expecting it to sail into the net.

Also, the central mid-field pairing of captain Ian Dunne and Gary O'Toole worked tirelessly throughout the game and were instrumental in Belvedere gaining three valuable points today.

Team : Lyons, Clarke, S.Byrne, Lawless, Dineen, Dunne, Fitzpatrick, O'Toole, Corcoran (Pugh), Sheridan, K.Byrne (O'Reilly).  Not Used - McMahon, Cumberton.

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Two goals in each half maintains Belvedere Under 16's challenge for league honours this season. Shane Farrell scored the first directly from a corner in the second minute. 

It was two nil three minutes later when Gary O'Toole burst through the United defence to slot home neatly from fifteen yards.

O'Toole continued in his rich vein of good form, orchestrating the play from mid-field, along with Ian Dunne, who has been superb throughout the season.

Belvedere started the second half in great fashion, never allowing United to settle on the ball and pushing hard for that all important third goal.

It duly arrived with Karl Byrne finishing off a move involving O'Toole, Dunne, Farrell and Daniel Corcoran.

With the Blues in total control now, goal number four arrived mid-way through the half. Good link up play between Cillian Sheridan and Corcoran resulted with the latter slotting the ball into the back of the net.

Team: Whelan, Clarke, S.Byrne, Lawless, Dineen, Dunne (O'Reilly), K.Byrne (Fitzpatrick), O'Toole (McMahon), Farrell (Cumberton), Corcoran, Sheridan.  (Not used - Pugh)

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The first game back to competitive football after a long Christmas break is always a worry. Belvedere handled themselves well in the first half by playing some good football.

Despite being the dominant team in this half they found themselves a goal down at the half time. Just before the break, Joey's broke quickly down their left and their player was able to come inside and bury his effort in off the far post.

However, Belvedere were on level terms within five minutes of the restart. Daniel Corcoran raced through the Joey's defence from the halfway line with the ball. Keeping his composure, he brought the ball right up to the keeper and slotted it past him into the net to score a great individual goal.

But, there was still some work to be done if Belvo were to get the three points they came for. More chances came but were unable to be converted.

Midway through the second half Belvedere scored the decisive goal. Cillian Sheridan cleverly controlled the ball before slotting an inch perfect pass to Corcoran. The Joey's keeper thought he might get to it first but, Corcoran was sharpest and poked it past him into the far corner of the net.

This was a hard fought game, with Belvedere just deserving of the three points, which keep them on top of the table. 

 V.Whelan, A.Clarke (J.Dineen), S.Byrne, R.Lawless, M.Leahy, I.Dunne, K.Byrne (S.Fitzpatrick), G.O'Toole, D.Corcoran, C.Sheridan (F.McMahon), S.Farrell.  (Sub not used - J.Cumberton).

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Shane Farrell opened the scoring after 10 minutes with a blistering shot from the edge of the box.

This was a total one-sided game with Belvedere running in three more goals before the break.

David Connolly added to his goal tally for the season with another finely taken goal after good build up play through midfield.

Daniel Corcoran added two more goals with the second counting as the goal of the game.

Team : Whelan, Clarke (Cumberton), S.Byrne, Dineen, Leahy, McCann, Pugh, Dunne (McMahon), Connolly (Sheridan), Corcoran (Fitzpatrick), Farrell (O'Toole).  Not used - Lawless.

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This was always going to be an entertaining game at the Lawn in Ballyfermot on Sunday, and those who were there to see it weren't disappointed, as Belvedere maintained their recent good form with an impressive away win.

The visitors had most of the play in the first half, with Robert Lawless, Cillian Sheridan and Daniel Corcoran all going close, while at the other end, Belvo 'keeper Vincent Whelan was well in command of any crosses and long distant shots that were hit at him.

Just back from injury after a two month absence, Corcoran was included in the starting line up and was on hand to score the first goal of the game with a blistering shot from inside the box, which the home 'keeper was unable to keep out.

Cherry Orchard pressed hard for an equaliser as expected. However, the Belvo defence withstood all that was thrown at them, until the home side were awarded a dubious penalty, which they put away.

Straight away from the resulting tip off, Belvedere scored what was to be the winning goal. Shane Farrell broke down the left wing, slipped past the defender and looked up to see Corcoran and David Connolly in the box.

With an inch perfect pass he picked out Connolly, who then passed the ball beyond the reach of the Orchard 'keeper and into the net to score a great goal.

The home side once again pressed hard for another equaliser but with the Belvedere defence in outstanding form, it was never to be.

 Team: Whelan, Clarke, S.Byrne, Lawless, Leahy, Dunne, Fitzpatrick (Dineen), O'Toole, Corcoran, Sheridan (Connolly), Farrell.  Not used - Pugh, McCann, Cumberton, McMahon.

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Although Belvedere had most of the possession in the first half, they had nothing in terms of goals to show for it. With good approach play until the final third of the pitch, the home side just couldn't get that final pass sorted.

However, things changed within two minutes of the restart. A much more vibrant Belvo emerged and started to knit things together. David Connolly showing some excellent skill in controlling a difficult ball, and with a turn and volley the ball crashed into the net.

With the home side's solid defence and a superb central mid-field, St. Francis found it difficult to muster any real challenge on the Belvedere goal.

Stephen Fitzpatrick came off the bench to play a vital role in the second goal. With his running at Francis' defence, he caused all sorts of threats. Then on 70 minutes he set up Gary O'Toole with a lay off which was dispatched into the bottom corner of the net.

Team : Whelan, Clarke, S.Byrne, Lawless (Dineen), Leahy, Dunne, K.Byrne (Fitzpatrick), O'Toole, Connolly (McCann), Sheridan, Farrell (Corcoran). Not used: Pugh, Cumberton, McMahon, O'Reilly.

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Cillian Sheridan's hat-trick inside 21 minutes (7, 14 & 21) put the Under 16's on their way to gaining another three points in their quest for the title.

By half time it was 5 - 0 after David Connolly notched two more goals. To be fair to Drogheda they came out in the second half and upped their game.

The home side pressed for more goals and should have added more than the one scored by Connolly to complete his hat trick.

Belvedere had this game won in the first half with what can only be described as a scintilating performance. The only question at the end of the game was 'who should get the match ball' ????

 Team: Whelan, Lawless, S.Byrne, Dineen (O'Reilly), Leahy, Dunne (McCann), Fitzpatrick (Cumberton), O'Toole, Connolly (Pugh), Sheridan, Farrell.  N.U. - McMahon.

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Three goals mid-way through the second half saw Belvedere gain three valuable points in this top of the table clash. Cillian Sheridan and Karl Byrne (2) got the decisive goals as Belvedere keep themselves in contention at this early stage of the season.

Team: P.Lyons, C.O'Reilly (F.McMahon), S.Byrne, J.Dineen, R.Lawless, I.Dunne, K.Byrne (J.Cumberton), G.O'Toole, D.Connolly (C.Pugh), C.Sheridan, S.Farrell (S.Fitzpatrick).

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Against a gallant and spirited Bohemians side, Belvedere Under 16's gained three valuable points with an impressive performance at Fairview Park on Sunday.

Karl Byrne opened the scoring on 22 minutes with a well taken goal. David Connolly thought he was on the ball but Byrne took control of it, went around the defender and struck it sweetly past the hapless Bohs' keeper. Ten minutes later it was 2 - 0 when Cillian Sheridan scored a somewhat similar goal.

Bohs never really threatened the Belvo goal, as Robert Lawless was superb in making sure his fellow defenders did their jobs. In the second half Sheridan brought loud gasps from those who were watching when he unleashed a shot from all of 35 yards which smashed off the underside of the crossbar, down onto the line and out (or was it over the line?).

Otherwise, the half was controlled by Belvedere who ran out worthy winners at the final whistle.

Best wishes go to Cillian and Karl who are off to the Ukraine with the Republic of Ireland Under 17 squad for the European Champions Group Phase next week. They will link up with their former Belvo team-mates Paul Cahillane (Celtic) and Gary Breen (Man City).

Team : Whelan, McMahon (Clarke),S.Byrne (Fitzpatrick), Lawless, Leahy, O'Toole (McCann), K.Byrne (Pugh), Dunne, Connolly, Sheridan (Lonergan), Farrell.

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Belvedere came away from Baldonell with all three points on Sunday thanks to a good team performance and goals from strikers David Connolly and Killian Sheridan.

Having gained promotion to the Premier league for the first time, the Saints were very much up for this encounter and they were ready to show their more illustrious opponents why they won their league and cup last term.

Saint Francis were well organised, fit and worked hard. They went ahead midway through the first half, only for that lead to last eight minutes, when Connolly equalised with a well taken goal.

Belvedere were much better in the second half and deservedly went ahead when Sheridan scored an impressive individual goal. St. Francis never gave up and tried to get something out of the game, but with a stubborn Belvo rearguard that was never going to happen.

 Team: Whelan, Lawless, S.Byrne, Donneen (McMahon), Leahy, McCann, Dunne, K.Byrne (Fitzpatrick), Farrell, Connolly (Pugh), Sheridan. Sub not used.- Cumberton.

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