The CCFL Youths interleague Squad played their 2nd game against the AUL in this Years FAI Interleague competition in the AUL Complex in Clonshaugh on Saturday 24th November.
Without the services of captain Ian McCarthy of Killavilla due to a broken wrist the squad went into the game in a confident frame of mind knowing that any result would leave them in a strong position going into the last game against the NDSL.
The game kicked off in a frantic manner with the play moving quickly from end to end in a high quality contest were chances were restricted to a minimum by two very solid defences with CCFL stand in captain Dylan Downey from Newbridge Town leading the way with an outstanding performance.
The 2nd half kicked off in a similar vain to the opening period and the AUL opened the scoring after 2 minutes when Carl Grant knocked the ball into the back of the net following good work from Keith Hanney down the right flank, further disaster struck straight from the re-start when a lack of concentration allowed the AUL in for a second with Ross Howard’s shot striking the post and going in.
The AUL scored a contervertisal 3rd goal in the 82min after the ball was knocked down with what looked like an arm from a cross into the box, which resulted in an easy tap in for Cory Franzoni at this stage the game looked all but over, however the CCFL reverted to 3 at the back and it was not long before Bidemi Afolabi got a goal back, unfortunately this strike proved to be in vain as the AUL struck again with Franzoni on the breakaway to finally put the result beyond all doubt.
Whilst this result ends the team’s chances of qualification the quality of the opposition the squad played in the so called group of death was in little doubt and it is expected that both the DDSL & the AUL will be among the very strong favourites to win the competition outright.
The squad’s next game is away to the NDSL on the 6th January and it is hoped that this excellent group of players can sign off with a win.
CCFL Team
Richard Reddan (Newbridge Town), Max Charles (Mullingar Ath), Cathal Cleary (Mountmellick Utd), Dylan Downey Capt. (Newbridge Town), Eoin Clarke (Mullingar Ath)
Dean Byrne (Abbeyleix Ath) Darragh Daly (Mullingar Ath) Darren Kenna (Mullingar Ath) Mikey Clear (EdenderryTown)
Tony Flanagan (Abbeyleix Ath), Darragh McHugh (NewbridgeTown)
Subs Used: Bidemi Afolabi (Clongowes Wood) for Tony Flanagan Inj. Keith Byrne (St.Peters) for Darragh McHugh, John Byrne (Clongowes Wood) for Darren Kenna.
