The Combined Counties Football League’s elite Youth squad capped a tremendous Year for Youths soccer in the Midlands by travelling over to London to play against Brentford Academy’s crack Youth squad. This was a chance of a lifetime for any CCFL Youths Players to put themselves in the shop window by competing against a top English Soccer Academy and the facilities and the quality of coaching afforded to the CCFL Squad was second to none with Brentford’s U17 Head Coach Anthony Hayes who hails form Athlone central to establishing the link with the CCFL.
The game itself started at a break neck pace which is something the CCFL Youths had not come across before and within 2 minutes Brentford Academy had hit the front, however the quality of play from CCFL ensured that they were more then holding their own and drew level when a great shot from an acute angle from Rosenallis star Cillian Callaly hit the back of the net following one of his trademark overlaps from the right full position. Goals in quick succession from Brentford and Willow Parks Nicky Kelly left the game evenly balanced heading to the half time whistle, however a glorious free kick from 25yrds by Willow Parks Cathal Callinan sent the Youths in at half time 3-2 up.
Brentford Academy equalised shortly after half time when their big Lithuanian u17 International centre halfout jumped the defence to leave Willow Parks Goalkeeper Cain Bererton with no chance. The game continued at a break neck pace with quality soccer on show from both Teams. Brentford Academy’s superior fitness and quality on the bench eventually began to show and 4 goals in quick concession put the result beyond doubt, again however the CCFL battled back into the game and Tullamore’s Gio Russo who had being excellent all day got his reward when he slid the ball beyond the advancing keeper and although extremelytired, they continued to battle to the end. Best for the CCFL on the day were Brian Moloney, Nicky Kelly, Gio Russo & Joe Moloney. Off the field the professionalism of the Brentford Academy’s set up was an eye opener for both the Players and Coaching Staff of the CCFL’s Youths.
To cap off the trip the travelling party were present atGriffin Park when Brentford secured their promotion to the Championship next season following their 1-0 Victory over Preston North End.
Trials have already commenced for next Year’s Interleague Squad with over 70 players being assessed so far, out of this a squad of 20 will be entered in this Years Macron Cup in Galway where the current squad finished 2nd last season and then they will have to try and get beyond the 1/4 Finals of next seasons FAI interleague competition achieved this season.
The Panel were as follows
Cain Brereton Willow ParkBrian MoloneyKillavilla Utd
Brandon McEvoyBirr TownNicky KellyWillow Park
Kevin BryantMucklagh Cathal CallinanWillow Park
Cillian CallalyRosenallisConor RyanBirr Town
Oisin FtzpatrickPortlaoise AFCGio RussoTullamore Town
Joe MoloneyKillavilla UtdJoe CurranBirr Town
Eoghan SmythKinnegad JuniorsJustin LalorStradbally Town
Stefan ShalloeBirr TownPeter RyanWillow Park
