Report by Kieran Crowley at Richmond Park St. Patrick's Athletic were crowned SSE Airtricity U17 League Champions after a fantastic 4-0 win over Bohemians. A devastating first-half performance saw Ben McCormack notch an impressive brace and Jamie
Report by Kieran Crowley at Richmond Park St. Patrick's Athletic were crowned SSE Airtricity U17 League Champions after a fantastic 4-0 win over Bohemians. A devastating first-half performance saw Ben McCormack notch an impressive brace and Jamie Doyle also scored to seal the victory within the first 45 minutes. Troy Stedman added a fourth in the final minute as St. Patrick's Athletic claim a treble of under-age titles following their victories in the U13 & U15 leagues. The home side might have sealed the victory in the first-half but it was Bohemians who had the first real chance of the game. Karl O'Callaghan found a low cross on the right for Evan Ferguson but his shot was cleared off the line with 20 minutes gone. It sparked the home side into life and six minutes later, Pats took the lead. It was a well-worked goal as well as Darragh Burns turned two defenders inside the area and timed his pass to perfection to provide McCormack with a simple finish from 10 yards out. Pats continued to create chances and five minutes from the break, they doubled their lead. Cian Kelly had to clear his lines with a long-ball up-field but it found the head of Doyle who flicked the ball over goalkeeper Kian Lacchia from the edge of the area. In the final minute of the first-half, Pats sealed the victory. The Man of the Match McCormack picked the ball up on the right side of the area and after beating one challenge, he chipped the keeper from 20 yards to the delight of the St. Patrick's Athletic crowd. Despite the scoreline, Bohemians created a number of chances throughout the second-half and could have drawn level if they had taken their opportunities. With 30 minutes remaining, Robbie Mahon's floated cross found substitute Tom Considine at the back-post but he placed his header high and wide of the target from six yards out. Two minutes later, Bohemians created another fantastic opportunity as Mayowa Anamasahun's clearance found Precious Omochere in behind but after he controlled the ball, his fierce effort went narrowly wide of the right-hand post. The chances continued for the away side as in the 68th minute, Colin Conroy's through-ball found Ferguson but captain Cian Kelly recovered to get a crucial interception on Ferguson's shot to see his effort go wide of the target. As Bohemians pushed forward, Pats also created a number of chances in an entertaining final as Kyle Conway's effort rattled the bar from 25 yards with 20 minutes remaining. Doyle was sent off late on for a second bookable offence but Pats added a fourth in the final minute of the game as substitute Troy Stedman found the bottom corner to secure the SSE Airtricity U17 League title. St. Patrick's Athletic: Joshua Keeley (GK), Roy Byrne, Daragh Reilly (Darragh Meegan 90), Brandon Holt, Cian Kelly (C), Jamie Doyle, Darragh Burns (Ugo Anny-Nzekwue 75), Kyle Conway (Danny Norris 90), Kyle Robinson (Troy Stedman 59), Ben McCormack (Luke Hennessy 88), Kian Corbally. Subs: Morgan Rice (GK), Cian O'Malley, Ross Fay. Bohemians: Kian Lacchia (GK), Gavin O'Brien (Mayowa Anamasahun 46), Len O'Sullivan (Precious Omochere 46), Jack Funge, Warren Curran, Sean McManus (C), Karl O'Callaghan (Tom Considine 46), Colin Conroy (Paul Omotosho 73), Evan Ferguson, Cian Byrne, Robbie Mahon (Paddy Moore 83). Subs: Mark Smith (GK), Liam Burke. Referee: Joseph McDonnell Red Card(s): Jamie Doyle (St. Patrick's Athletic) Man of the Match: Ben McCormack (St. Patrick's Athletic)
