St. Joseph’s see off Aquinas Grammar to win Plate Final

NI SCHOOLS FA U-12 FOOTBALL

AQUINAS GRAMMAR 0               

ST. JOSEPH’S BOYS SCHOOL 2

Two first half goals at a sun-drenched Blanchflower Stadium in Belfast on Thursday were enough for Derry’s St. Joseph’s Boys u-12s to see off Belfast College Aquinas Grammar and bring the NI Schools FA Plate back to the Maiden City.

This Northern Ireland Schools FA U-12 Plate Final saw a game of open football with both sides creating chances over the game but the Derry school’s two first half strikes, the first a penalty and the second a headed goal from a corner, were enough for victory.

The game opened with St. Joseph’s creating the better of the chances and it was striker Liam Gallagher who opened the scoring after ten minutes.

A through ball from Shea O’Hara saw Gallagher turn past his marker before being brought down in the area. The referee pointed to the spot and it was young Gallagher who neatly slotted home to give the Derry team the lead.

The Belfast school attempted to draw level and applied pressure looking for an equaliser but St. Joseph’s back four, ably marshalled by captain Kian Gibbons and goalkeeper Conor Clarke, thwarted any danger of conceding.

Midway through the half, it was St. Joseph’s who added to their lead. Harry Morrow won a corner on the right and his resultant kick was met by the head of Shea Quigley who gave the Aquinas keeper no chance, slotting low into the corner.

Half-time 2-0

Aquinas came out all guns blazing in the second half but again netminder Clarke was on hand to keep his side in front. Most notably, was a brave dive at the feet of the Belfast side’s striker when he broke through on goals.

A bout of pressure on the Derry goal midway through the half saw three corners aptly dealt with. On the latter, a St. Joseph’s breakaway saw Gallagher dart past two defenders but his shot was parried wide for a corner. From the St. Joseph’s corner Harry Morrow also had a chance to put the game beyond Aquinas but stubbed his shot from six yards.

It was the travelling support of St. Joseph’s who had the loudest cheer when the referee blew full time and St. Joseph’s captain Kian Gibbons climbed the steps to lift the trophy. Final score 2-0 to St. Joseph’s (Derry)

Best for St. Joseph’s was goalkeeper Conor Clarke while the back four unit of Caoimhin Hassan, Kian Gibbons, Alfie Kelly and Shane Woodrow were superb and solid throughout. Midfielder Shea Quigley had a notable game and upfront striker and this year’s highest goalscorer Liam Gallagher stood out.

Team 

St. Joseph’s Boys School – Conor Clarke; Shane Woodrow; Dion MacFarland; Alfie Kelly; Kian Gibbons (capt.); Shea O’Hara; Shea Quigley; Caleb O’Doherty; Liam Gallagher; Harry Morrow and Caoimhin Hassan. Subs: Aaron McVeigh; Odhran Moreland; Kevin Bond; Oisin McMonagle and Jake Boyle.