Another Cup Success for Ashbourne United 16 Premier
Following their thrilling Molly Martin Cup victory last season, the Ashbourne United 16 Premier team tasted success again on Saturday when defeating Mullingar Athletic in an absorbing final of the Ken McKay cup.
It was a fitting finale to another fine season for Brendan Fitzpatrick's exciting young side, who unluckily only lost out on the Premier League Title by a single point, despite losing only one game all season and taking four points off the eventual winners Baldoyle United.
It was a gripping final played at Boyne Rovers splendid soccer ground on a warm bright day and both teams deserve enormous credit for their efforts in this keenly contested contest. Ashbourne played an attacking 4-4-2 formation from the start, with Mullingar concentrating on breaking fast and playing long diagonal balls behind the full backs. It was Mullingar who inflicted Ashbourne's only league defeat on them which ultimately cost them the league title, but there was no repeat of that loss today.
Ashbourne were creating all the clear chances with Anto Cantwell, Ross Hanway and Andy Tormey all going close in the first half. However, half time arrived with the game still scoreless and with all to play for in the second half. The game continued in the same vein after the break, with Ashbourne again creating the better chances, but Mullingar putting on a bit more pressure.
The golden goal finally arrived 16 minutes from time courtesy of Ross Hanway who cracked home a sweet drive through a crowded penalty area into the bottom corner of the net. It was no more than Ashbourne United deserved and they continued to create clear chances to wrap up the game. Dean McNevin had a great effort hit the post and Anto Cantwell also went really close in the dying moments.
Mullingar threw bodies forward in a vain attempt to salvage an equaliser but the outstanding Ashbourne defence of Kevin Donnelly, Paul Moylan, Darragh Fitzpatrick and Andy Tormey stood firm and gave Darren Marcello's goal plenty of protection. Ashbourne had heroes all over the pitch and this was ultimately a supreme team effort, which typifies the continuing success of this fine side.
The referee seemed to add on a lot of extra time, but he eventually blew the whistle and Ashbourne's 16 Premier team could finally celebrate another great cup success and bring this fine trophy back home.
Their manager Brendan has decided to step down after managing this team from under 12's level, but he leaves a fine side with enormous potential for the next manager to take over. He would like to thank the players for a very enjoyable last six years, and the parents and club members for their support.
The success of the 16 Premier team has been part of what has been a tremendously successful season for Ashbourne United Football Club at schoolboy/girl and senior level and the club continues to go from strength to strength. Congratulations to Brendan and the lads and we look forward to another successful season in 2007/2008.