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U21 FC Clara 1-11 Kilcormac/Killoughey 1-11

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I have to start this report by saying that I really like these Friday night games.

A few vendors selling hotdogs and drinks and you’d think you were in Yankee stadium... and the excitement was just as good last Friday night when Clara took on a strong K/K team in the semi-final of the u-21 football championship. It was played in Pullough and the pitch was a little heavy under foot but in good condition considering the weather over the last few months. I’m not going to give a minute to minute report of this match because I’d be writing forever.

It was one of those games where you walk away from and say ’God we could have won that, we kicked it away’’ and Joey Deehan did miss one of his easier chances with about 5 minutes to go that could have won it for us, but I don’t blame him, he kicked some lovely scores during the game, and fought well for possession throughout.

Losing Graham Guilfoyle to injury 15 minutes into the second half was a big blow for Clara. He has great pace while carrying the ball and can split a defence in a matter of seconds. Graham was re-placed by Clara’s only sub Barry Cushen, Barry gave a good account of himself and we have to remember he is only 16 years of age.

The defence was superb again with great performances from Paul Mitchell, Oisin Robbins and Darren Coughlan. Lorcan Hiney was marking one of K/Ks better players in Daniel Currams and even though he was giving away a few inches in height, and with a bit of leniency from the Ref he held his own. He switched to centre forward 10 minutes into the second half and John Ledwith took up the duel with Currams, and in my book he won it.

As I’ve seen many times before with Clara teams we’re always on top when our midfield is in the game, and no different the other night.

Ross Brady and Paul Deehan dominated the game in the middle of the field in patches. Ross was on the end of a great build up to fire home Clara’s goal after a superb piece of fielding on the edge of the square. Paul won great ball and distributed well.

Sean Kelly worked tirelessly through-out the game as did Caoimhan Sheridan. No fault on the goalkeeper Gary Keegan his kick outs were good and there wasn’t a lot he could do about the goal as Currams fired home from about 4 yards out.

So as I said at the start we could have won but we’ll take the draw. The re-play is on Wednesday night in Pullough at 7.30. Once again well done to the lads from number 1 through to 16. They showed great heart and passion and its good to see that back in the Clara jersey.

Team; G.Keegan, O.Robbins, L.Hiney, G.Slammon, A.Cushen, P,Mitchell, D,Coughlan, R.Brady, P.Deehan, C.Sheridan, J.Ledwith S.Kelly, J,Deehan, G.Guilfoyle, P.Smith.. Sub; B,Cushen for G.Guilfoyle. 

Report by Derek Handy