u-17 Boys Soccer Semi Final Win

Athboy C.S. 3-3 Balbriggan CC (Athboy win 5-4 on pens)

 Athboy C.S. travelled away to Balbriggan C.S. for a semi final match up with a place in North-East Leinster Final up for grabs.

Athboy started strongly with two goals in the opening 15 minutes from Lee Ryan and Marat Jachjajev. Towards the end of the first half, Balbriggan made their way back into the game getting two quick goals of their own to leave the score 2-2 at the break.

Jamie McGuinness was introduced to the midfield and made a big impact in the second period as Athboy spent the majority of the half battling the elements playing against a very strong wind.

There were no more goals as the game headed into extra time. Two halves of ten minutes proved similar to normal time with both teams having periods of dominance, but five minutes before the end, Balbriggan scored to take the lead and what looked like to be their ticket to the North-East Leinster Final.

But with a minute left, Cillian Griffin popped up at the back post to snatch an equaliser, and the match finished 3-3 with penalties the decider.

A Harry Perle save from the opening penalty gave Athboy the early advantage.  Both sides matched each other strike for strike until the winning penalty was scored by Lovely Nosakhara, which saw scenes of joy for ACS to end a thrilling game played by both teams.

Man of the Match on the day was Lee Ryan who caused havoc for the opposition on the left wing all day. Athboy will now face the winners of Beaufort/Gormanstown in the final in the coming weeks. Well done to all the lads and to coach Mr. Mahon.

 Athboy C.S. Matchday Squad:

Harry Perle, Christopher Monaghan, Shane Hendrick, Alex Darcy, Armandas Bartoska, Briain Smith, Cillian Griffin, Lovely Nosakhara, Lee Ryan, Marat Jachjajev, Dylan O’Meara.

Subs: Jamie McGuinness, Cormac Cahill, Cian Smith, Ben Brady, Sam Doyle, Jake Fulham