Featuring a wealth of clubs from the Republic of Ireland and the UK, the Willow Park U15 football squad performed admirably to secure a third placed finish in the recently hosted prestigious O’Neill’s Foyle Cup
It was a tremendous performance given that 36 teams took part in this particular age category. Defeating the Dundalk Schoolboy League team and playing the Scottish Premier League outfit Hibernians’ in the semi-final were among a host of highlights for the group.
Willow Park started the week in Group F and qualified as group winners for the knock-out stages of the top cup competition. The group stage opened on Monday with a 2-0 victory over Dungannon Utd thanks to an early goal from Tadhg Heavin and then an unbelievable free-kick from James McHugh from just inside his half.
Tuesday saw a 9-1 win over Phoenix Athletic with Tadhg Heavin grabbing five and Simon O’Grady, Dylan Frawley, Cathal Ferry and Niadh Shine also hitting the net.
The final group game followed on Wednesday morning, against Sion Swifts and despite conceding an early goal, Willow Park hit back with two quick Ben Martin goals. Although Sion equalised before the break, goals from Tadhg Heavin, Cathal Ferry and Sam Byrne wrapped up the 5-2 victory.
As one of eight sides to top the various U15 groups, Willow now advanced to the cup quarter final on Thursday morning against the representative side from the Dundalk Schoolboys League.
Two James McHugh goals gave Willow a strong half-time lead, but an early goal in second half gave Dundalk hope. They then added a second to tie up the contest before Rory Hatton edged Willow in front again late on. Despite Dundalk bringing the game to penalties with a last minute equaliser (3-3 ), the shoot out went in Willow’s favour (4-3 ) after two saves from keeper Michael Kelly.
A semi-final that evening against Hibernians who had overcome Dunfermline Athletic in their quarter final was next up for Conor Frawley’s side.
This was a tough task for the Athlone youngsters and Hibernians were three up at the interval before James McHugh grabbed a second half consolation in a 4-1 defeat. It was no surprise that Hibs went on to win the final against Stockport Dynamoes.
Willow had to pick themselves up for the 3rd/4th place play-off on Friday, and sealed that third spot with a 3-1 win over Belfast side FC Rosario, with Dylan Frawley and Ben Martin scoring in the opening half, before Tadhg Heavin made sure of the victory midway through the second half.
Willow Park U15 squad - Oisin Mulvihill, Michael Kelly, Senan Hanniffy, Niadh Shine, Rory Hatton, Chris Malone, Jack Larkin, James McHugh, Jack Curry, Aaron Keegan, Kealan McNamara, Dylan Frawley, Cathal Ferry, Tyresse Quinn, Simon O’Grady, Tadhg Heavin, Ben Martin, Sam Byrne.
Coaching staff - Conor Frawley, Darragh Shine, Conor Peck.
The club thanks all the management and players for representing Willow Park with distinction in Derry. Thanks also to all the parents and supporters who travelled and to all the local businesses who assisted generously with sponsorship of players and management
