Freebooters U13s’ run in the National Cup came to a bitter end on Saturday last in Athlone when they were beaten in penalty shoot out. This team has a habit of going a goal behind early in games but they did the exact opposite in this game going a goal ahead after four minutes.
Alan Phelan split the Hudson Bay Celtic defence with a superb pass to Davy Doyle who pulled the ball back from the end line for the incoming Cian Loy to rattle the back of the net. The Blues had a chance to make it 2-0 ten minutes later when they were awarded a penalty, Alan Phelan stepped up but unfortunately put his spot kick just over the crossbar. ‘Booters never really looked in trouble for the remainder of the game. Sean Kiely was steady in goal when called upon, full backs Jake Scanlon and Shane O'Shaughnessy were well on top, with Jack Lawlor and Mark O'Neill well in control in the centre of the defence. Alan Phelan made some superb passes during the game, opening up the Hudson Bay defence. Cian Loy and Eamon Egan had excellent games taking a lot of pressure off their defence winning a huge amount of ball in the midfield. Dylan Jordan was always a threat with his lightning pace. Joe O'Dea came into the game in the second half, combining well with Davy Doyle who put in a huge effort on the left. Craig Hayes was introduced late in the second half and was a constant threat with his power and pace. It looked like ‘Booters were heading into the last 16 when Hudson Bay were awarded a penalty in injury time. The resultant spot kick was converted and the full time whistle was blown immediately after the re-start. Five minutes into injury time Hudson Bay took the lead when for the first time in the game the Blues defence failed to clear the ball. The Blues however reacted positively and piled the pressure on the Celtic defence and it was Craig Hayes who got ‘Booters back on level terms. Davy Doyle looked to have scored the winner but the referee disallowed the goal, leaving the final score 2-2. The penalty shoot out saw Hudson Bay Celtic seize the opportunity and they booked their place in the last 16 of the National Cup.
Freebooters: Sean Kiely, Jake Scanlon, Jack Lawlor, Mark O'Neill, Shane O'Shaughnessy, Alan Phelan, Cian Loy, Dylan Jordan, Joe O'Dea, Davy Doyle, Eamon Egan, Craig Hayes, John McEvoy, Fintan O'Sullivan, Andrew Gaffney, Jim Dollard, Liam O'Dea.
