Sligo/Leitrim U14s reach final of inter-league trophy

Sligo Leitrim U14 Kennedy Cup squad are through to the final of the Subway Interleague Trophy after beating Waterford/West East Cork (WWEC) in the semi-final this weekend.

Despite the lengthy journey, Sligo Leitrim started like a house on fire with Niall Tuffy and Jack Kelly going close in the first five minutes.

Sligo Leitrim dominated the first half with Aodhan Hannon rarely troubled in the Sligo Leitrim goals. Sam Ferguson and Jack Kelly created several good chances and Ferguson was unlucky not to score with a long range shot fizzing inches wide of the post.

Jack McGowan again terrorised WWEC who couldn’t cope with his pace or wizardry on the ball. The back line was solid with Mathew Speers, Marc Brady, Daniel Toolan and Pearce O Neill holding firm for the first half.

Aj Tighe and Oran Mc Granaghan caused all sorts of problems for WWEC. Niall Tuffy had some half chances which forced good saves from the WWEC.

Sligo Leitrim deservedly took the lead with Niall Tuffy hitting a perfect cross to the back post with Aj Tighe tapping home for the opening score. Sligo Leitrim led at the break.

There were a number of changes from Sligo Leitrim at halftime with Jayden Barlow, Dara Flannery, Dylan Murphy, Liam Timoney, Ethan Hunter, Shane Carroll Hugh O’Connell all coming on for a full half.

Sligo Leitrim were a bit sluggish at the start of the second half and Shane Carroll made a number of good clearances with WWEC strikers reigning in on him.

Sligo Leitrim upped their game and Ethan Hunter forced a corner following some good link play with Hugh O’Connell. Mathew Speers sent in the corner which was majestically headed to the net by Sam Ferguson who towered above everyone to put Sligo Leitrim 2-0 ahead.

Sligo Leitrim let WWEC back into the game with twenty minutes remaining when they scored with their midfielder going on an unchallenged run before smashing home the ball to the net for 2-1.

WWEC had the wind in their sails and caused havoc for an eight minute period with last ditch tackles from Hugh O’Connell and Dylan Murphy saving their blushes.

Barlow had two good chances saved by the keeper and Flannery also forced a good save. Sligo Leitrim were very unlucky not to score a third with Jack Kelly forcing a brilliant save from the WWEC keeper.

Sligo Leitrim held on for a famous victory and now await the winner of Dundalk or Mayo in the Subway National Inter league Trophy final.