Youths Plate semi final

Borora Juniors 2-0 Albion Rovers

Borora Juniors hosted Albion Rovers at home in Moynalty for what was their most important game to date as a team, as they searched for a place in the Youths Plate Final. From kick off Borora played some controlled possession-based football with precise passes from midfielders Dean Williams, Conrad McIlvenna and Rowland O’ Reilly. Eanna Bennett created space for himself and made a run through the centre, which was picked up by winger Jack Butler. Butler played a great through ball to him, but unfortunately the chance was scuffed wide. However, it showed some great attacking threat right from the start of the game. From this, Albion used their possession well and had a great chance of their own after running through on goal. Centre backs Luke Quinn and Cian Rourke acted quickly to shut down the attack. Borora’s Pavlo Ahbontaen showed some tricky skills on the wing but was unable to create enough space for a shot. A few more unsuccessful attempts from both sides followed, until Borora’s captain Patrick Gallagher found Dean in midfield. Dean saw Eanna making another forward run and played a lovely ball to him. After a touch to beat the defender, a composed finish from Eanna gave Borora the lead. 1-0 to the hosts.

Shortly after this we saw the first substitute being utilised as Rowland O Reilly made way for David Butler to introduce some more legs in the holding midfield position. Albion tried to retaliate from kick off and after a wonderful shot from their striker was heading towards the top corner, Borora’s stand-in goalkeeper, Luke kelleher, made an outstanding diving save to keep the score 1-0. Borora won a free kick in a great area and Conor Fitzpatrick stepped up to take it. Hit with tremendous power, but unfortunately the keeper got a hand to it. Just before the half-time whistle, Borora got one last attack. Jack Butler pulled off some incredible dribbling skills and glided past 4 Albion players before just hitting it wide.

The second half began and Borora had to be on high alert as they knew Albion would be coming out firing after the break. A second substitute was used by Borora shortly after the break. Lochlann O’ Reilly replaced Pavlo after a great performance from the winger. Luke Kelleher continued to make outstanding saves and catches throughout the second half. Borora managed to win themselves a corner, and Jack Butler stepped up to take it. An in-swinging corner from Jack found Eanna who scored with a cold finish using his chest to grab his second goal of the night. This made it 2-0 to Borora. We then saw the introduction of Phoenix Brennan for Eanna Bennett to add some fresh legs, with Jack moving up front. Phoenix made an impact as soon as he stepped on the pitch by dribbling past 2 players and taking a long range curling shot which just skimmed the woodwork. Rowland also returned to the fray, replacing Dean Williams after he put in a terrific shift in the middle of the park.

Some brilliant defensive work from Conor Fitzpatrick, Luke Quinn, Cian Rourke and Patrick Gallagher, and saves from Luke Kelleher ensured Borora kept their clean sheet. The final whistle blew and Borora had earned themselves a position in the final. Scenes of great jubilation followed with a huge crowd in attendance cheering on the Borora lads. A huge achievement for this team and a brilliant performance from everyone involved. On to the Final!

Match day squad:

Pablo Ahbontaen

Eanna Bennett

Jack Butler

Conor Fitzpatrick

Patrick Gallagher

Luke Quinn

Luke Kelleher

Conrad Mcillvenna

Rowland O Reilly

Cian Rourke

Dean Williams

Pheonix Brennan

David Butler

Ben Carroll

Ben Quinn

Max Mcillvenna

Lochlann O Reilly

Jack Shalvey