FAI Schools Dr. Tony O’Neill National Senior Cup Semi Final (Under 19, Large Schools)
Friday, March 15, 2024
Belvedere College, Dublin 4-0 St. Francis College, Rochestown
Hugh Smith (40), Mark Isong (47, 52), Edward Stenson (61)
BELVEDERE COLLEGE, DUBLIN saw off the challenge of St. Francis College, Rochestown in Evergreen FC yesterday afternoon (March 14) in a one way contest to see them progress to the National decider.
Unfortunately for the Cork side, they were missing some key players as Underage Internationals Matthew Murray and namesake Kiernan were unavailable for this crucial Cup game.
However, it was the Munster stars that created the first opportunity of the game when Chris O’Keefe’s strike hit the woodwork with six minutes on the clock.
Nine minutes later, it was Belvo talisman’s Mark Isong who saw his effort drilled straight at Roco keeper Joe Lyons for their first chance.
Hugh Smith had another brilliant opportunity to break the deadlock a short time later, but the ball skimmed past the far post.
The opener came five minutes from the interval as Hugh SMITH finally beat the keeper to net following some superb work by Charlie Delaney in the buildup.
The Dublin crew enjoying a slight advantage at half-time.
Belvedere College doubled their tally through Mark ISONG two minutes into the restart with a beautiful finish to round Lyons and slot home for 2-0.
ISONG converted his second of the afternoon and Belvedere’s third on 52 minutes with another fabulous effort courtesy of a great through ball from the hardworking Billy Canny.
Edward STENSON made it four nil just over the hour mark to ensure their progression in the Cup tie.
Jack O’Flaherty was unlucky not to extend their lead with 15 minutes left as his shot smashed off the post while Flynn Healy’s superb free-kick a minute from time was palmed away brilliantly by Joe Lyons.
The other semi-final will see St. Gerald’s College, Castlebar face Scoil Mhuire, Buncrana in Ray MacSharry Park, Sligo next Thursday, March 21 (1.0)
The FAI Schools Dr. Tony O’Neill National Senior Cup Final is scheduled for Wednesday, April 10 (1.0)
BELVEDERE COLLEGE | Christian Loftus, Harry Bryce, Charlie Delaney, Lewis Brennan, Billy Canny, Edward Stenson, Charlie Townsend, Flynn Healy ©, Mark Isong, Jack O’Flaherty, Hugh Smith
SUBS USED | Evan Dowley for Smith (57), Karl Wright for Brennan (65), Jack Coughlan for O’Flaherty (82), Shane Clarke for Canny (82), Brandon Mangan for Isong (82)
SUBS NOT USED | Jack McHugh, Noad Rud
TEACHER | Fiachra Sheridan ASSISTANT | Tom O’Sullivan
ST. FRANCIS COLLEGE, ROCHESTOWN | Joe Lyons, Jamie O’Brien, Daniel McCarthy, Nik Lyons ©, Rob Walker, Cal Nolan, Chris O’Keefe, Evan Cummins, Oisin Dorgan, Darragh McCormack, Darragh Mulchinok
SUBS USED | Noah Sowinski for O’Brien (51), Adam O’Callaghan for McCarthy (61), Eoin Kelly for Walker (76)
SUBS NOT USED | Josh Barry, Calum Landa, Eoghan Murphy, Jaden Adair Bell,
TEACHERS | Derick Murray, Stephen Bermingham
MATCH OFFICIAL | Eoin Walsh (Kilkenny)
