UMBRO FAI Schools Minor Boys (U14) National Semi Final De La Salle, Waterford 4-1 Larkin Community College, Dublin The Waterford School had a phenomenal reputation for scoring goals and this was never more evident than in the Munster Final. De La Salle slotted seven past a weary Mayfield Community School to lift the prestigious Munster title. Derek O’Brien’s side would only grow in confidence as they made little work of their Munster counterparts on route to the Nationals. This impressive feat was to be repeated in Tullamore when they faced a determined Larkin Community College in the UMBRO FAI Schools Minor Boys National Semi Final today (Wednesday, 29 April). There’s no doubt that this tie was going to produce a tasty recipe for some fine football as the Dublin lads made it third time lucky to capture the Leinster crown. Larkin had come from behind to defeat De La Salle, Wicklow in the Leinster Final. A wonderful second half comeback saw Gerry McGill’s team fire three past their opponents to secure the silverware. As the match kicked off, De La Salle enjoyed the early exchanges with Patrick Fitzgerald coming close minutes into proceedings. He was gifted a free header in the six yard box but unfortunately his effort was not on target as the ball rocketed past the top corner. Larkin’s Aaron Godfrey was called into action early on as he had to defend his goal after some rampant attacking prowess from Munster’s Jack Hale and Tadlom Whelan. Larkin found their rhythm with the assistance of Darren Towell. His defensive work rate was superb as he read the play well to keep O’Brien’s sharp shooters frustrated. Towell even managed to set up a great attack as his long ball forward was controlled brilliantly by Anthony Collins. Regrettably his final touch was a little disappointing as he lofted the shot over the bar. Waterford’s Tadlom Whelan was impressive in the middle of the park and with 13 minutes gone he sent in a quality ball to Jamie Walsh on the edge of the box. Walsh hit early and young Aaron Godfrey got down well to block the ball. The rebound fell to Patrick Fitzgerald who coolly slotted home for the opener. 1-0 to De La Salle Dublin’s Jake Hyland was needed in defence as he tackled Jamie Walsh for possession. The interception was well timed as De La Salle were in cruise control at that point. Jamie Walsh was again involved in a sweet manoeuvre that involved some precise passing. His inch perfect through ball into the speedy Conor Whittle was nicely controlled as Whittle spotted Fitzgerald free in the centre. The pass was another meticulous execution mastered on the training field. The striker advanced on goal after side stepping Peter Hopkins however the imposing figures of Darren Towell and Shane Hamilton killed his attack as Hamilton came away with the ball. Twenty minutes in, Larkin looked to be settling into the game. Towell launched a ball out of defence that was won well in the air by the ever present Anthony Collins. He should have supplied Daniel O’Callaghan sooner as the midfielder was ruled off side, much to the frustration of Manager McGill. Larkin had another clear chance to end the deadlock as Anthony Collins was played through by Abdishakur Sholk, his effort from close range was narrowly missed after good positioning from goal keeper Daniel Connolly. Dylan Foley was very solid in defence for the Waterford side. His interception led Patrick Fitzgerald to run thirty yards with the ball before his effort sailed over the head of Aaron Godfrey in goal. Brandon Miele made a penetrating run down the field to feed Anthony Collins in space. The pass had too much pace for Collins as his snapshot came off the side of his boot and wide. Miele was given too much time on the ball with half an hour played, the result a thunderous shot on goal which was well saved by the acrobatic Daniel Connolly. De La Salle responded with Jack Hale and Tadlom Whelan linking well. The final ball was released to Jamie Walsh who crossed the ball high into the box. Larkin’s Peter Hopkins rose highest to avert the danger. This was the last of the action in the first half with De La Salle winning 1-0. The second period saw both managers make changes. Gavin Jacob was introduced for Waterford’s Mark McManus and Larkin brought on Eddie Sirru in place of Jake Hyland. Daniel O’Callaghan was first to test the De La Salle keeper but the impressive Daniel Connolly was well up for the challenge and dealt with the shot well. Moments later Patrick Fitzgerald and Tadlom Whelan found themselves with several attempts on goal in quick succession. Fortunately for Larkin, Peter Hopkins and Dane Moynihan thwarted their endeavours. Six minutes into the second half, De La Salle increased their lead. A long ball from midfield was controlled well by Patrick Fitzgerald. He unselfishly feed Kenny McEvoy who made no mistake in front of goal. 2-0 to Waterford The resolve of Gerry McGill’s side was never in doubt as they pressed forward quickly and a good passage of play saw Brandon Miele link well with Daniel O’Callaghan who in turn supplied Abdishakur Sholk. Sholk delivered a high ball across the field to the on running Darren Towell who controlled well under pressure. He did extremely well to nick the ball to Anthony Collins. Collins didn’t realise he had time on the ball and rushed his shot, the result a high ball over the top corner much to the relief of De La Salle Manager Derek O’Brien. The game ebbed and flowed, with forty six minutes gone, Larkin were awarded a free kick twenty yards out after an infringement on Adam Kelly. Anthony Collins was surprised to see his effort elude everyone and end up in the back of Connolly’s net. 2-1 the score line, was another comeback on the cards for Larkin Community College? O’Brien made a couple of decisive changes and they seemed to do the trick as De La Salle dealt with any impeding attack very swiftly. Four minutes later, De La Salle were awarded a free kick from thirty yards out. Patrick Fitzgerald the free taker launching a dangerous ball into the eighteen yard area. Conor Whittle struggled to win possession and outwitted the opposition as he slotted the ball past the diving Aaron Godfrey to make it 3-1. Larkin were feeling the pressure and their spirits were dampened after conceding the third goal. Jack Hale found himself in space after a high ball over the top. He was one on one with keeper Aaron Godfrey but wasted the opportunity to kill off the game as he unsuccessfully tried to find the roof of the net. Just over the hour mark, Abdishakur Sholk was involved in some neat football which saw him win possession off Jamie Walsh. Sholk passed the ball to substitute Eddie Sirru who in turn feed Daniel O’Callaghan on the left. The defensive pairing of Jason O’Neill and Gavin O’Donovan stood strong and the Munster men regained their foot hold on the game. The Larkin lads were left frustrated as Jack Hale and Tadlom Whelan held the ball at midfield. Waterford were enjoying a spell of possession football and made the most of this by successfully adding to their goal tally right on the stroke of full time. Kenny McEvoy spotted a good run by Jack Hale. The youngster side stepped two defenders to pass to Jamie Walsh on the right wing. Hale who was involved in the build up saw an opening in the Larkin defence and exploited this loophole. Hale was allowed time in the box to control the ball before firing past keeper Aaron Godfrey. 4-1 the final result as De La Salle of Waterford progress to the All Ireland Final. The other semi final sees the Ulster winners St. Eunan’s College, Letterkenny face Connacht Champions Summerhill College of Sligo in what should prove to be an interesting encounter in Kingspan Century Park, Monaghan, tomorrow, Thursday, 30 April (KO 1.30pm) De La Salle, Waterford: Daniel Connolly, Mark McManus, Jason O’Neill, Dylan Foley, Gavin O’Donovan, Conor Whittle, Jamie Walsh, Jack Hale, Tadlom Whelan, Patrick Fitzgerald, Kenny McEvoy Subs: Sam O’Neill, Karim Abalon, Mark O’Keefe, Gavin Jacob for Mark McManus (H/T), Oisin Morgan Teacher: Derek O’Brien Larkin Community College, Dublin: Aaron Godfrey, Peter Hopkins, Darren Towell, Dane Moynihan, Shane Hamilton, Abdishakur Sholk, Daniel O’Callaghan, Adam Kelly, Brandon Miele, Anthony Collins, Jake Hyland Subs: Robert Courtney, Dean Mitchell, Darragh Keeley, Eddie Sirru for Jake Hyland (H/T), Austin Lynch Teacher: Gerry McGill Referee: Brendan Kelly (Offaly) END