Match action from the game in Clonmel.

Turzyck goal sends Athletic U16s into Ireland’s last 16

(after extra-time)

Mullingar Athletic’s U16s travelled to Clonmel, Tipperary at the weekend to play Clonmel Town FC in the SFAI Cup Round of 32.

This was a great achievement for this young team as they represented both Mullingar and the Midlands in the country’s flagship competition.

Earlier in the competition there were wins against the likes of Birr Town, Tullamore Town and BBC Utd paved the way for this winner take all showdown at the weekend.

Both teams started with great intensity as they knew a winner on the day was inevitable, be it after extra time or penalties. It took the visitors a few minutes to get into the game, with the first constructive piece of play on the day resulting in a Mullingar goal.

Sean Tully has been outstanding this term, and when he moved into an attacking area, he cleverly found forward Matthew Doyle, who raced through to slot it home. This gave Athletic an early lead and something to hold onto in what turned out to be a ferocious battle on the field, with some tough tackling and tougher decisions.

Owen McMahon and Ameen Hacini also started up front, both working tirelessly for the cause, ably supported by team captain Shane Cully and Mohamed Mugtabe in midfield.

Following his man of the match performance last week, keeper Darragh Mullen was again in commanding form. But he can thank another fantastic performance by those in front of him. There’s always going to be pressure in such matches, however Cathal Nevin, Ethan Bannon, Emmett Brennan and Alan Turzyck never put a foot wrong in a tight first half.

Hayden Nolan, Alex Sheerin and Ruairí O’Dowd were introduced in the first half. All three performed admirably for their team. Cillian Kelly made a triumphant return from injury, and came close at one point to scoring following a trademark run.

The home side continued to turn the screw, and it came late on when a free kick on the edge of the box just crept in under the bar.

But this did not affect the Mullingar boys, who showed great resilience throughout. Daire McDonald came on in midfield and ran his heart out for the team. At the back Mullingar Athletic are blessed with some wonderfully talented defenders, Sam Molloy continuing his own personal renaissance with another assured display, and Ryan Kenny fantastic yet again.

Ameen Hacini returned to the pitch in the second half and almost immediately scored following some great play down the right. His half volley just shaved the post.

At the full-time whistle both teams were inseparable at 1-1. Athletic started the additional period with great purpose. Efforts were coming thick and fast as the game became stretched and open.

Then came the moment of truth. Shane Cully had been immense throughout the game. He played a fantastic ball for Alan Turzyck to latch onto, and the left-sided magician skipped by two Clonmel defenders and the goalkeeper to slot home to give the Midlands men the lead again.

Incredibly, moments later, Cully rattled the post with a rocket from range. But Turzyck’s moment of magic was enough to seal the win. Mullingar Athletic now progress to the last 16 in Ireland.

This is a tremendous feat for an outstanding group of young men who have really come into their own of late, who have found another level when it matters most.

Man of the match goes to Alan Turzyck for his winner, but Matthew Doyle opened proceedings and had a great game along with Shane Cully, Sean Tully and all the members of a hard-working defence. Congratulations to all in yellow for a momentous performance and wonderful result for the club and town.