Frustration for Mullingar Athletic in U19 Cup final

Tullamore Town 1 - 0 Mullingar Athletic

Sebi Holota scored a late winner for Tullamore against Mullingar in the CCFL U19 cup final at TP Hickey Park Temple Villa on Friday evening.

This game was played at a frantic pace, neither side settling down at any stage of the game. Both teams lacked composure and control and because of it, neither side were capable of creating any goal scoring opportunities

Both defences were on top, helped by some chaotic play from both sides. The first corner of the game arrived in the 15th minute for Mullingar. Besides erratic shots from distances, attempts were few and far between from both sides.

Mullingar had two speedsters up front, but they weren’t drilled into getting the ball in behind the Tullamore defensive line. They continued to rush everything and played into the hands of Tullamore's defensive structure. Tullamore didn’t have any particular ploy but they also played erratically and that suited a Mullingar defence that wasn’t mobile.

Both teams were fired up from the off and they threw themselves into the action and each other. What the game lacked technically was made up for with endeavours. Mullingar had the majority of possession in the first half. They played the game mostly in Tullamore’s half but they never looked like scoring. Alex Sheerin and Nathan Scully did threaten when they were given the opportunity by their teammates, but that was seldom. They had shots from distance by Mahomad Mugtabe but they didn’t threaten Tullamore’s 'keeper Szymon Skura.

Tullamore did have just the one chance to score in the first half: Emmett Brennan seemed to be confused about whether a Mullingar free kick was taken or not. Brennan allowed Eoghan McEntee to take the placed ball, McEntee was one on one but he messed up the possession and the chance was gone. At half-time the sides were deadlocked scoreless.

At half-time the heavy downpour of rain and hailstones made conditions for the second half slippery with poor visibility.

Tullamore came more into the contest after the break and started to threaten the Mullingar goalmouth more. The introduction of Jakub Priekop on the right wing gave them an outlet.

Mullingar still dominated territory but again they never looked like scoring. They attacked with great intent but that final ball continuously let them down.

Shots from distances from Ryan Bitu and Emmett Brennan were coming from more frustration than imagination. The Tullamore defensive resolve was gradually causing discontent in the Mullingar team. With time running out on both sides, 10 minutes of normal time remaining, the game had all the hallmarks of extra-time and maybe even the dreaded penalties.

Then Tullamore’s substitute Priekop offered renewed energy down the right flank and his cross forced a corner. From the resultant delivery, Holota rose highest to head home the opening goal of the game in the 80th minute. That goal clearly energised the Offaly team and they inspired each other to see out the win.

Mullingar did bombard the Tullamore goalmouth desperately in search of an equaliser but they then forced the play and failed to create the goal they needed.

Tullamore should be delighted and somewhat flattered with the win. It couldn’t be said they were the better side given the general trend of play, but they did take one chance from a limited number. Mullingar had more possession, more shots at goal, although few hit the target and that one goal gave the Offaly side the trophy.

Scorers: Tullamore Sebi Holota 1 goal.

Tullamore Town: Szymon Skura, Ben Gleeson, JJ Minnock, Jacob Browne, Conor Hanniffy, Callum O’Connell, Aaron Tuohy, Sebi Holota, Jack Maher, Eoghan McEntee. Subs Jakub Priekop and Samuel Brickland.

Mullingar Athletic: Matthew Shaw, Hayden Wadan, Ethan Bowman, Emmett Brennan, Ryan Kenny, Ryan Bitu, Mahomad Mugtate, Alex Sheerin, Nathan Scally, Owen McMahon, Callum Rigney. Subs Lonut Lungu and Ameen Hacini.