Wiltshire finish already a goal of the season contender

Leinster Mens Junior Cup Quarter-Final: Bray 3rds 3, Mullingar 2nds 1

One of the best matches played by the seconds all season was played out last weekend and in truth neither team deserved to lose. Bray started the better but with some great defending and pressure from the midfield saw no real chances in the first quarter.

Into the second quarter and chances came at both ends; Mullingar had a short-corner that was well saved by the 'keeper. Not long after, a break came down the left for Bray. A very unlucky bounce in the D saw the ball fall kindly for a tap-in at the back post, leaving it 1-0 to Bray at half-time.

As the third quarter progressed, Mullingar showed unbelievable fitness, the action end-to-end. Stuart Waddle in midfield covered every part of the pitch and Stephen Wiltshire upfront got plenty of short-corners, and got his wow moment with a goal of the season contender. His south coast drag flick routine was absolutely lasered into the top corner of the net, with a motionless 'keeper just about able to wave at it, never mind save it.

With the game in the balance, it could have gone either way. Stuart Waddle did amazing work and drove into the D, lifted the ball over the diving 'keeper, only to see the ball slip past the wrong side of the post.

An inrushing James O'Malley was very unlucky not to get a stick to it; he just could not reach it. Into the final two minutes of the game and Bray scored two quick short-corners with Conor Mount, after a brilliant game in the Mullingar goals, being very unlucky, getting a hand to both shots, but unfortunately being just unable to keep them out.

Bray’s winning goal scorer played for Leinster over 35s and he showed the quality that comes with that. It was an unbelievable effort by everyone and probably our best performance as a team, with still lots to play for the league for the rest of the season.

Man of the Match: Stuart Waddle.

Scorer: Stephen Wiltshire.

Mullingar squad: Conor Mount, Graeme Hague (C), Brian Rasmussen, Stephen O'Neill, Stephen Wiltshire, Cameron Wiltshire, Stuart Waddle, Dylan Tone, James O'Malley, Jamie Kindregan, Oscar Hudley, Oisin Keogh, Andrew Melbourne and Barry Watters.

LeinsterLadies 9/10 Cup Quarter-Final

Glenanne 3rd 3, Mullingar 1

The Mullingar Ladies team travelled to Tallaght to face Glenanne 3rds last Saturday, for their Leinster Division 9/10 Cup quarter-final. Having previously drawn with Glenanne back in October, they were the only team to take points from them so far this season. Mullingar were hopeful of going one step further this time around. Despite torrential rain and difficult conditions, the team arrived determined to give it their all.

Mullingar started brightly, moving the ball quickly and creating several positive passages of play. Their early pressure earned them a short-corner within the first seven minutes, but strong defensive work from Glenanne kept them at bay. At the other end, goalkeeper Louise Smith, alongside defenders Maria Baker and Rachel Crowe, dealt well with Glenanne’s early attacks. However, a quick counter-attack from the hosts saw the ball worked into the circle, and despite best efforts from Sarah Kernaghan and Baker, Glenanne managed to find the back of the net, taking a 1–0 lead into the first quarter break.

The second quarter mirrored much of the first, with excellent movement through midfield from Orla White and Rachel Crowe keeping Mullingar in contention. They forced several short-corners but could not convert, as Glenanne’s defence stood firm.

As the match entered the second-half, the high tempo and heavy rain began to take its toll on the Mullingar side. A lapse in concentration allowed Glenanne to double their lead early in the third quarter. Still, Mullingar fought back, with some fine distribution from the back by Louise Sharpe finding youngster Clare Kelly, who linked up well with Ruby Murray to create promising chances, one narrowly missing the mark. Their persistence paid off when Mullingar earned another short-corner, and this time Orla White made no mistake, slotting the ball home to make it 2–1.

The goal gave Mullingar renewed energy, but in the closing minutes, Glenanne capitalised on a defensive gap to score again and seal a 3–1 victory, securing their place in the semi-final. Although disappointed with the result, Mullingar can take plenty of positives from their performance and will now turn their focus to maintaining their strong league form.

The Mullingar ladies are away to Bray 4ths next weekend as they look to bounce back and continue their impressive season.

Player of the Match: Clare Kelly.

Scorer: O White.

Mullingar Squad: Louise Smith (GK), Katelyn Griffith (C), Louise Sharpe, Maria Baker, Raimey O’Boyle, Sarah Kernaghan, Rachel Crowe, Orla White, Eleanor Mulligan, Ruby Murray, Emma Harding, Zara Allen, Melissa O’Neill, Joan Leonard, Clare Kelly and Jara Dornbruch.

Training details

Senior Men, Tuesday at 19:20; Senior Ladies, Thursday at 19:20.

Under 14/16 Girls, Monday at 19:10.

Boys and Girls, under 8, 10 and 12s - Sunday at 11am.

All training in Wilson’s Hospital School.