Youghal’s scoring power proves decisive

Youghal’s ability to convert pressure into scores proved the difference in this East Cork U21 AFC final in Midleton last night as they survived a brave Erin’s Own fight back in the second-half to claim a deserved victory.

Youghal settled the quicker and opened the scoring when a brilliant team move put wing back Ronan O’Sullivan in the clear, but his goal effort flew over the bar.

Niall Scanlon replied for Erin’s Own three minutes later before teammate David Smiddy saw his goal attempt blocked by a Youghal body on the line after some slack defence.

The quality of the Youghal half forward line was beginning to tell as O’Mahony and Andrew Curtin saw plenty ball. It was this line of attack which orchestrated Youghal’s 23rd minute goal. O’Mahony fed an inviting ball into Curtin, who made no mistake from close range.

Erin’s Own rallied near the end of the half with Smiddy and Mark Collins knocking over points but midfielder Calvin O’Callahghan did his side no favours when he twice went for goal from short range free kicks only to be denied by Youghal keeper Scott O’Sullivan leaving the score 1-5 to 0-5 at the break.

Collins and O’Callaghan dominated the midfield battle in the second-half and Youghal’s potent half forward line were starved of possession. But Erin’s Own couldn’t make their pressure count with Scanlon missing two goal attempts and O’Sullivan denying a Smiddy effort.

Having survived such an onslaught, Youghal sealed the victory with late scores from Dale Donoghue and Adrian Curtin.

Scorers for Youghal: Adrian Curtin 0-6 (2f), D Donoghue 0-3, Andrew Curtin 1-0, J O’Mahony 0-2, R O’Sullivan 0-1.

Scorers for Erins Own: N Scanlon, C O’Callaghan (1f), M Collins (1f), D Ryng, 0-2 each, C O’Connor, C O’Callaghan, D Smiddy 0-1 each.

YOUGHAL: S O’Sullivan; D Power, A Kenny, L McCarthy; R O’Sullivan, M Cronin, P O’Sullivan; AF O’Connor, A Daly; A Curtin, J O’Mahony, A Curtin; D O’Mahony, D Donoghue, C Keenaghan.

Subs: A O’Connor for Power (ht), T Cronin for A O’Connor (50), V Cahill for Andrew Curtain 60), M Flaherty for Keenaghan (62).

ERINS OWN: R O’Neill; K Moynihan, C Dooley, N Fouhy; C O’Connor, J Sheehan, N Scanlon; C O’Callaghan, M Collins; C Monaghan, A Power, D Smiddy; C O’Callaghan, D Ryng, I Mylod.

Subs: B Monaghan for Mylod (55), C O’Mahoney for Monaghan (56).

Referee: James Birmingham (Bride Rovers).