Youths Soccer: By Tony Fitzgerald

Munster were beaten by 2 goals to nil by a very good strong Leinster team in the opening game of the FAI Umbro U17 Interprovincials in the excellent Oaktree Sport’s Complex on Friday night.

The Munster side were rocked very early in the game when just after 6 minutes Leinster went ahead with an excellent goal. Abiola Sanusi of Shamrock Rovers took on the loser’s defence and then he picked out Carl Somers with a peach of a pass that teed up Centre Forward, John O’Connor, and the Crumlin Utd striker’s finish was clinical.

In the 22^nd minute the winners doubled their advantage when they were awarded a penalty. A very clumsy challenge by the Munster Centre Half was rightly punished by a free kick and as the offence took place just inside the penalty area referee, J. Dermody, had no option only to award a penalty kick which Sanusi struck accurately to the corner of the net and though Andrew Moloney made a valiant effort and dived full length to his left the Granville Rangers keeper was unable to save.

Leinster were by far the better side in the opening 45 minutes and went close on a few occasions to extending their lead. The very impressive Marwan Azimi skipped past despairing tackles by the Munster Defence and then cheekily lobbed the keeper but unfortunately for him the ball landed on the top of the net. 

Munster did create a few half chances in the 1^st half.  Carrigaline Utd’s centre forward, Kieran Doran, was one on one with the Leinster keeper Craig Sexton but the Belvedere custodian comfortably saved Doran’s tame effort.

On the half hour mark Kilreen Celtic’s Gordon O’Sullivan hit a thunderous drive that was on target, but two defenders charged down his goal bound effort.

Munster were a much improved team in the 2^nd half and created numerous opportunities but did not convert any of them. The hard working Eoin McGreevey went close on a few occasions but just couldn’t get the better of Sexton in the winners goal.

The next series of games will see Leinster taking on Connaught @ 2pm and Munster opposing Ulster @ 3-30 pm both games on Saturday in Buncrana. Leinster could be crowned champions on Saturday if they win their game and Munster beat Ulster because in the other game played on Friday night the holders, Connaught played out a 1 all draw with Ulster.

Munster: Andrew Moloney, Paddy Barrett, Jake Mulcahy, Brendan Cullen, James Starmer, Arminus Belevicious, Gordon O’Sullivan, Kieran Doran, Alan O’Driscoll, Chris O’Callaghan, Eoin McGreevey. Subs Used: Ciaran McCarthy, Mark Phelan, and Cian O’Connor.