Abbey Rovers claim Clarke Cup

Abbey Rovers beat Melview 1-0 to win the Longford & District League U16 Clarke Cup after a game that was an excellent advertisement for underage football with every ball contested and both sides giving it everything in what was for some their last game in the Longford League.

Neither side asserted their superiority as play was tight, yet some players on both sides stood out. Custodians Wesley Murphy Melview and Mark Ahern were excellent, ruling their boxes and bravely coming off the line there was never going to be many goals in this one.

The Abbey rearguard had a solid look about it with Harry Prior, Captain Matteuz Fedar, Killian Mulvey and Daragh Leech battling hard. Cormac Moran, Peter McNiff and Bradley Cowdell bossed the midfield with some tough tackling. The Abbey forward line was always a good outlet with Manasse, Jamie Plunkett and Zead full of running with probing runs which they used to keep the Melview rear-guard on their toes.

It was some of these probing runs from the forward line which led to a Plunkett goal, which in the end proved to be the decider between these two excellent teams. In the second half Abbey were under more pressure and tightened up their midfield bringing on Daniel O’Reilly and Jack Prior.

Cormac Moran linked the play well for Abbey his passing was top class and also had an assist in the winning goal scored by Jamie Plunkett. Plunkett covered a lot of ground and deserved his MOTM award.

Melview had a goal ruled out for off side with ten minutes to go, peppered the Abbey goal in the final minutes with Jamie Flaherty, Mario Da Nicholas and Michael McDonagh causing havoc but Abbey held out to end the season on a high.

Niall Aherne and Max were unused subs on Sunday but played their part in the earlier rounds in this 14 team knockout competition.

The Clarke Cup was presented to Capt Mateuz Fedor for Abbey Rovers with scorer Jamie Plunkett securing the Man of the Match award.

A big thanks to all the organisers and officials for a well run and a great season in the Longford League. A big well done also to the Abbey Coach David Prior for the time and effort he has put in with this team.

Abbey Rovers supporters Mark Prior and Sean O’Brien, fresh from their Holy Communion, pictured with captain Matteuz Fedar and Man of the Match Jamie Plunkett