BOYS U14 DIVISION ONE FINAL: STRAND CELTIC 2 CALRY BOHEMAINS 1 
Strandhill Community Park

Strand Celtic captured the Division One Under 14 title in a high;ly entertaining and close game against Calry Bohemians on thursday night last at a windy Strandhill Community Park. After a difficult opening half Strand stormed back to win the title.

These teams have met on four ocasions this season and this was the first time either had come out on top which illustrated how littel there was between them Calry opened the brightest with Ciaran Stenson, Aaron Flynn and Tom Ward all featuring strongly. Strand goalkeeper KEvin Kelly had to be at his best to keep out a Darragh O Brien header and he also foiled Tom Ward on Ciaran STenson in one on one situations as Calry took the early initiative. Strand did settle down and mid way through the half Carlos Cascalliana came close when he beat Colin Herrity but saw his shot saved. Calry deservedly took the lead when a hesitant strand defence were caught out and the inrushing Ciaran STenson fired an unstoppable shot into the bottom corner. The game see sawed for a while as Carly sought to take advantage of a strong wind at their backs. Ten minutes from half time Strand got back into the game when a trhough ball from David Joyce set Carlos Casciallna free and although his shot was saved the incoming Kealan McCabe fired home.

The second half saw Strand dominate the possession stakes but despite some good play from Cian Bree Galvin and Luke Nicolson chances were few and far between. Mark McCallion did release Carlos Casciallan but the excellent Colin Feehily did well to get back and spoil the chance for the spainard. Calry were alwasy dangerous on the coutner attack and the lively Aaron Flynn and skillful Darragh O Brien were always availabel as an outlet. Despite this Strand came close again when Strand captain Jamie gillen fired two long range effoerts narrwoly over.

With ten minutes to play the game changed in a matter of minutes. First Carlos Casciallna overran the ball after pbeing put through by McCallion while at the other end Calry midfielder Darragh O Brien weaved through the defence anbd rounded the impressive KEvin Kelly, but was unfortunate to see his effort hit the side netting. Aminute later a brillanty Darragh O Brien header came crashing back off the crossbar. It was end to end at this stage and moments later Carlos Cascallan broke clear after a good exchange of passes between Brian Tobin, Luke Nicolson and David Joyce. The spainard finished with style and gave Strand the advantge.

The closing moments were tense as Calry pressed for an equaliser but it wasnt to be and referee Alan Blanc blew for full time. There were great scenes of celebrations at the park as the local supporters made plenty of noise as captain Jamie Gillen raised the Division one title.

The game was an excellent advert for the league as despite strong winds both teams tried to play the ball on the ground and this resulted in an array of chances. For Calry Colin Feehily was always dominant and he was well supported by a hrad working and skillful midfield in Ciaran Stenson, Aaron FLynn and Darragh O Brien. For Stradn KEvin Kelly had an outstanding early period where he kept his side in the game while the central defensive pairing of Jamie Gillen and Dylan Conway wokred hard while the wide players of Cian McGovern, Luke Nicolson and second half substitute Cian BRee Galvin all were a constant menace. Up front Kealan McCabe and Carlos CAsciallana worked hard and grabbed their teams goals.