McDonald nets a brace as Tramore advance
Tramore team that beat North End United in the SFAI Under 14 Cup at Graun Park. Photo: Paul Elliott.
Tramore advanced into the third round of the SFAI Under 14 Cup after this convincing win over Northend United of Wexford at Graun Park on Saturday last. Two goals apiece from Finn Halpin and the very impressive Lewis McDonald saw the young Seagulls’ into the next round.
The seasiders were first out of the traps as the game got underway with the pace of McDonald wide on the right for Tramore was a real problem for North end United and they struggled to cope with the pacey winger.
Inside two minutes Billy Flynn slipped in striker Michael Cullinane but as the striker headed for goal North End keeper Brandon Karis raced from his line to smother the shot. The keeper was called into action again six minutes later making a double save to deny Lewis McDonald and Daniel Roche. However the goalkeeper was powerless as Tramore took the lead on 16 minutes.
Billy Flynn released Daniel Roche down the right and his first time pass found the inrushing Finn Halpin who scored with ease from six yards.
Tramore doubled their lead on 25 minutes when Dylan Collins played a clever pass down the right flank and Lewis McDonald was onto in a flash. With Karis advanced from his goal, McDonald smashed the ball into the roof of the net to put his side in control.
A third goal arrived four minutes later. This time the attack came down the left wing with Finn Halpin crossing for Michael Cullinane, but his shot was saved only for Lewis McDonald followed up to side foot the rebound into the empty net. On the stroke of half-time, the home side almost scored again when Cullinane pulled the ball back for James Cullinane, but his volley smashed against the crossbar.
North End United fought back bravely in the second-half with Freddie Tennant and Alfie Doyle had chances to reduce the deficit, but both were guilty of missing in front of goal. Tramore won a penalty kick on 44 minutes when Michael Cullinane was taken down in the box, Billy Flynn took the spot kick but goalkeeper Karis guessed right to make a fine save.
Then on 57 minutes, Matthew O’Brien pulled a goal back for United. Charlie Mahon made a stop to keep out a strike from Daniel Sinnott, but Matthew O’Brien was on hand to bundle home from close-range.
Any hopes of a comeback were blown away as Finn Halpin scored goal number four for Tramore on 68 minutes, McDonald and Michael Cullinane combined to set up Halpin and he cut inside before finding the far corner of the net.
Charlie Mahon, Dylan Collins, Josh Kiely, Jimmy Brophy, Harry Weldon, Billy Flynn, Ryan Allen, Ruby Stamer, Daniel Roche, Michael Cullinane, Finn Halpin, Conor Ridgard, James Cullinane, Ryan Rogers, Jay Lyons, Zach Barry, Lewis McDonald.
Brandon Karis, Will Dunphy, Zach Murphy, Aaron Butler, Oisin Whelan, Luke Driscoll, Matthew O’Brien, Ciaran Kennedy, Alfie Doyle, Daniel Sinnott, Fred Tennant, Alla Hasan, Freddie Dempsey, Yemen Ellissa, Robin Murphy, Dylan Barry.
Brian Hearne.
