ARNHEM CUP 2008
The Athlone District Schoolboy League Under-13 Development Academy enjoyed a most successful trip to Holland last weekend and placed fourth in the Under-14 category of the prestigious Arnhem Cup.
Eighteen players from the ADSL Under-13 Development Academy made the trip as part of the Leagues ongoing development policy and structure and the travelling party enjoyed a wonderful football education and experience.
The football competition took place at the magnificent Valkenhuizen Sports Complex with competition in seven different age groups with entries from Holland, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, France, Sweden and Ireland. There was also an indoor Handball tournament all of which made for an awesome atmosphere.The ADSL had two days of football first in a group of four with the top two from each group progressing to contest places one to four on the following day.
The ADSL did very well. They were unbeaten in three games on day one winning twice, drawing once, scoring 14 goals without conceding any to finish second in the group on goal difference to qualify for the elite stage. There the ADSL played well but lost twice narrowly and drew their last game to be ultimately placed fourth overall. The drama kicked off early on Saturday morning.
ADSL 4 : FC Himmerland (Denmark) 0
The ADSL got off to a great start. Conor Rohan opened the account with a fine headed goal following a super Warren Conroy cross. The ADSL went two up when Mark O’Connor headed home at the near post following a corner. Athlone were three up at half time when Darra Pettit’s shot sailed over the keepers head. Into the second half the ADSL sealed the tie when Sam Moran made it four with a neat turn and low shot to the corner of the net.
ADSL 0 : V.G. Oostende (Belgium) 0
The Belgians had won their first game 7-0 so the ADSL were well warned but in truth will wonder just why they did not win the game. They had chances aplenty but a combination of some stout defending, brilliant goalkeeping and some bad luck kept the Athlone boys at bay. The ADSL had much the better of the game and the scoreline apart were very happy with the performance with Andrew O’Sullivan in particular, again outstanding in midfield.
ADSL 10 : Dronningborg (Denmark) 0
The ADSL ran riot in their last group game.They led 5-0 at half time with goals from Conor Rohan, a penalty from Seamus Byrne,a Sam Moran strike and a brace from Andrew O’Sullivan. Into the second half Darren Donnelly scored a sixth and just reward for hard work. Andrew O’Sullivan completed his hat-trick before further goals from Eoin O’Reilly, Ruaidhri McManus and a second Sam Moran goal,his third of the tournament, completed the rout.
The ADSL thus qualified for the elite stage with three further games on the Sunday. Those games were first delayed due to frozen pitches and the duration of games was then shortened to accommodate all fixtures. All the talk was about the two qualifers from the other group who had knocked out a very fancied French side but the ADSL went into the games full of confidence.
ADSL 0 : Farum Boldklub (Denmark) 1
The ADSL were a little unlucky to lose this game. They started badly and were on the back foot for a time. The Danes hit a crossbar but the ADSL settled and came more into it only for the Danes to score a fortuitous goal courtesy of a mis-hit shot to take a lead into half time. Try as they did the ADSL could not turn the game around and suffered their first defeat of the tournament when conceding their first goal.
ADSL 0 : K.V.C. Westerlo (Belgium) 2
This was the ADSL’s toughest game against a team playing in the top Belgian national division and they, the eventual winners, were gracious enough to admit that this was their toughest match.
The impressive Belgians led 1-0 at half time sweeping downfield to score after the ADSL had a chance of their own. In the second half the Athlone boys gave it everything but had to bow to a better side who scored a second to give a slant to the scoreline not fully reflected in the play.
ADSL 1 : V.G. Oostende (Belgium) 1
The ADSL renewed acquaintance with their group rivals in their last game and again will wonder how they did not win. They took the lead with a great goal. Ciaran O’Reilly made it and finished it sweeping a great pass from midfield out to Darra Pettit on the right who whipped in a low cross from the endline for Ciaran O’Reilly to apply the finish. The ADSL might have doubled that lead when Warren Conroy was very unlucky to see his shot fly narrowly wide. Just before the end,and when it looked like the ADSL would secure third place overall the Belgians equallised with a sucker punch.
So the ADSL had to settle for fourth. In more tangible terms the experience gained will stand these young players in great stead in the future. Overall it was a great trip.
The ADSL squad also attended the Dutch Premier Division game between the local Vitesse Arnhem and NAC Breda in the magnificent Gelredome Arena.The roof was closed and the atmosphere incredible and the lads got to see a great game that ended 3-3 and was live on Dutch TV.
The young squad had an amazing time. They however also represented their League and their town with distinction both on and off the playing pitch and were a credit to their own individual clubs.
The playing squad was Mark Keenan, Paddy Connolly, Aaron Curley, Ronan Morris, Mark O’Connor,Andrew O’Sullivan, Seamus Byrne (Capt),Ruaidhri McManus, Conor Rohan, Sam Moran, Eoin O’Reilly, Eoin Cunniffe, Darren Donnelly, Darra Pettit, Pearse Harney-Nolan, Ciaran Prendergast and Ciaran O’Reilly. The team was coached and managed by Clive O’Neill,Tommy O’Brien and Thomas McCallon with the party completed by physio Seamus McWalter, League Secretary Terry O’Neill and League Chairman, Padraig Quinn.