Danone Cup 2011

Danone Cup 2011

Danone Cup 2011 - Waterford Qualifiers

Our under 11 squad were entered into the danone cup this year and it proved to be a great experience for all involved. On Friday, April 29^th we played the local qualifiers at our home ground, Graun Park. We were in a group with Bohs, Ferrybank and Villa. After a season with only one win to date they team still had plenty of confidence that they could get something from the three games. In Game 1 we overcame bohs by a goal to nil and then beat Ferrybank 3-0 in our second game. This set up a winner takes all in our final game versus Villa. We applied ourselves professionally and a great goal from all-rounder Jack Furlong proved to be the winner that would book us a place in the south-east regional finals in Campile.

Danone Cup 2011 - South-east regional finals

All roads led to Campile on the morning of May 8^th as excited parents and eager players left from Graun Park to travel to the grounds of Campile FC. With a strong squad and a good coaching staff the squad were well prepared for what lay ahead. When we arrived the players went to get ready and the coaches went to watch the draw being made. The draw seen us in a group with Nerney Villa, Thomastown, St. Kevins and Wexford Albion 'A'. After a quick warm up the lads were ready for action. In game 1 we faced Nerney Villa from Carlow and playing against a strong breeze we managed to take a 1-0 win into the next game. A late goal from the ever impressive goalscorer David McCracken secured the win. We were the only team in our group to beat another side against the breeze, a compliment to the lads who knew that their brand of football would not need to be wind assisted.

                In game 2 we suffered defeat after taking the lead, again a goal from David McCracken who was looking in the mood after dropping into a deeper role to help the team. We lost 2-1 but the spirit shown from the lads could not be questioned and we knew that they would bounce back from this. A solid performance from Ben Richards in the back was one of the highlights of the game as well as Conor Furlong bossing the midfield. The lads now had a break and got some well needed food and fluids into them and waited for the next game. The next game was against Thomastown and two sublime goals from Charlie Kelly got us the win. Young Luke O'Neill was introduced late on and showed some great potential, keeping defenders on their toes. Others impressing here were Kyle Rafter and Cian Connor who filled in at full back for the game and did not let the defenders pass while trying to start attacks when in possession. We won the game 2-1 so we knew a win in our last game would guarantee us a place in the final.

                The final game against Wexford Albion was tense as both side plus St. Kevins could still qualify. After going behind early on, the lads showed character and fighting spirit to make sure they left nothing behind. An equaliser from David McCracken set up a great finish. Some neat link up play from Ian Thompson up from was keeping Wexford busy and Ben Palmer was giving the opposition full back a torrid time. However it was Jack Furlong who popped up from the back to smash in the winner a couple of minutes from time. As the final whistle blew there were great scenes as all the squad ran on to congratulate each other as they knew this was a squad effort and all players had played their part in qualifying for the final.

Danone Cup Final - Tramore 0-0 Clonmel Town (Clonmel won on pens)

For the final both sides agreed that two halves of 10 minutes was better as the strong breeze could have the potential to dictate the outcome which would not have been fair on either side. Against the breeze in the first half Dan Morrisey found himself under pressure but matched everything Clonmel threw at him. Cian Flanagan at the heart of defence was also standing out as he showed all the attributes of a complete centre half; the ability to play the ball out and be aggressive in the challenge. The lad seems to growing in confidence week by week and has by far been one of the stand out players all season. Chances were few and far between for us in the final against a very strong Clonmel Town side who were only recently beaten in the semi finals of the SFAI cup. And so it was penalties that would decide who will advance to the national competition in Dublin. The players were told that regardless of the outcome they have done themselves, the club and their parents proud not only throughout the day but all season. The lottery of penalties did not go our way and the lads were understandably upset at the end but did realise that they have come so far in recent months as a team and this will only make them stronger in years to come. Well done to all the parents on the day and we wish Clonmel Town the best of luck in the next round.

Squad: Dan Morrisey, James Connolly, Jack Furlong, Cian Flanagan, Kyle Rafter, Ben Richards, Cian Connor, Charlie Kelly, Conor Furlong, Tom Carney, David McCracken, Emmet Conway, Ian Thompson, Ben Palmer, Lee Kavanagh, Luke O'Neill.

Coaching staff: Gary Hunt, Tommy Griffin, Johnny Browne, Deckie Howlett, Gavin Griffin.