'Let's win this'
Bailieborough U15s secure CMUL Championship title against Cavan
A sharp strike by Ethan McCann from the edge of the box sealed the deal in the dying minutes. The scoreline read 3-2. And Bailieboro’s U15s kept it that way to the final whistle, claiming the CMUL Championship title.
It was winner takes all in the final league match of Bailieboro Celtic AFC against Cavan Celtic. A measured start saw them head into the halftime one a piece.
At the restart, a spectacular free kick from the halfway line from James Kierans soared over the defence straight into the net -beyond the reach of the Cavan goalkeeper. The home side bossed possession, and created chances through a lively midfield. Kyle Makotwane Murphy often being the centre of attention, with quick touches and clever crosses to the strikers charging in from the wings.
Young McCann, who had scored Bailieboro’s first, was denied an attempt by the Cavan defence. An offside call halted Bailieboro a few moments later from a promising one on one situation with the Cavan keeper. That one goal difference can always pinch you later though.
Cavan were struggling to punch through the lines. They tried to bridge the midfield with high balls, but these seemed uncoordinated, often conceding possession to Bailieboro with Liam Filby keeping the attackers at bay. A rare shot on goal drifted wide.
In a pivotal moment, a Bailieboro defender deflected a long ball with his body - but the ball touched his arm. The referee pointed at the spot. Suddenly, Cavan were back in the game with a penalty. Cavan’s number 7 scored his second goal of the day as his a shot found the right corner.
The equaliser stung, but Bailieboro responded by picking up the pace and launching more direct attacks. Another attempt from distance by James Kierans didn’t work a second time, but it did restore the team's confidence. Where short dribbles were thwarted, quick balls through the defence proved more profitable.
Finally, Ethan saw a gap from the righthand edge of the box and fired it past three defenders and the goalkeeper to score the decisive goal.
“Let’s win this,” shouted Baileboro’s goalkeeper Alex. The silver trophy on the sideline was waiting to be lifted and the home side was not prepared to let it be carried into Cavan town.
In injury time Cavan attempted an attack on goals, but it was deemed offside. That was the last notable action of the game. Bailieboro were the U15s league winners.