Galway League 1

 Cork League 3

Mike Rafferty at Eamonn Deacy Park

THE Galway League’s ambition to follow in the footsteps of the 2010 and 2014 FAI Youth Inter-League winning sides ended in disappointment at Eamonn Deacy Park on Sunday – two late goals sealed their fate as the visitors claimed the title in impressive fashion.

It was the second year in succession that the teams met in the final at the Dyke Road venue and, unfortunatley, the outcome was the same on both occasions. Matters looked good from a home point of view when a cultured Ethan McCauley shot gave them an interval advantage, but Cork responded with the equaliser just two minutes after the restart.

And for the majority of the second half, the Rebels were the better side. With home custodian Max Hawksley continuing to excel with a number of smart saves, the contest remained alive before Harvey Skeiters converted two close range opportunities in the closing minutes to complete his hat trick and, in the process, picked up the Man of the Match reward as well as his winners’ medal.

The pace of the game was pedestrian from the outset, but both sides displayed an ability to get forward with the rival wingers certainly making an impression. Ben Costello did his bit down the left and delivered a number of crosses into the box, while Ethan McCauley had more liberty in his role as he displayed a skill set that matched his impressive talent. On the right, Khumalo Gusi was always willing to take on his man and made a number of insertions through the Cork defence. However, despite all that, chances were few and far between.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

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