DDSL retain SFAI Umbro Kennedy Cup
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Dublin & District Schoolboys Leagues once again secured the SFAI Umbro Kennedy Cup after a 2-0 victory over 2011 champions North Dublin Schoolboys/Girls League at the University of Limerick on Friday.
The DDSL ran out 2-0 winners in a rain-soaked final after goals in either have made the difference. The DDSL secured the title without conceding a goal and were inarguably the strongest side in the competition.
It was the champions who threatened first when classy winger Shane Stokes carved out a chance for Joel Bekomba with excellent work down the left but the striker dragged his shot narrowly wide.
The opening goal came in the 23rd minute with Stokes making another excellent break before cutting the ball back and this time Mike Nzingo adjusted himself well to steer the ball into the NDSL goal.
Four minutes later Sean Cronin fired in a free-kick from deep for the NDSL that found the head of Sam Ennis but the midfielder’s attempt was straight at DDSL keeper Ethan Farrell, who gathered comfortably.
Two minutes into the second half Stokes made another penetrating run in from the left flank. He opted to shoot this time and was only a denied a goal by a brilliant stop from Oisin McCarthy in the NDSL goal.
The DDSL wrapped up the victory in the 58th minute when Michael Cregan broke through the NDSL defence before slamming the ball post the unfortunate McCarthy.
With 32 schoolboy leagues from around the country, the SFAI Umbro Kennedy Cup continues to be a major part of the Irish football calendar and many of the players will be hoping they did enough to earn the attention of the FAI coaching staff and earn a call-up to FAI development squads next season.
DDSL: Ethan Farrell; Tristan Moran, Dara O’Shea, Aaron O’Driscoll, Tyreke Wilson, Mike Nzingo, Daniel McKenna, Conor Fowler, Michael Cregan, Shane Stokes, Joel Bekomba.
Subs: Richard English for Fowler 46 mins; Jamie Hamilton for Nzingo 63; Callum Brummell for Bekomba 66.
NDSL: Oisin McCarthy; Sean Trimble, Lee Rock, Warren O’Hora, Tadhg Browne, Robbie Dunne, Darragh Nolan, Sean Cronin, Sam Ennis, Jamie Hopkins, Jason Grouse.
Subs: Mikey Murphy for Dunne 44; Yassine En-Neyah for Ennis 46; Paddy Conway for Grouse 65; Stephen Morley for Cronin 68; Eoin Doyle for Trimble 70.
