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The U11s had an excellent win over a game St Kevins side in testing conditions in Littleton last Saturday. On a very heavy pitch both these young sides served up an excellent encounter and Town were delighted to return home with the three points. Town started brightly but the physically stronger St Kevins team were proving a tough nut to crack before Mark O'Reilly turned delightfully on the edge of the box and drilled home the opener after fifteen minutes. The home side then got on top but some excellent defending from the defence led by Stephen Kelly and Shane Lonergan in front of an alert Joey Doyle in goal ensured Town protected their lead up to the break. The second half was a very tough tussle in the heavy conditions and Town eventually sealed their victory when James Moore and Paul Fitzgerald combined to release Luke Trimble who displayed great composure in drilling home from twelve yards.
The U15s mantained their lead at the top of the table when they had a very solid victory over Rock Rovers in atrocious conditions in Carrick last Saturday. Town who had only drawn with the same opposition just before Christmas were in a very determined mood from the outset and took the lead when both strikers Kevin Gunne and Caique Silva combined to bundle a loose ball over the line after eight minutes. The Town defence led by Shane Taylor and David Walsh were in excellent form and Shane Fagan doubled the lead on the half hour with an unstoppable free kick from twenty five yards and Town displayed great determination in the very tough underfoot conditions to ensure that their lead remained intact until BillyHewitt struck for two late goals in the last seven minutes to ensure that the defending league champions remain on course for the coveted three in a row.
U12 League: Peake Villa v Clonmel Town @ 11am U14 League: Clonmel Celtic v Clonmel Town @ 11am U16 League: Clonmel Town v Cahir Park @ 2.30pm
The U11A had a good victory over their clubmates in this league game in Ferryhouse on Saturday. The A team started very well and took the lead with a good finish from Cian Crowe. The ace striker then added three more goals in an seven minute spell with Jack Kennedy supplying the crosses for each goal, before Ian McGrath headed in a Luke Trimble corner just before the break. John Bates made it six early in the second half before the B team got a just reward for their efforts when Sean O’Brien raced in from the half way line and rounded the keeper before slotting home for an excellent consolation goal.
The U13s returned to winning ways following the disappointment of their cup exit two weeks ago, when they had a hard fought victory in Thurles last Saturday. Bill Maher opened the scoring early on but the home side equalised soon after and it took two excellent strikes from Robbie Flynn and Rian Clancy to give Town a promising lead at the break. The second half was an even affair and Samuel Ryan made the points safe for the visitors with a smart finish with ten minutes remaining.
The U15s maintained their unbeaten run in the league with a good victory in Thurles on Saturday. Shane Taylor opened the scoring with a powerful header in the early stages only for the home side to equalise shortly after. Kevin Gunne then scored twice to give Town a commanding lead at the break only for the home side to again reduce the margin shortly after the resumption. However Town were in no mood to be denied in this occasion and two goals from Caique Silva added to strikes from Aidan McGrath and Eoin Fitzgerald put the seal on an important victory for the defending champions.
The U11s qualified for the open draw stages of the national cup with an excellent win over a good Kilkenny side last Saturday. Cian Crowe opened the scoring after ten minutes from a wonderful Ian McGrath though ball and second half goals from Keith Hackett and Paul Fitzgerald saw Town earn their place in the last 32 after Christmas.
The U13s were knocked out of the national cup when their old rivals Villa got the better of a disappointing match in the complex last Saturday. Town found themselves a goal down inside the first minute and though the tried hard they could not find the inspiration necessary to get an equaliser. Eventually it was the visitors who broke away in the final minute to score the second and seal their victory.
The U15s made it four teams from the club into the last 32 of the national cup when they had an excellent victory over the Carlow champions last Staurday. Town were behind in the first minute but strikes from Kevin Gunne and Shane Fagan put Town ahead only for the home side to equalise just before the break. Shane Ryan restored Town’s lead early in the second half but once again Parkville equalised before Kevin Gunne got what proved to be the winner in the first period of extra time.
U12 League: St Kevins v Clonmel Town at 11am U14 League: St Kevins v Clonmel Town at 12.30pm U16 League: Clonmel Town v Clerihan at 2.30pm
The U11s made a successful journey to Waterford last Saturday morning when they had an excellent victory over Johnville in the second round of the National Cup. On what was for may of this young team their first journey outside the county on soccer duty, Town were always in control of this game and took a deserved lead after twelve minutes when a slick three man move released Cian Crowe who coolly slipped the ball past the advancing keeper. Five minutes later Mark O’Reilly made it two nil when he skipped past a couple of challenges and drilled a low left foot shot inside the far post from fifteen yards. Town wrapped up the tie just before the break when midfielder Ian McGrath shot home from the edge of the box after good play from John Bates and Sean Browne. The second half saw the home side, who had been unbeaten to date this season, start to press forward but Town’s defence of Charlie Millea, Danny Hogan, Stephen Kelly and Jack Alton and keeper Joey Doyle were not in the mood to concede anything, and indeed it was Town who had the final say when Keith Hackett set up Colm Boland to drill home the fourth goal from the edge of the box in the last minute. Town now advance to round three and a home game with Kilkenny opposition in early December.
The U13s, who had survived a huge scare in the last round, enjoyed a much more comfortable passage to round three of the National Cup when they overwhelmed their Wexford opposition last Saturday morning. Town started in whirlwind fashion and Samuel Ryan opened the scoring after seven minutes. The same player made it two nil on the quarter hour mark, before Keith Browne extended the lead further with a superb strike from twenty five yards. Samuel Ryan completed his hat trick just before the break with a great turn and volley which would do justice to any level of football. The second half saw Town ease up somewhat but it did not prevent them adding further goals through Colman Kennedy and Bill Maher. The final goal arrived in the last five minutes when Rian Clancy finished off a lovely flowing move with a first time finish from ten yards, which sets Town up for a mouth watering repeat with Waterford champions Villa in Round 3 in early December.
The U15s made it a great day for the club when they had a hard fought victory over a good Kilkenny outfit last Saturday morning. The first half was a tight affair and Town led at the break thanks to a Shane Fagan goal after seventeen minutes following a great through ball from Eoin Fitzgerald. Town doubled their lead when Kevin Gunne headed in from close range after Jonathon Ryan had flicked on a Shane Power corner kick. The home side had always threatened a goal and Joe Nagle reduced the deficit with a good shot that gave keeper Conor Murphy no chance. However Town regrouped and Billy Hewitt and Caique Silva combined well down the right to allow Shane Fagan to make it three five minutes later, and the big striker completed his hat trick and ensured Town’s passage to Round 3 when he coolly slotted in the fourth with five minutes left to play. Town will now play Evergreen in Kilkenny in early December in a repeat of a match at the same stage of the National Cup three years ago which Town were unlucky to lose on penalties.
Town’s U12s maintained their 100% record for the season with a very impressive victory against a young Rock Rovers team in the Complex last Saturday week. Town started strongly and opened the scoring through Padraig Looram after five minutes. This was quickly followed by goals from Kevin Kirwin and Kevin Fahy. There then followed a period of pressure from Rock Rovers and it took some good covering from Shane Crowley to maintain Town’s lead. Town soon regained the initiative and added further goals before half time through Padraig Looram, Steven Kelly, Mark O’Reilly and Stephan Duggan. The second half gave an opportunity for the subs to impress and the pressure on the Rovers defence was unrelenting. Further goals were added by Kevin Kirwin, Padraig Looram, Harry O’Connor (2) and Ethan Grace. This was Ethan’s first goal for the club and was spectacularly celebrated. A great team performance that showed that the hard work put in at training is paying off.
Town began the league with an emphatic victory over a game Bansha Celtic in Ferryhouse last Saturday. This young side made an impressive start to playing on a full size pitch and went in front after four minutes when Ian McGrath finished low to the net after good interplay down the right between Danny Hogan and Mark O’Reilly. However Bansha equalised ten minutes later from a Sean Daly corner kick on the right, but Town’s response was emphatic. Mark O’Reilly raced down the right and his cross was drilled home from twelve yards by Luke Trimble. Town scored again just before the break when Mark O’Reilly finished off Sean Browne’s through ball from close range. The second half was only two minutes old when Mark O’Reilly doubled his tally with a good strike from the edge of the box. Further goals followed when Ian McGrath finished a great through ball from Keith Hackett and when Shane Lonergan brilliantly headed in a right wing cross from Luke Trimble. The victory was sealed when Keith Hackett skipped past two defenders and struck low to the net from ten yards.
The U11B team made the journey to Tipp Town last Saturday with most of the team just starting out in their football careers and they found last year’s U10 cup winners in determined mood. Town were three nil down after just twelve minutes but to their credit they settled down to some good football and began to trouble the home side. An early goal at the start of the second half clinched victory for the home side but Town showed a lot of promise for the future and Stijn Van Der Wal pulled a goal back for the visitors following good play from Schu Matsuno and Graham Kelly. St Michaels wrapped up victory with a further goal in the final minutes but this young Town team had shown enough promise for future outings to please new manager Paul Duggan on their very first start.
The U13s made it two wins from two in the league with a facile victory in Cahir last Saturday. As the scoreline suggests Town were well on top from the start and first half goals from Ian Fahey, Sammy Ryan (2), Rian Clancy (2) and Keith Browne had decided the issue by the interval. The second half continued in the same vein and Bill Maher, Colman Kennedy and Eoin Lynch (2) added further goals to bring the score into double figures before the full time whistle. Town left Cahir knowing that whilst the three points were secured in emphatic fashion, games such as this were a long way removed from the challenges that surely await these players for club and county later in the season.
The U15s secured a crucial three points in their quest for three league titles in a row when they had an excellent victory over old rivals Cahir Park in Cahir last Saturday afternoon. Cahir looked the stronger side for the first fifteen minutes and it took some resolute defending to ensure that the game remained scoreless. Town’s first opportunity arrived when they were awarded a penalty after twenty minutes but the normally reliable Shane Fagan was wide with a poorly struck effort. However Town were not to be denied and soon after Shane Power and Shane Fagan combined to release Michael Quinlivan down the left and his excellent cross was brilliantly headed home by Philip Noonan at the near post. Both teams knew that the first goal of the second half would be crucial to the final outcome and though both teams had chances it was Town who finally got the vital score with fifteen minutes left. Emmett Ryan skipped away down the right and squared to Philip Noonan who laid the ball off perfectly into the path of Michael Quinlivan who drilled home from the edge of the box. The home side did manage a consolation goal in injury time with a bullet header from a right wing corner but by then Town were well on their way to a deserved three points over one of their closest rivals for league honours.
The U13s kicked off the new season of schoolboy soccer with an emphatic victory over St Michaels in Ferryhouse last Saturday. The game was only one minute old when new signing Rian Clancy opened the scoring with a low shot from inside the box. Samuel Ryan doubled the lead when he beat two tackles down the right and finished low to the net. The three points were secure when Keith Browne made it three with a great strike from twenty five yards just before the break. Town cruised through the second half and added to their tally when Rian Clancy finished from close range after the keeper had saved well from Bill Maher’s free kick.
The U15s began their quest for a third straight league title with a hard fought draw against cup holders St Michaels in Ferryhouse last Saturday. New manager John Hunt will have been pleased with this start as Town were very unlucky not to claim all three points as they dominated the second half but couldn’t find a winner before the final whistle. St Michaels were the better side in the early exchanges and took a deserved lead when Niall Daly produced a superb finish after ten minutes. Town then began to come more into the game and Shane Fagan was on the end of a good three man move to equalise just before the break. Town played their best football in the second half but the crossbar denied Emmett Ryan a winner late on. At the end the spoils were shared and both teams will have a major say in the destination of honours before the season ends.
Saturday 15th September U12 League: Clonmel Town v Bansha Celtic at 11am U14 League: Clonmel Town v Vee Rovers at 12 noon
Clonmel Town would like to invite kids from 5 to 10 years old (i.e born between 1997 and 2002) to come and learn the basics of soccer at our Saturday and Sunday sessions which are due to re-commence on Saturday 22nd September. Registration for these age groups will take place this Saturday in the Cashel Road Complex from 3pm to 4pm. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian for the registration. Details regarding the weekly training sessions will be available on the day.
The South East regional draws fro the various SFAI Cups were made in the past week and Town were drawn as follows:
U11 Menton Seery Cup: Round 1 Cahir Park v Clonmel Town U12 Norton Cup: Preliminary Round Clonmel Town v Southend (Waterford) U13 Troy Cup: Round 1 Bohemians (Waterford) v Clonmel Town U14 Goodson Cup: Preliminary Round Clonmel Town v Parkville (Carlow) U15 Matthews Cup: Prelimary Round Hibernian (Waterford) v Clonmel Town U16 Barry Cup: Round 1 - St Michaels v Clonmel Town
All ties to be played before the end of October.
The U11s travelled to Cahir Park on Saturday morning determined to achieve a result in this cup semi-final but unfortunately it was to prove a bridge too far once again. Town started this game in style playing some attractive football and going ahead after ten minutes through a Dominic Walsh free kick. The visitors had several chances to increase the lead after the goal but a failure to take these chances was to come back to haunt them. Cahir equalised early in the second half through David Finnane when he lobbed the keeper from twenty yards. The remainder of the game was very close and just when the game looked like it was heading for extra time, up popped the Cahir centre forward to score the winner and break the hearts of these young Clonmel Town players once again. However defeats like this should only serve to make the team more determined when the league semi finals are played this week. Best for Town were Stephen Kelly, Dominic Walsh and Paraic Looram.
The U13s took a major step towards retaining the league title with a comfortable victory over Clerihan in Ferryhouse last Tuesday. Town were quickly into their stride and Conor Conneally opened the scoring after eight minutes. Kevin Gunne then made it two with a good finish ten minutes later to give Town a two goal cushion at the break. Town added two more early in the second half through Kevin Gunne and Eoin Fitzgerald and though Clerihan pulled a goal back with a late header it wasn’t enough to prevent Town stretching their lead at the top pf the table.
The U13s enjoyed a fantastic victory over their closest rivals for league honours when they romped to an emphatic victory over St Michaels in Tipp Town last Thursday. Town were in control from the start on a difficult pitch and Philip Noonan opened the scoring with a classy left foot finish after ten minutes. Town were two up at the break when a deep cross from the left was knocked down by Philip Noonan for his strike partner Kevin Gunne to volley home from ten yards. Levi Whelan made it three when he scored from the rebound after a Michael Quinlivan free kick from thirty yards had come back off the upright and Kevin Gunne made it four when he tapped in from close range after good work by Dean O’Mahoney. Gunne then completed his hat trick with a good finish from a Jason Clarke pass in the last few minutes to leave Town on the brink of a historic fourth league title in a row.
The U13s completed a good week’s work by reaching the cup final with a comfortable victory over Vee Rovers in picturesque Clogheen last Saturday. Conor Conneally opened the scoring after seven minutes with a low left footed shot from the edge of the box and Kevin Gunne made it two shortly after when he raced onto a Diarmuid Murphy through ball to score from close range. Town’s place in the cup final was secured when Conor Conneally completed his hat trick before the break with two more goals and Kevin Gunne joined him at the top of the scoring charts with a close finish midway through the second half. Town now look forward to the cup final as they attempt to complete a third league and cup double in four seasons.
The U14s had a comprehensive victory over local rivals Celtic in Ferryhouse last Tuesday. Town were well in control from the start and lead four nil at the break through goals from Billy Hewitt, Shane Fagan and two from Caique Silva. Both Hewitt and Fagan added further goals early in the second half before Liam Boland made it seven in the fiftieth minute. The home side did pull a goal back near the end but by then the tree points were safely in the bag for the visitors.
The league title moved a massive step closer for the U14s when they came away from Tipp Town with a hard fought point against old rivals St Michaels last Saturday. Town knew they needed to take something from this game to put themselves just one victory away from retaining the league title and they were the better side in the early exchanges. However the home side took the lead against the run of play when a long ball out of defence wasn’t dealt with by the Town backline and the St Michaels striker finished with aplomb. It didn’t look good for Town as they still trailed to this goal as the game entered the final ten minutes, but then Shane Fagan raced onto Michael Quinlivan’s through ball and drove a screamer into the far top corner to level the scores. Disaster struck for Town when the home side went back in front with two minutes remaining with an excellent header from a right wing free kick, but in the mark of true champions Town somehow found another equaliser in stoppage time when Shane Taylor rammed home from six yards after Jonathon Ryan had knocked down a Liam Boland corner from the left. Town now need to win their final match to be crowned champions for the second season in a row.
Clonmel Town v Cahir Park turned out to be a game of two halves with cahir on top after the first half and town in control during the second half. With both teams being understrength it was a chance for the two teams to give some fringe players a game. Town started off brightly playing some good football but found themselves 1.0 down after conceding a penalty and 2.0 down after dropping their heads and a good finish from the Cahir forward. Town started the second half brightly and had a chance to get a goal back when awarded a penalty, unfortunately we missed this chance but straight from the kick out the ball fell to man of the match Padraigh Looram and he lobbed the keeper to make it 1.2 to Cahir park. Two minutes later it was 2.2 when after a good move the ball fell to Captain Stephen Kelly on the edge of the area and he rifled in a low drive to the corner of the net. Town were now on top and scored a third through Padraigh Looram and a fourth through Mark O’Reilly for a deserved win that will lift them for the rest of the campaign.
The U12s bowed out of the National Cup when they went under to a very strong St Francis side in Hyland Park, Baldonnel last Saturday. Town found the home side to be a physically bigger team than they had encountered before, and were very much on the back foot in the early stages. The home side took the lead after thirteen minutes through Joseph Nolan and they doubled the lead five minutes before the break with a twenty yard cracker from James Herbert. Town tried their hardest in the second half but found it very difficult to make headway against a tough tackling St Francis rearguard and the referee’s full time whistle brought an end to this teams glorious run in the National Cup for this year. Town will learn the lesson from a defeat such as this and will no doubt come back a stronger side for an assault on the National Cup next season.
The U12s warmed up for their National Cup game with a hard fought victory over local rivals Clonmel Celtic in the Bypass last Wednesday evening. The home side were a much stronger side than the one which was hammered by Town earlier in the campaign and they took the lead through Conor Acheson after twenty minutes. Town then laid siege to Celtic’s goal but a series of near misses were all they had to show for their efforts with fifteen minutes left on the clock. Then ace striker Bill Maher equalised with a low shot and soon after he gave Town the lead when he ran on to a through ball from Colman Kennedy and fired home from just inside the box. Town comfortably saw out the remainder of the match and so maintained their 100% record in the league.
The U14s advanced to a semi final meeting away to St Michaels when they enjoyed a comfortable quarter final victory over Peake Villa in Thurles on Saturday morning last. Town dominated the first half but as in the league match at this venue earlier in the season they just couldn’t score the crucial break through goal. The second half was five minutes old when Caique Silva’s deft through ball released Billy Hewitt and he rounded the keeper to score the first and shortly after Shane Ryan secured Town’s passage to the semi final when he fired low to the net from a Shane Power corner. The Town defence were never really troubled thereafter and so Town take another step in their quest for their first double at this age group.
Pride of place this week must go to the U12s who qualified for the quarter final of the National Cup with an excellent victory in Dublin last Sunday. Cyril Conran's team were undoubtedly the stronger from the start and Bill Maher was unlucky not to open the scoring twice in the first fifteen minutes. Town continued to dominate but couldn't make the breakthrough as some good defending and great goalkeeping by the home team kept the game scoreless at the break. The second half continued in the same vein with the Town defence never really troubled and with Keith Brown in excellent form in the middle of the field Town continued to press for the elusive lead goal. Bill Maher and Samuel Ryan both came close to making the breakthrough, and then just when it seemed as if the game was heading for extra time up popped Samuel Ryan with a powerful header to give Town the lead with three minutes left. Firhouse couldn't muster an equaliser in the remaining minutes and so Town march on to the quarter final and a meeting with St Francis (DDSL) in Dublin in three weeks.
The U13s made it twenty points out of a possible twenty four when they hit seven without reply against Vee Rovers in the Complex on Saturday. Michael Quinlivan opened the scoring with a header and Conor Conneally doubled Town's advantage in the first ten minutes, and but for a series of wonderful saves by the visitor's keeper Town would have been out of sight by half time. As it was it was Eoin Fitzgerald who headed the third ten minutes after the break, before further goals from Ashley Keane, Michael Quinlivan, Conor Conneally and Aidan McGrath saw Town run out comfortable victors in the end.
Town travelled to Cashel for their penultimate match in the league and came away with a comfortable victory last Saturday. Craig Brew was on fire in the first half and his excellent hat trick gave Town an unassailable lead at the break. Further goals early in the second half from Evan McGuire and Evan O'Dwyer gave Town a five goal lead before the home side reduced the deficit from a long range free kick. Shane Foley restored the visitor's five goal advantage with six minutes remaining before another long range effort gave an under strength Cashel side a consolation just before the end.
The U14s qualified for the semi final of the Lions Club National Cup with a hard fought victory over Portlaoise in the Complex on Saturday evening. With lots of the Town team playing their second game of the day it was no surprise when the visitors caught the home team cold at the start and took the lead in the very first minute through Danny Browne. Town chased the game for the remainder of the half but couldn't force an equalizer with a combination of tough defending and a very bumpy pitch making constructive football difficult. Town continued to press in the second half but an equalizer didn't look likely until David Walsh unleashed a pile driver form thirty yards that screamed into the roof of the net with ten minutes left. Neither side could force a winner in the remaining minutes and with extra time also failing to produce a winner both sides faced up to a penalty shoot out. Town successfully converted all their penalties through Michael Quinlivan, Levi Whelan, David Walsh, Shane Ryan, Jonathan Ryan, Paul Nolan and Caique Silva, and when Paul Nolan saved the visitors seventh kick Town were through to the semi final and a meeting with Corinthian Boys in Cork next month. Town would like to thank Frank O'Keeffe and the Lions Club for kindly arranging for a meal for both teams after the game.
The U12's hosted St Kevins on Saturday morning but were not in very entertaining mood as they swamped their opponents with a nine goal feast. A James Murphy hatrick, Sam Ryan and Colman Kennedy two each and captain Ian Fahey and Bill Maher completed the route. Well done to Cyril, Chris and all the players. A very strong and determined Cahir Park team won the first of the encounters between these two evenly matched U11 teams in the league this season at Aseiri last Saturday morning. On a beautiful sunny day both teams were ready for the big game as it has been a stop start season so far, Cahir started much the stronger and the Town lads did well to stay with them in the first 15 minutes and gradually got in to the game, both teams had chances to score but it ended level at half time. The second half started the same way as the first with Cahir on top, winning all the 50/50 challenges and showing some great determination in the tackle. Having said that town did have a good chance to go ahead when the ball broke in the penalty area only for the chance to go, Padraigh Looram caused Cahir a lot of problems with his power and pace and was denied by the Cahir keeper on a couple of occasions, just when we thought it was going to end scoreless up popped Cahir with the winner when the Town defence failed to clear. Town had an equaliser rightly ruled out late in the game and Cahir ended this game on a high. After a good competitive game I think we can look forward to a very exciting campaign over the next few weeks.
The U13's gave a formidable performance in beating a much improved Cashel Town side in the Complex last Saturday. Town were on top from the kick off and had already gone close a number of times before Ian Fahey opened the scoring with a thunderous shot from twenty five yards. Bill Maher turned smartly on a Kevin Gunne pass to double the lead after twenty minutes before Evan Comerford was called upon to make a great save just before half time. The second half was only two minutes old when Bill Maher rounded the full back and squared for Michael Quinlivan to drill home from the edge of the box for an excellent goal. Philip Noonan then showed great skill in latching onto Michael Quinlivan's through ball to make it four three minutes later before Noonan forced in the fifth just on full time from Conor Conneally's corner kick. This was a very encouraging performance as Town continue their quest to overtake long time leaders St Michaels at the top pf the table.
The U15's title aspirations were finally extinguished when they lost out to a strong St Kevins side in the Complex last Saturday. The early stages were very encouraging for the home side as their slick interplay caused St Kevins all sorts of problems and Town took a deserved lead when John Ryan netted from close range. The visitors equalised however ten minutes later when a twenty yard free kick rebounded from the wall into the path of a St Kevins attacker who slotted home at the near post. The second half was only ten minutes old when a comical mix up in the Town defence left the St Kevins attacker with a simple tap in to put his side ahead. Town then threw everything at the visitors in search of the equaliser and went close on a number of occasions but as often happens it was the visitors who got the goal when they broke from their own penalty area to seal the victory in the dying minutes.
Next Weeks Fixtures - 5th Mar
Saturday 10th March: U14 League at 11am: Clonmel Town v Clerihan
The U11(B) team earned their first point of the campaign with a well deserved away draw in Cahir last Saturday. It started badly for Town when they conceded a penalty after five minutes which the home side converted. After this however Town started to dominate with John Bates causing the Cahir defence all sorts of bother with his strong running with the ball. After thirty minutes Town forced the equaliser when John Bates received the ball 30 yards from goal and his jinking run left four defenders in his wake before slotting past the advancing keeper for a fine individual goal. Town continued to pile on the pressure with Jack Conran, Jake Duggan and Dale O'Donnell in fine form and were unlucky to see two balls cleared off he line to deny them the win. This week's man of the match was John Bates.
The U12's took a giant step towards winning the league title with a very good victory over their nearest challengers St Michaels in the Complex last Saturday. Bill Maher could have scored twice in the first five minutes as Town settled quickly, but then the visitors enjoyed the best of the match and Evan Comerford had to make a very good save to keep the sides scoreless. After twenty minutes Town took the lead when Samuel Ryan beat the offside trap to score and the same player made it two six minutes later when he raced on to a Colman Kennedy pass to score from close range. Ten minutes into the second half Samuel Ryan completed his hat trick with a good finish before Ciaran Brady wrapped up the victory with an excellent goal right on full time.
The U14's also took a major step in their quest for back to back titles when they had a comprehensive victory over St Michaels in this top of the table clash in Ferryhouse on Saturday. Town raced out the blocks and Caique Silva opened the scoring after three minutes with a cool finish from the edge of the box and Shane Ryan made it two a couple of minutes later when he drilled home from fifteen yards following a Shane Power corner from the right. Town continued to dominate and missed a number of gilt edge chances to increase their lead before the break. Ten minutes into the second half the three points were secured when Caique Silva finished a Shane Power cross from six yards and although Liam Carey had to make an excellent save in the last minute, the Town defence were always on top and so Town move into a clear lead at the top of the table.
The U16's bowed out of the National Cup when they went down to a very strong Tramore Athletic side in the last sixteen in Cork last Saturday. Town found themselves two down after fifteen minutes through some slack defending but gradually began to find their feet as the half wore on. Town created some excellent opportunities but a combination of poor finishing and great goalkeeping meant that the home side went in at the break with their lead intact. It was all out attack for Town after half time and as so often happens they were caught on the break after fifteen minutes. David McGrath did pull a goal back but it wasn't enough and Town run in the National Cup had come to an end.
Fixtures Saturday 3rd March - 26th Feb
U13 League at 11am: Clonmel Town v Cashel Town U15 League at 12.30: Clonmel Town v St Kevins
The U11 A team defeated Peake Villa 5-0 in Ferryhouse on Saturday morning thanks to two each from Kevin Fahey and Padraig Louram and another from Gavin Lonergan. The U11 B teams game against Cahir Park was called off. The U13's had it all too easy in Clogheen against Vee Rovers winning 9-0. The U14's made it 5 wins on the trot defeating Mullinahone 5-1 with the goals coming from the head of Shane Ryan, Caique Silva, Emmett Ryan, a sweet volley from captain Jonathan Ryan and the last from debutant Ross Crotty.
The Under 14s moved to the top of the table with a comfortable victory over Peake Villa in Ferryhouse last Saturday. The visitors, who are the only side to take points off this Town team so far this season, proved extremely difficult to break down in the early stages and it wasn't until captain Jonathan Ryan scored just before the break that Town took the lead. The second half was a different matter and Caique Silva doubled the lead when he finished a great cross from Shane Taylor. Shane Power made it three with a powerful shot from the edge of the area and midfielders Shane Ryan and Billy Hewitt added further goals before the end.
The U16's joined their U12 clubmates in the last sixteen of the national cup when they had an excellent victory over their midland visitors in Ferryhouse last Saturday. The early stages were a close affair and both sides struck the woodwork in the first ten minutes before Town started to get on top as the half wore on. Gavin Fraher broke the deadlock with a powerful header from an Alan Lambe corner before Lambe himself made it two when his next corner deceived the Athy defence and ended in the net. The second half was only ten minutes old when Town made the game safe. Alan Lambe picked the ball up near the half way line and weaved his way past a number of defenders before drilling a left foot shot into the bottom corner for a wonderful goal. With ten minutes left Evan Maguire put the icing on the cake when he scored the fourth to crown a fully deserved win for Billy Lambe's side who now look forward to a last sixteen meeting away to Tramore Athletic.
The Under 11 team were back in action for the first time since early December and the long lay off did not help this team as they looked sluggish and struggled to put moves together in their customary manner. For the second match in a row it was captain Sean Gunne who opened the scoring with a good shot from the left back position after only three minutes. After this a much improved Cashel Town team had a few chances to equalise while Town also had chances to increase their lead. The second half continued to be close until a good run and finish from Harry O'Connor after 15 minutes and a well struck effort from Kevin Fahey 5 minutes later gave Town some breathing space. Town will be glad to have had this game and will need a few more to get back to the high standards that they set themselves before Christmas. Stephen Kelly receives this week's man of the match for his efforts at the back but was run a close second by Kevin Fahey and Mark O'Reilly.
The U13s gained a crucial three points in their chase of league leaders St Michaels when they had a hard fought victory over St Kevins in Ferryhouse last Saturday. The tough tackling of the visitors allied to the very poor condition of the playing surface made good football difficult, but yet Town still created some very good chances. The home side had gone close on at least five occasions before man of the match Eoin Fitzgerald headed home an excellent corner from Conor Conneally ten minutes into the second half. The remainder of the game saw Town pushing forward looking for the clinching second goal while the visitors threatened on the break, but in truth Evan Comerford was not overly troubled as Town held out for a crucial victory.
The U16s warmed up for next week's National Cup match against Athy Town with a good victory over St Michaels in the Complex last Sunday. There was little to choose between these old rivals in the early stages and it was the visitors who went in front after twenty minutes when Tommy Lowry scored with a header from a left wing free kick. Town dominated the remainder of the half but could not find a way past a resolute St Michaels defence. The second half continued in the same vein and after twelve minutes Town were level. Half time substitutes and U15 players Craig Brew and Evan McGuire combined beautifully and set up Brian Smith to score from close range. Town continued to press forward looking for the winner and it eventually came with ten minutes left when Craig Brew intercepted a clearance from the St Michaels keeper and raced through to score from close range.
Pride of place this week must go to the U12's who enjoyed a fantastic day last Saturday. At lunchtime they had a great victory over a game Blarney Utd side from Cork which qualified them for the last sixteen of the SFAI Cup, and later that evening they were presented with the Cidona award for soccer for 2006 for their exploits in the Danone Cup. The first half of the cup tie was a very close affair and neither side could get the upperhand. However on the stroke of half time Town made the breakthrough when Paraic Louram was upended in the box and goalkeeper Evan Comerford made the long journey up the field a fruitful one when he blasted home the resultant spot kick. However the visitors equalised five minutes into the second half when Graham Whelan was on hand to score from close range after Comerford had saved a John Landy free kick. The game looked to be heading for extra time when with eight minutes left James Murphy raced onto a Gregory Henry through ball and rounded the keeper before slotting home what proved to be the winner. Town were delighted with this victory but know that they will need a significantly improved performance when they travel away to Dublin in the last sixteen.
The U14's went joint top of the table when they ran out easy winners over a young Mullinahone side last Saturday. Michael Quinlivan opened the scoring after just three minutes and a further goals from strikers Caique Silva and Liam Boland saw Town lead three nil at the break. The second half was only a minute old when Billy Hewitt made it four with a deft back heel, before Caique Silva, Shane Taylor, Danny O'Connor with two and Michael Quinlivan all added further goals before the end. Town have now joined long time leaders St Michaels at the top of the table in their quest for back to back league titles. The forthcoming matches between the two will surely decide the destination of this year's league honours.
The U16's warmed up for their forthcoming National Cup match with a good victory over Cahir Park in Ferryhouse last Saturday. Town were out of the blocks early and Youth player David McGrath opened the scoring after five minutes. Town doubled their lead just before half time when a Cahir defender had the misfortune to put through his own net and Town made sure of the points midway through the second half when new signing Eugene Davy opened his account for the club with a good strike from the edge of the penalty area.
The U12's continued their march in the SFAI Cup with a 2-1 win over Blarney Utd in the Complex on Saturday afternoon. Town opened the scoring thanks to a penalty from Evan Comerford after Bill Maher had been taken down inside the square just before half-time. Blarney evened things up with 10 minutes gone in the 2nd half from a ferocious shot which was spiled by Comerford and gifted Blarney an equaliser until James Murphy stole the show with a fine individual goal rounding the keeper to see him team through to the 6th round with minutes remaining. The U14's had an easy run out with a nine goal haul against Mullinahone in the league. Two each from Caique Silva, Michael Quinlivan, Danny O'Connor and a goal each from Billy Hewitt, Shane Taylor and Liam Boland gave the defending champions the three deserved points away from home. The U16's beat Cahir Park 3-0 thanks to goals from David McGrath, Eugene Davey and an OG which gives them two out of two played in the league. Well done to everyone involved.
The U13s moved into second place in the league, and also gained a measure of revenge for last year's cup defeat on penalties, when they had a comfortable victory over local rivals Clonmel Celtic last Saturday. Town had a slice of good luck after ten minutes when the Celtic striker shot wide from a good position, but from then on Town took over completely and went in front ten minutes before the break when debutant Philip Noonan slotted home after a great cross from Seamus Kennedy. The second half was only three minutes old when Bill Maher was fouled in the penalty area and Michael Quinlivan coolly converted the resultant spot kick. The victory was wrapped up when Michael Quinlivan curled home an excellent free kick from twenty five yards after Philip Noonan had been fouled when through on goal.
The U15's romped to a 5-1 victory over local rivals Clerihan in Ferryhouse on Sturday afternoon. Craig Brew opened the scoring with ten minutes gone to make it 1-0 to Town. Brew doubled his tally to make it 2-0 ten minutes later beating the offside trap and shooting past the keeper to give them a comfortable half-time lead. Town tore into the Clerihan from the restart and Evan McGuire increased their lead with a fine effort inside the square to make it 3-0. Minutes later Evan O'Dwyer missed a chance to make it 4-0 after he blazed over from the spot after Damian McCarthy had been upended in the box. Clerihan did pull a goal back to make it 3-1 but some changes in Town's firepower saw substitute Caique Silva make it 4-1 and moments later Brew claim his deserved hatrick for a 5-1 thrashing. Well done to Chris, Jamie and all the players.
Saturday 27th January: U14 League: Mullinahone v Clonmel Town 11am U16 League: Clonmel Town v Cahir Park 10.30am U12 SFAI Cup 5th Round: Clonmel Town v Blarney Utd (Cork) 12.30pm
The U12's maintained their 100% record this season with a very comfortable win over Cahir Park in Ferryhouse last Saturday. For the sixth game in a row Bill Maher opened the scoring and further first half goals from Gregory Henry and Colman Kennedy (2) saw Town comfortably ahead at the break. The second half continued in a similar vein with more goals from Bill Maher, Samuel Ryan and Ciaran Brady which saw the home side notch up yet another high scoring victory in the league. This Town team have an incredible record of never having failed to score less than four goals in any match this season but they also know that tougher tasks lie ahead in the coming weeks.
The U14's gained revenge for their defeat in last year's cup final when they had an emphatic victory over their old rivals Cahir in Ferryhouse last Saturday. Town were really up for this game and Michael Quinlivan opened the scoring after just five minutes with a great finish from a Shane Power cross. Town continued to create some excellent chances in the poor conditions but could not add to their lead before the break. The second half was only three minutes old when Billy Hewitt doubled the lead with a powerful shot from eighteen yards and Shane Fagan made the match safe with another rocket from the same spot five minutes later. Caique Silva wrapped up the scoring with a low finish just before the end and Town had secured a crucial victory in their pursuit of long time league leaders St Michaels.
Saturday 21st January: U11 League at 11am: Cahir Park (A) v Clonmel Town A U11 League at 11am: Clonmel Town (B) v St Michaels U13 League at 12.30: Clonmel Celtic v Clonmel Town U15 League at 12.30: Clonmel Town v Clerihan
Town U15's travelled to Tipp Town to take on St Michaels and had a 1st half to forget as they were totally outplayed and went in at the break 3-0 down. A more rejuvenated and different Town team appeared in the 2nd half and they controlled proceedings but wasted chance by chance and could not get their opener. A defensive mix up in the Town defence made it 4-0 to Michaels and gave them no chance of a revival. Damian McCarthy made it 4-1 with 10 minnutes remaining and Evan O'Dwyer made it 4-2 from the spot moments later but it was all too late for Town. Hard luck to Jamie, Chris and all the players.
Clonmel Town U14's produced a tigerish 1st half performance to sweep aside Killarney Athletic in round two of the Lions Club National Competition last Thursday afternoon in St Brendans College in Killarney. In a swirling first half wind Town dictated the whole 1st half knocking three past a hapless Athletic thanks to goals from Billy Hewitt, Caique Silva and the third from man of the match Jonathan Ryan. Killarney pulled a goal back in the final minute of the 2nd half but the damage was done. Well done to Chris, Michael and their team. They now go into the last 16 of the draw which includes plenty of big name clubs.
The U13s bowed out of the National Cup after a truly magnificent game against Villa in Waterford last Saturday. These two teams, both champions of their respective leagues for the last three years, have met three times in cup competitions in the past twelve months and amazingly each match has ended in a penalty shoot out. The quality of the match can best be summed up by the fact that even the referee joined the sizable crowd in giving both teams a sustained ovation at the end of the match. The first half was a very even affair and Villa took the lead just before the break with a header from their left winger. Town upped the tempo in the second half and started to dominate proceedings. A number of chances were missed before Aidan McGrath's cross from the left was volleyed first time to the net by Diarmuid Murphy with ten minutes left for a deserved equaliser. Bill Maher and Michael Quinlivan both went close to getting the winner before extra time saw Murphy, Maher and Ian Fahey just miss the target while at the other end Evan Comerford and Levi Whelan were called on the make timely interceptions to deny the pacy Villa attack. However in the penalty shoot out, Town's luck ran out. Town's first two penalty kicks were missed and even though Michael Quinlivan managed to convert his penalty it wasn't enough to stop Villa advancing to the last 32 of the National Cup.
The U15s got back on the winning trail with victory over their National Cup conquerors Cashel Town in Ferryhouse last Saturday. Cashel took an early lead but a deflected cross from Craig Brew saw Town level at the break. Shane Fagan and Evan Maguire put Town in control early in the second half and even though the visitors pulled back a goal it was Evan Maguire with his second that ensured Town collected the three points. This victory keeps alive Town's slim hopes of the title as they head into the new year in fourth place in the league.
The U16s qualified for the last 32 of the National Cup with a fantastic victory over current Waterford league leaders Ferrybank under lights in Waterford last Wednesday. Town travelled more in hope than expectation but an early goal from Alan Lambe settled the side. When Eugene Davy doubled the lead after twenty minutes the confidence flowed into Town and playing some wonderful football they controlled everything the highly rated home side could offer. Ace striker David McGrath made it three nil for the visitors ten minutes into the second half and Town had knocked out one of the favourites for outright victory. Town now look forward to the open draw stages in the new year.
Town's Under 11s were back in action last weekend after 3 weeks of inactivity and were out of the blocks early against Peake Villa. Man of the match Padraigh Loooram was causing havoc with his pace and power and was unlucky not to score 2 in the first ten minutes. As it was it was captain Sean Gunne who opened the scoring after a quick corner kick found him in his left back position and he cut in and beat the keeper at his near post to settle the team. Padraigh Power hit a long range second and Padraigh Looram getting his deserved goal and the teams third. Padraigh Power got his second early in the second half then Kevin Fahey got in on the act with his first goal, the goal of the game came when Liam Hayes crossed after a good passing move and Kevin Fahey scored with a powerful header. Again this team played the ball around nicely and worked hard for each other with other good performances coming from Padraigh Power, Michael Connolly and Dominic Walsh.
Fixtures - 11th Dec
Saturday 16th December: U12 SFAI Cup at 11am: Villa (Waterford) v Clonmel Town U14 League at 11am: Rock Rovers v Clonmel Town
The U12's advanced to Round 4 of the National Cup with a comfortable victory over Seaview Celtic from Waterford in Ferryhouse last Saturday. Town played with the aid of a very strong breeze in the first half but it took twenty minutes before the home side got their noses in front when Bill Maher scored with a great right foot shot. The prolific Maher doubled the lead with another good finish just before the break and when Keith Brown brilliantly headed in a Sammy Ryan cross ten minutes into the second half the tie was over. Colman Kennedy then capped a man of the match performance with two crackers from the edge of the box before the end to seal Town's passage into the next round.
The U14's were knocked out of the National Cup when they conceded three goals in the final fifteen minutes in Tramore last Saturday. Town were much the better team in the first half when backed by a strong wind and Shane Fagan opened the scoring after fifteen minutes with a great shot from twenty five yards. Town continued to dominate but in spite of enjoying most of the possession couldn't add to their tally before half time. In the second half the visitors, now facing a near gale, found themselves penned back for long periods and Paul Nolan had to make an excellent save from a flying header after twelve minutes. Eventually the pressure told and Tramore equalised with fifteen minutes left from a free kick on the edge of the box and they took the lead from a goalmouth scramble five minutes later. Town now pushed forward in search of the equaliser but were caught on the break in the last minute when a Tramore midfielder scored from twenty yards.
The U16's began their league campaign with an emphatic win over Clerihan in Ferryhouse last Sunday morning. Backed by a very strong wind in the first half Town found themselves three up after ten miuntes through Niall Cronin and two from Alan Lambe. Lambe completed his hat trick just before half time and though the visitors pulled a goal back early in the second half, Niall Cronin scored his second with ten minutes left to leave the home side full of confidence for their midweek trip to Waterford in the National Cup.
Wednesday 6th December U16 SFAI Cup at 7.15pm: Ferrybank (Waterford) v Clonmel Town Saturday 9th December: U11 League at 11am: Peake Villa v Clonmel Town A U13 SFAI Cup at 11.45am: Villa (Waterford) v Clonmel Town U15 League at 12.30: Clonmel Town v Cashel Town
This weekend both the U12 and U14 sides meet Waterford opposition in the SFAI Cup. At 11.30am the U12's play Seaview in Ferryhouse and at 1pm the U14's play Tramore in Waterford. Both ties are in the 3rd round. On Sunday morning the U16's get their league campaign off to a start with a home tie against Clerihan in Ferryhouse at 10.30am, best of luck to everyone involved.
The Town second team went down to late goal against rivals Celtic in Ferryhouse last Saturday. Town had the better of the first half and deservedly went ahead through Jack Conran after fifteen minutes. After the break the visitors got the upper hand, but with the likes of David Murray, Danny Hogan, Neil Lambe and Graham Kelly in outstanding form, Town held out until ten minutes from the end when David Roberts scored a great goal to level the match. This young Town team looked on course to pick up their first point of the season but the visitors struck again in the dying minutes from a corner to disappoint a game Town side.
The U13's had to settle for a point when they twice came from behind to snatch a draw against a very fired up home side in Clerihan last Saturday. Town fell behind after ten minutes but then produced some fantastic football which saw former Clerihan players Eoin Fitzgerald and Conor Conneally in magnificent form. Town equalised when Aidan McGrath headed in a great left wing cross from Conneally and can consider themselves most unfortunate not to have been ahead at the break when Michael Quinlivan was twice denied by the woodwork and Bill Maher was denied a blatant penalty by an over fussy referee. The second half continued in the same vain and both Bill Maher and Levi Whelan had goals disallowed for dubious offside decisions before Clerihan went ahead again with eight minutes left following a most untypical defensive error against the run of play. However this Town team haven't been league champions for three consecutive seasons without having great courage and man of the match Conor Conneally scored a deserved equaliser with five minutes left.
The U15's lost for the second time this season to last year's league champions in Ferryhouse last Saturday. The visitors were the better side from the start and deservedly went ahead after ten minutes. Town then started to play some football and Craig Brew equalized just before the break with a good run and shot. Some stern talking form the management team saw Town much the better side for the second half but once again defensive frailties came back to haunt them when the visitors scored the winner against the run of play. Town tried hard to the end but could not force an equalizer and with the league now beyond them Town must now focus on trying to improve for an extended cup run.
Saturday 2nd December U12 SFAI Cup at 11.30am: Clonmel Town v Seaview Celtic U14 SFAI Cup at 1pm: Tramore v Clonmel Town Sunday 3rd November U16 League at 10.30am: Clonmel Town v Clerihan Wednesday 6th December U16 SFAI Cup at 7.15pm Ferrybank v Clonmel Town
The U15's went down 2-1 to League Champions Cahir Park in Ferryhouse on Saturday afternoon. They fell behind early on but Craig Brew gave them a lifeline before half-time. Town failed to build on their possesion and fell ehind again late into the secnd half but there was no coming back as Cahir held on. The U13's fell behind twice against Clerihan also on Saturday morning but thanks to strikes from Aidan McGrath and Conor Conneally kept in a game they were unable to get on top. Hard luck to both teams. The U11 A game was postponed while the U11 B team were defeated by Clonmel Celtic.
The U16's defeated Fort Rangers of Kilkenny 3-0 thanks to goals from Shane Heffernan, Gavin Waters and Niall Cronin. This result was all the more pleasing seeing that it was their first outing of the season. Well done to Billy, Michael and all the players.
The u12's defeated St Kevins in Borris 5-1 on Saturday morning thanks to two goas each from Gregory Henry and Bill Maher and the 5th from Colman Kennedy. Well done to Cyril, Kevin and their team.
Saturday 18th November: U12 SFAI Cup at 11am: St Kevins v Clonmel Town U14 League at 11am: Rock Rovers v Clonmel Town Sunday 19th November: U16 SFAI Cup at 11am: Clonmel Town v Fort Rangers (Kilkenny)
The U13's qualified for the 4th round of the National Cup with a good win over a game Kilmacthomas side in Ferryhoouse last Saturday. Kilmacthomas came with a very tall reputation and are currently in second place in the Waterford Schoolboys league, but Town were dominant from the start and took the lead when Bill Maher headed home a cross from Conor Conneally. Town continued to press forward in search of a second goal but time after time the final delivery was disappointing. At the other end the Town defence were dominant and goalkeeper Evan Comerford did not have a save to make. At the end the home team were delighted with victory and now advance to a mouthwatering fourth round meeting away to Waterford league and cup holders Villa.
The U15's picked up a point from their visit to Clerihan in the league on Saturday. Town were the better side from the start and took the lead just before half time through a Craig Brew free kick. It was looking good for Town when Damian McCarthy doubled the lead fifteen minutes into the second half, but a sloppy ten minute spell saw the home side score twice to level the match. Town re-asserted their superiority and created numerous chances but could not score the elusive winning goal.
Town came up against a strong Southend team in their first big game in the national cups, in a game between two strong and even teams Southend took the lead after 8 mins when from a corner the ball fell kindly to Ryan Synnott and he poked home at the far post. Both teams had chances to score in the first half with town somewhat unlucky not to go in at the break on level terms. The second half started at a frantic pace with town finding themselves 2.0 down after less than 5 mins when a cross from the right was well finished to the net with a sweet volley from Charlie Chester. You would had forgiven these young lads for dropping their heads at this point but far from it they were back in the game in less than 3 mins when sub Mark O’Reilly played in Padraig Looram and the striker finished in some style. Town were now putting on some great pressure but unfortunately they could not find the equaliser they probably deserved. This was certainly a big test for these young lads and it is a pity that they could not have survived a couple of more rounds to gain the experience of playing against the top teams. Sean Gunne was man of the match for Town.
The Town second team were in Littleton for their second game in the league and were a goal down within 30 seconds and at this stage it looked as if they might struggle but they battled gamely and played well untill conceding a penalty in the second half. They got back into the match when Mohomad Elkanzi scored on his debut, good performances again by the defence and Danny Hogan and John Bates in midfield, the first win wont be far away if they keep up the hard work that they are putting in at the moment.
The U12's made it three wins from three in the league when they proved too strong for a game Clerihan side in the Complex last Saturday. Gregory Henry, Bill Maher and Keith Brown had Town three up inside the first fifteen minutes before Cathal Hurley pulled a goal back for the visitors. However the home side soon hit back and added three more before the break through Gregory Henry, Colman Kennedy and James Murphy. It continued as one way traffic in the second half and Gregory Henry with his hat trick goal, Bill Maher with his second and one from the returning James O'Sullivan saw Town run out comfortable winners. It is a remarkable statistic that this Town team have now scored an incredible 35 goals in just four matches this season whilst conceding only one.
This young team started their first league game with an emphatic 12.0 scorline against a game but outclassed Cashel team. The goal rush started with what was possibly one of the fasted goals in the history of Clonmel Town FC when from the tip off a free flowing move involving six players ended with Padraigh Looram crashing the ball to the net, the same player made it 2 in the 3rd minute, Kevin Fahey got the first of his goals in the 5th min and his second in the 15th min, this town team were playing some fine football and added goals from Gavin Lonergan, Padraigh Power and the goal of the game from Stephen Duggan who beat several players with a mazy run before finishing in some style with his weaker left foot. With 5 changes to the team early in the second half you would expect some disruptions to their play but the new players fitted in well and continued to try to do the right things and goals came from Stephen Duggan , Kevin Fahey completing his hat trick a fine Luke Boland header and a brave far post goal from Liam Hayes, Sean Gunne completed the scoring with the last kick of the game. A special mention for Stephen Kelly and Michael Connolly, Stephen had to sacrifice his outfield position to play in goal and Michael continued his outstanding form in the middle of the park.
The (B) team played their first ever 11 a side game away to Clerihan and gave a very good account of themselves indeed with a bit of luck they could have came away with a share of the spoils, the game was an even affair and was scoreless at the break, Clerihan took the lead eary in the second half and then went 2.0 up with a super strike that beat the outstanding Kevin McMahon for the second goal, McMahon had made some fine stops in this game and with Jack Alton, Jake Duggan, Shane Lonergan and Neill Lambe in front of him they perfomed admirably in their first outing, town got back into the game when Shane Lonergan scored,but unfortunately try as they did they could not find an equaliser. Clonmel Town Fc would like to thank all the parents that travelled to both of these games and hopefully we will see more of you in the future, these young players deserve all the support we can give them.
The U11 league kicks off this weekend as with bth A & B teams lining out. The A team take on Cashel Town at 11am and the B team travel to Clerihan to take on the locals. Best of luck to both teams.
The U14s had their second win of the season when they proved too strong for Rock Rovers in Ferryhouse on Saturday. For the third game in a row Michael Quinlivan opened the scoring and then Shane Fagan put Town two up before Rovers pulled a goal back just on half time through Norma O'Brien. Shane Fagan had his second just after the resumption and further goals from substitutes Shane Taylor, Liam Boland and Kevin Gunne wrapped up an easy win for the home side.
Saturday 28th October: U11 League at 11am: Clonmel Town A v Cashel Town U11 League at 11am: Clerihan v Clonmel Town B
The U12s qualified for Round 2 of the SFAI Cup with a comprehensive victory over an under strength Celtic side in the Complex on Saturday. This Town team are really beginning to play some quality football and led 6-0 at the break through Bill Maher (2), Gregory Henry, Shane Flynn, Samuel Ryan and captain Ian Fahey. Further goals in the second half from Bill Maher, Colman Kennedy, Eoin Lynch, James Murphy and Keith Brown saw Town saw run out easy victors over a game Celtic side that, in fairness, kept trying their hardest until the very end.
It did not look good for the U14 managers when they realized that they would have to play this match short no less than eleven of their regular panel due to a clash with an inter county U14 GAA tournament. However they called up a similar number of replacements from the U13s and what a performance the new boys proceeded to give. Town led 4-0 at the break through Michael Quinlivan, Caique Silva and two from Danny O'Connor and a brilliant Shane Ryan hat trick in the second half secured Town a place in Round 2 of the national cup and gave the managers a giant sized selection poser for future matches.
The U16 team also moved into the second round of the National Cup when they received a walkover from St Kevins on Sunday morning.
Saturday 14th October: U11 SFAI Cup: Clonmel Town v St Kevins U15 SFAI Cup: Cashel Town v Clonmel Town
The U13s got their first win of the season with a comfortable victory in Cahir last Saturday. The bad weather made it a very trying day for both teams, but Town got off to the best possible start when Michael Quinlivan scored with a great shot from 25 yards. A determined Cahir defence ensured that Town didn't add to their tally until ten minutes into the second half when Aidan McGrath shot home from the edge of the box. Michael Quinlivan and Bill Maher added further goals late on to seal an impressive victory over last season's cup winners.
The U15s suffered their first defeat of the season at the hands of the league champions in Cahir last Saturday. Cahir Park were the dominant team in the first half and took the lead after ten minutes. However Town took the game to the home team after the break and missed a number of gilt edge chances for the equaliser, including one from the penalty spot, before Cahir scored twice in a five minute spell to kill off the game. Damian McCarthy did pull a goal back late on leaving this Town team to rue those missed chances.
Two wins out of two for the U12s when they enjoyed a goal fest in Thurles last Saturday. Town started in whirlwind fashion and Sam Ryan (2), Bill Maher (2) Ian Fahey and Jonathon Yates had the visitors six up at half time. Second half goals from Colman Kennedy, James Murphy, Shane Flynn and Bill Maher (2) completed the rout and saw Town run out comfortable winners.
The U14s suffered heartbreak in their second match in the league in Thurles last Saturday when they somehow failed to score despite total domination. In a game the Town strikers will want to forget Town failed to find the net through a combination of superb goalkeeping by home keeper Gary Lanigan and some awful finishing by the Town strikers. Shane Fagan and Caique Silva should have had a hat trick each by half time and it got no better in the second half as the goalkeeper's heroic efforts, the woodwork on three occasions and some terrible shooting, all combined to deny Town a victory they would have thoroughly deserved.
The U13' and U15's kicked off their league seasons in the Complex both against St Michaels on Saturday morning. The U13's were first to play and even though it was a very good and entertaining contest it finished a scoreless draw. In the second game the U15's had a fantastic start coming from 1-0 to win 3-1 thanks to a double from man of the match Craig Brew and the other from Brazilian Caique Silva. Well done to all.
Reigning champions Clonmel Town started their U14 league season with a fine 4-0 victory over neighbours Clonmel Celtic in the Complex on Saturday afternoon. After a sluggish start to the first half where they failed to get into their normal stride they went in at the break with a 1-0 thanks to wonderful strike from Shane Power from all of 25 yards. In the 2nd half Clonmel Town became more confident on the ball and used its flanks to greater effect and this seemed to open up their opponents and they were 2-0 to the good when Caique Silva was felled in the box after some dazzling dribbling. Liam Boland converted the spotkick with ease. The third goal came a few minutes later following great work on the flank from David Walsh and Daniel O'Connor, the resultant cross was headed home at the back post by Caique Silva. Darren Bray put the icing on the cake in the final minutes with a cool finish form inside the penalty box. Well done to Chris, Michael and their team.
The U12s returned to domestic fare after their exploits in France in the Danone Cup with a comfortable victory over local rivals Clonmel Celtic in the Complex last Saturday. Town opened brightly and a long range shot from Gregory Henry put the home team ahead. Town had a scare just before half time when the visitors struck a post, but second half goals from Samuel Ryan and a Jonathon Yates header sealed the win for the defending league champions.
