Magnificent Manulla claim the Under 13 cup

Manulla were crowned Under 13 cup champions following a deserved victory over Castlebar Celtic last Tuesday at the Astro Pitch in Solar 21 Park.

The game was less than ten minutes old with Manulla two goals to the good. Ethan Duffy gave the blues the lead with a sweetly struck free-kick before Eoin Walsh added another following a quick breakaway.

Celtic pulled one back through a penalty by right-back Keelan McHale midway through the first half.

Manulla would restore their two-goal advantage in stunning fashion after Tony Cunningham hit a wonderful half volley from 25 yards out, sailing over Shane Rodgers into the back of the net.

Celtic almost pulled another one back on the stroke of half-time but James Heaney was sharp to deny Ethan Kelly and Eoin Walsh’s efforts while Blake Mannion saw a strike fizz past the post after a well-worked move.

Chances were at a premium in the second half, with Celtic struggling to make headway through a solid Manulla defence, but Manulla were able to all but secure the trophy in the closing stages as man of the match Ryan Nolan capped off a captain’s performance by running through and firing low past the goalkeeper.

Mattie Daly netted a consolation for Celtic with the final kick of the game.

Manulla: J. Heaney, B. Mannion, R. Nolan, E. Duffy, C. Moran, M. Vahey, T. Cunningham, D. Lyons, S. Nolan, E. Walsh, E. Canny.

Subs: C. Clarke, R. Brogan, S. McGrath.

Castlebar Celtic: S. Rodgers, K. McHale, T. Francis, E. Kelly, M. Keane, RMulroy, M. McManamon, M. Daly, A. Slabik, S. Kilcawley, P. Connolly.

Subs: K. Redmond, F. Ruane, R. Kearney.

Ref: G. Flynn.