Crosshaven u13s advanced into the next round of the Con Elliott Cup on an overcast Monday evening in Camden. With Brian Lucey, Captain Eoin O'Halloran and Adam Gumley running midfield, Crosser started strongly and went into an early lead, when Rhys Kelly Noonan showed all his striker instincts to pounce on a defensive mix up and to take an early lead. It didn't last long as Youghal got to grips with the tough conditions to ask serious questions of the Crosshaven backline of Liam Maguire, Evan Canty, Joe Wilson and Ryan Murphy. The Youghal equaliser was quickly cancelled out by Shay Murphy hammering home after a great move by Eoin O'Halloran. Crosshaven kept attacking with Fionn Mansfield setting some lovely balls into the danger zone, before Rhys Kelly Noonan was dragged down in the box with the goal at his mercy. Rhys converted from the spot and Crosser looked set fair for half time, before a soft free gave Youghal the goal they needed to stay in touch down 3-2 at half time. Youghal improved further in the second half as conditions worsened and goalkeeper Oisin Doran Noonan had to marshall his defence against some strong attacks. Eventually, the equaliser came and the game went into the last 10 minutes with honours even and rain lashing down. Subs Alex O Connell, Rory Deanne and Jim White brought some energy and incisiveness to the attack, with one ball hooked of the Youghal line to the frustration of the ever reliable local goal line technology, who were adamant that a goal should have been awarded. The Crosser attach won a free kick from the edge of the box with less than 3 minutes on the clock. Come the hour, cometh the man! Up steps Adam Gumley to strike a perfect free into the top corner leaving the keeper with no chance. 4-3 was never going to change as Crosshaven were well on top and the battle was won. A bunch of very wet but very happy u13s were cheered of the pitch by a good sized crowd and a very sporting Youghal team.
