Roche Emmets 3-17 Dundalk Young Irelands 1-2

The U13 boys had a terrific win over Dundalk Young Irelands in Roche on Wednesday night with eight different players on the scoresheet.

Unfortunate in their last two matches, having won away in round one, Emmets were dominant from the off in the warm conditions, registering 1-6 before a youthful Young Irelands got off the mark.

Helped by Liam McCabe’s goal, the winners were 1-10 to 0-1 in front at half-time and kept up their impressive play after the break, adding another 2-7.

Midfielders McCabe and Niall Connolly had mammoth games for Roche, combining for 2-7 and playing a key role in the creation of several further chances, while Conor Clarke, Kyle Callan and Brooklyn Taaffe linked beautifully in front of the target.

Bernard Verbeek and Dean Griffin were focal points at the head of the attack and their hard work led to several scoring opportunities.

Meanwhile, at the back, captain Cian Ellis, Ruairí O’Donnell, Ronan Grant, Donal Bradley and Seán Conlon never let their men get an inch, with Adam McGuinness coming forward to kick an impressive point.

Goalkeeper James Curtis is an All-Star in the making – giving another accomplished display two years out of his age.

The Reilly twins fared well along the left flank after coming off the bench, always minding possession, while lethal Peter McArdle struck three impressive points from the right wing. Shay Carolan was both a creator and ball-winner coming from a central area.

St. Mochta’s are the opposition next time out.

Roche (12-a-side): James Curtis; Cian Ellis, Ruairí O’Donnell; Ronan Grant, Donal Bradley; Liam McCabe (2-3), Niall Connolly (0-4); Conor Clarke (0-1), Kyle Callan (0-2), Brooklyn Taaffe (1-2); Bernard Verbeek, Dean Griffin (0-1)

Subs: Shay Carolan, Seán Conlon, Adam McGuinness (0-1), Karl Reilly, Paul Reilly, Peter McArdle (0-3)

Referee: Paul Kneel