U12: REDS EXIT CUP

Drumoghill had overcome another Premier Division 1 team in the previous round, but they found it much tougher going at Drumkeen and will learn from the experience.

James O'Donnell's strike at the start of the second half did offer some hope, but Drumoghill were 3-0 down at that point and whatever hopes the young reds might have had were completely extinguished immediately from the restart when Drumkeen scored again to make it 4-1.

With every defeat there are learnings, and Drumoghill will learn from this one.

Drumkeen had a number of players that caught the eye on the night, and they pressured Drumoghill into the concession of a couple of early goals as they struggled to get any kind of foothold in the game during that first half.

Despite their struggles, Drumoghill did well to contain a much stronger team in that first half, but a misunderstanding on the stroke of half time led to Drumkeen extending their lead to 3-0 at the break.

Credit through to Drumoghill for starting the second half much stronger, and they deserved their goal on 42 minutes when James O'Donnell was quickest to react after a free kick was cleared and his first time 20 yard effort found the corner of the net to bring his side back into the game.

But that was as good as it got for Drumoghill and Drumkeen extended their lead straight from the kick off to make it 4-1 and secure their passage into the final.

A brilliant season for our young team across the South/East section, reaching the semi finals of both cup competitions and remaining unbeaten throughout their league campaign that led to them being crowned champions. 👏

Our thanks to Drumkeen for hosting and to Calum Crossan for officiating.

We wish Drumkeen well in the final.