Munster Express Online

Mark Walsh (left) rushes to congratulate Gavin Purcell on his equaliser.

Villa 3; Southend United 2 (AET)

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Two clubs who had already won cup competitions came face to face once again in Graun Park, Tramore last week.

Villa had won the Under 14 ‘B’ final while Southend had lifted the Under 14 ‘A’ decider. Quite a number of the Southend players had played in that triumph, but they had to settle for runners-up medals on this occasion.

It was looking good for Southend, because with just one minute remaining they were leading one-nil, but a Villa equaliser right at the death and then a goal early in the extra-time period proved too much for the Ballybeg lads, and as a result it was the outfit from Connors Park who celebrated.

This was a cracking contest between two excellent sides and we will hear a lot from the players on view during the coming years.

Saves and goals

The Villa enjoyed the majority of the play during a scoreless first half. Southend goalkeeper Sam O’Neill produced a fine save from Gavin Purcell in the very first minute. He was called into action once again after 12 minutes, this time diving across his line to turn away an effort from Niall McCabe.

Southend took the lead early in the second half. Charlie Chester, a member of the Under 14 cup winning team, passed to another member of that side, Dean Reidy, and he struck the ball past Villa netminder Adam Donovan with his right foot.

The scoreline did not change until the last minute. Gavin Jacob found a little bit of space before passing to Niall McCabe, who cut into the penalty area and finished with the aid of an upright.

Villa hit front

Kairm Abdou picked out Gavin Purcell in extra time and when Purcell got past Paul O’Sullivan a Villa goal looked on but Sam O’Neill saved.

Villa did however take the lead for the first time six minutes into the additional period. Abdou fed Niall McCabe and the tricky Villa striker placed the ball past the heroic O’Neill.

Mark Walsh set up the Villa’s third goal by sending over a free kick from the right and Abdou headed to the net.

Southend were thrown a lifeline three minutes from full-time when Craig Browne tripped Dean O’Halloran inside the penalty area and O’Halloran scored from the spot.

However, time ran out on Southend and it was the young Villa players who rejoiced in a dramatic cup victory. The defeat was hard to take for players such as Eddie Meaney and Sammy Ogayemi because they played on the Southend team which lost to the Villa on penalties in the Under 12 cup semi-final. Still, they will learn from all of this heartache.

Villa (panel): Adam Donovan, Gavin Jacob, Lee Crowley, Austin Gleeson, Kairm Abdou, Tadgh Whelan, Gavin O’Donovan, Mark Walsh, Niall McCabe, Josh Amiuchi, Gavin Purcell, Craig Browne, Gordon Mercer, David Tyrell, Sean Murphy, David Hobbs, Ryan Philips, Luke Kelly.

Southend United (panel): Sam O’Neill, Own Healy, Paul O’Sullivan, Shane Mackey, Sammy Ogayemi, Dean Reidy, Charlie Chester, Paul O’Toole, Dean O’Halloran, Dylan Robinson, Ryan Sinnott, Jack Cleary, Ben Wilmott, Ryan Flangan, Dean Hayes, Eddie Meaney.

Referee: Jimmy McGrath.