ADSL squads return home from Wales with three trophies
The ADSL Under-11 and Under-12 Development Academies had a fantastic seven days in Cardiff last week, with four teams playing a total of 31 games in the Welsh Super Cup, and ultimately returning home with three trophies.
Represented by 57 players, who competed as four separate squads, the ADSL entered two sides in the Under-12 competitions (at both 8-a-side and 11-a-side), while two further teams competed at 11-a-side in the Under-13s.
The ADSL got off to a flying start in the Under-12 11-a-side competition with a whopping 7-0 win by the ADSL Tigers over Wesley Rovers from Wales. The honour of the first goal fell to Conor Layng, who went on to score 17 goals during the week.
The highlight of the first day was the 5-0 win by the ADSL Lions in the Under-12 8-a-side competition. This team had to wait until the afternoon for their debut in Wales, against Llantwit Major from Wales. Conor Farrell opened the Lions account and then scored his second from Adam Neary's pass. The ADSL led 3-0 at half-time when Conor completed a hat-trick.
Day 2 was a mixed day. The low point occurred when Luke McClean was desperately unlucky to break his collarbone in a 2-2 draw for the ADSL Tigers against Wesley Rovers. The highlight of the day was the ADSL Tigers 1-1 draw with Cardiff City in the Under-12 8-a-side. This was an outstanding performance by the ADSL against the pick of Cardiff and beyond. If anything, the ADSL were the better side and took a first half lead through Conor Layng. The ADSL held out until five minutes from the end when Cardiff equalised. The ADSL were inspired by Harry Cornally, Conor Lynam, Cormac Gavin and Daniel Heavin. That result clearly didn't sit well with Cardiff City, and when the same two sides met at 11-a-side the following day, the Welsh side made a number of changes. The ADSL conceded two early goals but then settled to the task and got it back to 2-1 with a brilliant Brian Derwin goal. The ADSL eventually went down 3-1.
After three days of group games, the competitions moved to knock-out football. The highlight was the Under-12 Challenge Cup semi-finals, with both ADSL sides there.
The two games were played on adjoining pitches at the same time.
The ADSL Tigers went into a 1-0 lead against Llantwit Majors, with a Conor Layng volley, only for the Welsh side to equalise. The ADSL then went 2-1 up through Layng, only for Llantwit to again equalise just before half-time. Harry Cornally put the ADSL 3-2 up and then Layng completed his hat-trick. Llantwit got one back but the Tigers held on to book a place in the final.
The ADSL Lions had to work hard before also securing progress against Wesley Rovers. Seamus Smith saved a penalty kick before two excellent Adam Neary goals. Wesley Rovers got one back before half-time, but the Lions were awesome in the second half, and three goals each for Ben Cox, Shane Duffy and Alex Francis gave Athlone a convincing win.
Meanwhile, in the Under-13 age group, the ADSL Eagles qualified for the Super Cup quarter-finals, and were unlucky to lose out to Melita from Malta. The Eagles then dropped into the Challenge Cup semi-final against Inverness from Scotland. They went on to book a place in the final with a 5-0 win over the Scots', with first half goals from Jonathan (Denji) Adeleye and Dylan Johnston. Ciaran Lennon added two more in the second half with the scoring completed by a second Denji goal.
Finals Day took place last Friday.
It was a little surreal in the all-ADSL Under-12 8-a-side final, which was played in excellent spirit. The ADSL was the real winner, with the players and supporters catching the mood to ensure that the happy atmosphere that surrounded the entire group was unharmed.
For the record, the Tigers won but both sides went up together to accept their awards, with the Challenge Cup fittingly presented to the unlucky Luke McClean.
In the Under-13 Challenge Cup final, the ADSL Eagles came up against the Jamie Shore Soccer Academy. The ADSL played some great stuff and had the better chances but were undone by a single goal with just three minutes left.
Meanwhile, the ADSL Lions collected the 11-a-side trophy, as all attention turned to the last game of the week with the ADSL Tigers taking on Llantwit Majors in the 11-a-side Challenge Cup Final.
The Welsh side took a first half 1-0 lead but the ADSL fought back and Layng scored an equaliser before half-time. The ADSL were got better as the game went on and took a deserved lead through Sean Farrell. Layng then scored a third goal to wrap up a 3-1 win. The ADSL enjoyed huge success with three trophies and a runner-up spot. A total of 57 players represented the League with great distinction and pride for seven days. More than that, this was a wonderful football and social experience for the young players.
Athlone's players competed in 31 games, but also went swimming, had a BBQ, toured the Millennium Stadium, had a karaoke night, and made countless new friends from several different countries.
