Crumlin men back on top after landing the LSL crown

CRUMLIN United are back to their best having claimed the Leinster Senior League Senior Sunday Division with a final-day 5-1 triumph over old rivals, Bluebell United.

The three points secured at Capco Park pushed Crumlin two clear of St Mochta’s at the top of the table and, ultimately, over the line in the race for the Senior Division crown.

James Lee captained Crumlin to the Senior Sunday title in 2019 and now, he has successfully managed the outfit to the same award in his first full-season in charge.

“The lads absolutely deserved it,” Lee old The Echo. “It’s a long enough season and they were consistent, which is all we could ask for.

“To be able to help them to win a league, it’s just pure pride. It’s the greatest achievement, especially knowing I had an important part in that.

“As a player, you’re more concentrated on yourself in terms of success. I’ve won this amount of leagues, cups, and that kind of thing.

“When going in as a manager, you’re focused on trying to get it over the line for all the players, the team, and really, you’re trying to do it for the club, and we did.”

Crumlin put a lot of faith in young players with 19-year-old Jamie Whelan standing out for them all season at centre midfield and former Shamrock Rovers II goalkeeper, Kian Clarke having a profound impact since signing from Sacred Heart in January.

Former Collinstown player, Darren Clarke helped Crumlin to an electric start against Bluebell on Sunday, firing them 2-0 up by the break.

Alan McGreal pushed the travelling side further ahead before Noeem Adekunle pulled one back for the hosts.

However, two goals in the final 10-minutes, by Calvin Rodgers and Nathan Benson, killed the game off and ultimately, secured the title for Crumlin.

For Lee, having been on the wrong side of title-deciding games against the ‘Bell, it was a moment of great satisfaction seeing his Crumlin side secure the title with a victory over their near neighbours.

“I was thinking of the Bluebell team of eight/nine-years-ago when we had a real rivalry with them,” he recalled.

“We were two of the best teams, a gang of lads that knew each other and probably hated each other at times.

“I lost a league title against Bluebell at their grounds after a two-all draw and had to watch them celebrate.

“I feel like I buried a couple of ghosts on Sunday, because I stood in the exact same spot and watched our lads spraying champagne, celebrating.

“That’s the beauty of football, wins come and go, you’re up and down, and you have to cherish it when you’re up,” he smiled.