Match of the Week: Rovers U13s claim National Cup title
THERE were wild celebrations for Shamrock Rovers U13s on Saturday after they claimed the National Cup title at Wayside Celtic’s pitch on Saturday.
The Hoops turned on the style as they brushed aside the challenge of Shelbourne 5-2 to secure the top prize.
Indeed, Rovers meant business early on and registered the first of their four opening half goals after a minute of play to stun Shelbourne.
Rovers Captain and Player of the Match Jorunas Jackas scored after 58 seconds when he combined with a cross from Luke Hollingsworth to head home past the Shels netminder.
Eight minutes later and Rovers doubled their lead, this time midfielder Patrick Tobh let fly a brilliant 25 yard effort which just struck inside the post.
There was no letting up on the pressure from Rovers as they dominated the tackles and were dangerous on the counter-attack going forward.
Joe Manicle got on the scoresheet when his shot went the left side of the Shels keeper from just inside the box before that man Jackas made a great break from inside his own half after a pass from Senan Flynn, beating a few Shel’s players and guiding the ball to the back of the net.
Rovers captain and Player of the Match Jorunas Jackas receives his award. Photos Robert Goggins
The game was effectively wrapped up at half time with a 4-0 advantage but Shelbourne to their credit pulled two goals back in the second half.
Despite creating a lot of second half chances and making five changes at half time, Rovers only added on one more goal through Chidozie Chad after a pass from Robert Morgan who complete a fine display from the Tallaght outfit.
“It’s a brilliant result for us.
“The lads worked so hard for this win and to play like they did is brilliant,” Shamrock Rovers manager Tom O’Connor told The Echo.
“They are a great bunch of players to work with and hopefully we get a couple of more good results as we have a couple of big games ahead,” added Tom.
Already unbeaten after five games in the Premier Division, Rovers will play Leicester Celtic in the Liam Brady Cup final in the AUL Complex on May 25 before they go on to meet Linfield in the All-Island Cup on June 1.
