MATTHEW CARSON’S superb goal in the second half gave Glentoran a win over the Donegal Schoolboys in yesterday’s Under-12 final at the Hughes Insurance Foyle Cup.
Donegal Schoolboys Under-12s 0 Glentoran 1
Glentoran were deserving winners and Carson’s goal would have been fit to grace any stage.
Ten minutes into the second half, Donegal cleared the ball from their penalty box. It fell invitingly at the foot of Carson, who let fly with a stunning, swerving, dipping shot that beat goalkeeper Oisin Farrell.
Glentoran played with a stiff breeze at their backs in the first half and had the better of the chances.
Donegal centre-backs Daire Ferry and Faoud Basher were solid in front of secure Farrell.
Donegal went closest in the ninth minute when Adam Carr broke down the right and beat tow defenders before drawing a fine save from Dylan Graham.
Glentoran should have scored when Farrell saved well from Aaron Wightman, but his parried save fell into Elliot Wood’s pass and he dragged wide from 12 yards.
Donegal had a good opening early in the second half when Niall McCrossan, a half-time substitute cut inside Joe Hopes, but Graham advanced to make a fine save.
After Carson’s goal, Donegal did have a chance to level, but Adam Carr was denied by a brilliant save from the in-form Graham in the final minute of normal time. The rebound landed to McCrossan, but his shot was cleared off the line by Harry Wilson.
Donegal Schoolboys: Oisin Farrell, Lee Gallen, Kyle McGeehan, Faoud Basher, Daire Ferry, Aaron O’Shea, Ryan Creavy, Luke McGlynn, Adam Carr, Conor Campbell, Cathal McGeever. Subs: Niall McCrossan for McGeever (half-time), Oran Fallon for Campbell (35).
Glentoran: Dylan Graham, Scott Rolleston, Joe Hopes, Matthew Carson, Harry Wilson, Joshua Gray, Charlie Lindsay, Aaron Wightman, Callum Marshall, Jake Donaghy, Elloot Wood.
