Cappry Rovers U12’s were back on the silverware hunt again on Saturday morning last when they travelled to Leckview Park in Letterkenny to pit their wits against East Donegal rivals Fintown Harps in the Champions League Final.
This was their 2nd Champions League Final in 2016 due to underage moving to summer football next year. What this team has already achieved in 2016 has been truly amazing with them winning all 5 trophies on offer. Could they make it 6 out of 6?
It’s fair to say that Cappry were favourites going into this match but that fact was not to be seen on the young lads who knew what Fintown were always going to be a threat and on their day would cause plenty of teams problems.
There was plenty of nerves on both sides as they took to the pitch and both sides battled hard in the 1st half. It was a fairly even half with neither team able to break the deadlock. There were few chances in the 1st half with Cappry just ahead on chances created.
The 2nd half was played in much the same fashion with neither team giving an inch. It seemed to be that whoever would score the 1st goal would win the game and thankfully that came from Cappry when Luke McGlynn produced a moment of pure magic that any of the greats of our modern game, Ronaldo, Bale or Messi would have been proud of.
From the left hand side of the box he “Rabona” style crossed the ball to the far post for Josh McMenamin to knock the ball to the back of the net to put Cappry 1 up. A real gem of a goal.
Fintown to their credit never give up and continued to try and break Cappry down but thankfully Cappry held firm.
Evan Long dealt well with everything that came his way in goals. With the trio of Shaun Ward, Oisin McGlinchey and Daniel Marley rock solid at the back, Luke McGlynn, Kevin McCormack, Andrew Murray, Sean McMenamin and Josh McMenamin pulling the strings in midfield and Mark Mbuli always a handful up front, they managed to hold on for another very impressive win and achieve the 6 out of 6 trophies for the year. 2 East Donegal Leagues, 2 Champions Leagues, 1 League Cup and 1 Ulster Cup, not a bad way to end 2016.
2 other very important players in that squad who couldn’t play were Jack Long who missed the match through injury and Joseph Gillespie who couldn’t make it on the day.
Both players add so much to the team and we would like to wish Jack the very best as he recovers from his injury, get well soon.
Cappry are also through to the last 32 in the SFAI National cup and will be back in action again 28th January when the host Nenagh FC in Cappry Park. All support would be greatly welcomed as they try to go 1 better this year.
Cappry Rovers 3-0 Gweedore United
Cappry secured the points in this entertaining game played in Cappry Park when they won by three goals to nil.
Cappry went on the attack from the start in search of the opening goal and they opened the scoring in the 16th minute when Aaron Kelly crossed the ball and found Gerald Melaugh who drilled the ball to the net.
Cappry continued to press and created a few more chances. Cappry increased their lead in the 34th minute when Aaron Kelly crossed the ball and once again it was met by Gerald Melaugh and he rifled it to the bottom corner of the net past the diving keeper.
Calvin Bradley got on the score sheet in the 42nd minute when he received a cross from Stephen Carr to score the bottom corner of the net through a crowded goalmouth. Gweedore tried to get back into the game but the home defence and good keeping denied them from scoring.
Play swung from end to end in the second half as Cappry went in search of more goals and Gweedore looking to get on the score sheet. Cappry came close to extending their lead in the 57th minute when a shot from Aaron Kelly beat Brian Gallagher only to see his shot come off the bar and the keeper made a good save from Conor Laverty from the same attack.
Final score 3-0.
Gerald Melaugh, Darren McGowan and Aaron Kelly were best for Cappry. Best for Gweedore were Shane O Donnell, Mark McFadden and goal keeper Brian Gallagher.
Cappry Rovers Reserves 2-1 Keadue Rovers Reserves
In a game played under the lights on Friday night in Cappry Park it was the youthful home side who got off to a flying start when they took the lead inside 5 minutes when Stephen Carr got through and finished well. The home side made it 2-0 in the 8th minute when Darren Bonner scored direct from a corner. Keadue kept playing and created a few chances before halftime but couldn’t find a way through the home defence. The 2nd half started with the away side pushing to get a goal back. Cappry were always dangerous on the break and could have made it 3-0 but Kyle Lafferty headed wide. Keadue got a goal back in the 80th minute when Eoin Doogan headed home a free kick. The home team held out for the 3 points. Two team performances.
In a game played under the lights on Friday night in Cappry Park it was the youthful home side who got off to a flying start when they took the lead inside 5 minutes when Stephen Carr got through and finished well. The home side made it 2-0 in the 8th minute when Darren Bonner scored direct from a corner. Keadue kept playing and created a few chances before halftime but couldn’t find a way through the home defence. The 2nd half started with the away side pushing to get a goal back. Cappry were always dangerous on the break and could have made it 3-0 but Kyle Lafferty headed wide. Keadue got a goal back in the 80th minute when Eoin Doogan headed home a free kick. The home team held out for the 3 points. Two team performances.
The numbers drawn in last week’s Cappry lotto were 7, 8, 10, 16. There was no jackpot winner. The winner of the lucky €50 ticket was Kevin Coyle, Cappry. Next week’s jackpot is €6550. Remember if you’re not in, you can’t win.
Cappry are holding a mega draw where you could win a Skoda Octavia Ambition along with some more great prizes. Also included with each ticket is a 20% off voucher for McElhinney’s Store which should come in handy coming up to Christmas. The draw will take place 29th December. Tickets are priced at €20 and all funds raised will go towards an Astro turf pitch. If you’re interested in a ticket contact Danny 087 7797581.
