Willow claim cup

A terrific team display by Willow Park inspired them to a thoroughly deserved victory over a fancied Edenderry Town in the final of the Combined Counties Youths Cup last Saturday. Played at the impressive Leah Victoria Park in Tullamore, Willow were excellent value for their success following goals from defensive midfielder Matthew Shine and inspirational captain Sean Brennan. The Athlone side went into the game as underdogs after Edenderry Town comfortably topped the Combined Counties Youths Premier Division, with Willow Park actually finishing the league campaign in fifth place. But Willow rallied on the day and produced their best performance of the season to take the honours. Indeed, what a success story this is for Willow Park, whose youth team was only founded at the start of the season. To win this cup competition during their first ever season is a fantastic effort and a tribute to those involved with the club. With their senior team currently top of the Combined Counties Senior Division, the club"s youngsters have also proved that the future could be just as bright as the present for Willow Park. Straight from the kick-off, it was clear that Willow were up for the challenge, with Donal Beirne trying his luck from long range after only four minutes, an effort held comfortably by Edenderry "keeper Colin McCormack. But McCormack could do very little when Willow took the lead in the seventh minute. Sean Kenny, who had a brilliant first half on Willow"s left wing, put Sean Brennan through on goal but the striker was fouled just outside the penalty area by Graham Farrell. Matthew Shine blasted the resulting free kick into the bottom corner of the net and Willow were on their way. Sean Kenny was again involved for Willow moments later after Biffa Marshment"s searching pass, but Edenderry defender Paul Kenny got across to prevent a clear scoring opportunity for Willow"s left midfielder. Up the other end, Edenderry carried much less of a threat than the opposition, with Seanie Moore"s header comfortably gathered by Sean Quigley.Edenderry"s most clear cut chance arrived in the 18th minute but Quigley heroically kept out Ciaran Reynolds" point blank header. It was a splendid moment from Quigley. On 22 minutes, Sean Kenny pounced on hesitation from Reynolds but missed the target with his effort. Three minutes later, Willow defender Owen Connaughton made a timely interception as Niall O"Neill lurked with intent.Then Connaughton"s headed clearance fell kindly to Martin McNamee but he volleyed well wide. Edenderry"s "keeper then fumbled a cross by Gary Mullery but managed to reclaim the ball as Brennan waited to pounce.In the 38th minute, Sean Kenny"s superb crossfield ball picked out Brennan but his looping shot, aimed for the far corner of the net, drifted just wide. Edenderry started the second half with a better tempo but found Willow centre back Gary Hogan in outstanding form. Hogan was capably assisted by his fellow defenders while Matthew Shine and Biffa Marshment were doing trojan work in midfield. Six minutes into the second period, Brennan tried an ambitious shot which caught McCormack by surprise and crashed off the crossbar. But three minutes later, Willow were in total control when Brennan"s fine volley from the edge of the box beat McCormack and put Willow well on course for the cup. Edenderry threw caution to the wind in the final 20 minutes or so and put in several dangerous crosses which Willow dealt with superbly. Willow remained a threat on the break and had the game"s star performer in Sean Brennan, a young player who has already featured for the club"s senior team this season. The closest Edenderry came to grabbing a goal was when O"Neill got in behind Willow"s defence, but the forward stuttered in possession and was easily denied by Quigley.The Offaly side even pushed four players into attack in the closing stages of the contest but still could find little or no way past a resilient and ultimately triumphant Willow Park. Willow"s back four were immense throughout, with Hogan and right back Mark Egan proving particularly impressive and assured, while others such as Brennan, Kenny, Marshment and Shine contributed handsomely, too. WILLOW PARK: Sean Quigley; Mark Egan; Andy McNamara; Gary Hogan; Owen Connaughton; Donal Beirne; Sean Brennan; Biffa Marshment; Gary Mullery; Matthew Shine; Sean Kenny. Subs: Brian McCormack for Beirne (70 mins). EDENDERRY TOWN: Colin McCormack; Jamie Daly; Graham Farrell; Paul Kenny; Ciaran Reynolds; Paul Hanlon; Martin McNamee; Philip Farrell; Niall O"Neill; Seanie Moore; Shane Farrell. Subs: Dean Cummins for Kenny (45 mins); Gary Raleigh for Reynolds (68). REFEREE: Adrian Martin.