Longwood U14s booked their place in the u14 Shield Final with an impressive victory over Moynalvey in Longwood last Sunday. However the final scoreline does not fully reflect what was a competitive and entertaining contest throughout.

The home side could hardly have wished for a better start. Within minutes, a dipping effort from Tyler Mulligan found its way into the Moynalvey net to give Longwood an early advantage. Moments later, a superb team move involving Emmet Collins, Luka Farrell and Patrick Maguire ended with Tyler Mulligan once again applying the finishing touch for his second goal of the afternoon and a dream opening for the Wood.

Moynalvey responded with two quick points, but Longwood struck again when the pace and skill of Patrick Maguire was rewarded with a beautifully finished goal. While the exchanges remained tight and evenly contested, Longwood had established a significant lead thanks to their clinical goal scoring.

As the first half progressed, the game settled into a competitive rhythm. Luka Farrell and Tyler Mulligan combined brilliantly on the right wing, while Tadhg Shram was excelling around the middle of the field. In defence, Dylan Dixon and Emmet Collins were dominant, repeatedly snuffing out Moynalvey attacks.

A free won by Thomas Murray in midfield led to Longwood's next score. When the ball was not returned promptly, the referee advanced the free and Murray made no mistake in splitting the posts. Patrick Maguire then added an excellent score from a tight angle as the Longwood forwards continued to look dangerous.

Following a period where Longwood registered several wides, another slick move between Tyler Mulligan and Luka Farrell resulted in Luka drilling the ball into the corner of the net. Further points from Lochlan Rowley and Tyler Mulligan rounded off an excellent first half for the hosts, who led by 4-04 to 0-05 at the break.

The second half continued in much the same fashion, with Moynalvey battling hard and Longwood remaining clinical when opportunities arose. Lochlan Rowley powered forward to kick a fine point before delivering a perfectly weighted pass into the path of Caiden Connor, whose deft chipped finish found the back of the net for Longwood's fifth goal.

Moynalvey refused to give in. After Cuan Saunders struck the post at one end, the visitors broke quickly up-field and only a superb point-blank save from goalkeeper Aodhan Freeman denied them a certain goal. As pressure mounted, Dylan Dixon produced a series of crucial interceptions and a courageous diving block to prevent another clear goal chance.

Longwood's defence continued to hold firm, with Erikas Petkus, Emmet Collins, Lucas Hennessy and William Birmingham restricting Moynalvey largely to long-range efforts and 
ensuring that no goal was conceded that might have reignited the contest.

At the opposite end, Conor Baldwin provided the pass for Thomas Murray to fist over an excellent point. Lochlann Rowley then burst through to add another fisted score before Thomas Maguire landed a tremendous two-pointer from distance as Longwood began to pull clear. Conor Baldwin was again involved in creating a chance for Caiden Connor, whose effort was brilliantly turned over the bar by the Moynalvey goalkeeper.

When the final whistle sounded, Longwood had secured a deserved 5-10 to 1-09 victory and a place in the Shield Final.

As has been the case throughout this championship campaign, goals proved decisive. A few weeks ago against Round Towers, two quick goals left Longwood with too much work to 
do. On this occasion, three early goals gave Longwood a platform that they never relinquished. Despite the margin on the scoreboard, this was a tight, competitive and well-fought contest throughout, helped by a referee who allowed the game to flow and encouraged fair competition for possession.

The Longwood defence was particularly impressive, with Dylan Dixon producing a standout performance. Midfield remained competitive throughout, while the forwards were sharp and amassed an excellent tally despite some wayward shooting at times. But the ability to work the ball quickly and create goal chances was a key aspect of the match. 

The victory means Longwood can now look forward to an U14 Shield Final in two weeks' time, a fitting reward for a talented and hardworking group of players who have shown tremendous progress throughout the season.

A final word must go to the outstanding Longwood support. Home and away throughout this championship campaign, the encouragement from the sidelines has been tremendous and has undoubtedly helped spur this team on. And everyone involved is looking forward to doing it all one more time in the upcoming final in a few weeks time. 

Team
Goalkeeper – Aodhan Freeman
Backs –Lucas Hennessy, Conor Baldwin, Erikas Petkus, Emmet Collins, Dylan Dixon. 
Midfield – Lochlann Rowley (0-03), Tadhg Schram
Forwards – Thomas Murray (0-02), Patrick Maguire (1-01),Luka Farrell (1-0), Thomas Maguire (0-02), Tyler Mulligan (2-01), Caiden Connor (1-01), Cuan Saunders. 

Man of the Match: Dylan Dixon


Match Report - Sean Farrell