Junaid’s strike sends Avenue into last four

Avenue United        1
Mervue, Galway      0
AVENUE United advanced to the semi-final of the FAI U-17 Cup when they overcame favourites Mervue from Galway at the County Grounds in Doora on Saturday.

The vital goal came 16 minutes into the second half when Segun Junaid, on the left wing, saw his left-footed effort go over the head of Mervue goalkeeper Corey Fennell and into the far corner to the delight of the home side’s following.
In a game that produced some excellent football, it was clear from an early stage that there would be little between the teams at the end of play.
The visitors had slightly the more possession in the opening half but it was the home side that came closest to breaking the deadlock.
At the midpoint of the half, Mervue goalie Fennell made a really outstanding save when he parried a powerful header from Dylan Casey behind for a corner.
Eanna Fennell’s cross from the left found Casey and his effort looked to be heading for the net but somehow the visitors’ net-minder got to it and turned it behind.
The winners came close again on the half-time whistle but Brian Corry’s effort was stopped by Fennell with his feet.
The winners created a couple of chances in the first half, the best coming two minutes before the break when Thomas Gleeson’s effort went inches wide of Nathan Murray’s post.
Avenue were forced into a change at half-time with Eimhin Courtney replacing Corry, who picked up a leg injury midway through the opening half.
The opening 15 minutes of the second period were evenly balanced but then Junaid broke the deadlock. Mervue piled on the pressure after this but the Avenue defence remained firm, with Casey and Kaylan O’Loughlin, who had a tremendous last quarter, dominating.
Ten minutes from time, Mervue were awarded a free in front of goal about 20m out. Conor Shaughnessy’s first effort rebounded off a defender, while his second attempt was saved by Murray. Avenue’s best chance at the other end saw Eanna Fennell’s effort go inches wide of the target.
Casey, O’Loughlin, Paddy O’Malley, Eanna Fennell and Corry, until he was forced out of the game due to injury, were prominent for the winners, while substitute Eimhin Courtney also did well.

Avenue United: Nathal Murray; Darren Costello, Paddy O’Malley, Luke Hayes, Kaylan O’Loughlin, Dylan Casey, Eanna Fennell, Nicki Twumasai (captain) Brian Corry, Evan Twomey, Segun Junaid.
Sub: Eimhin Courtney for Corry (half-time).
Mervue: Corey Fennell; Eric Neary, John Rattigan, Conor Shaughnessy, Dylan Thornton (capt), Luke Talty, Ryan Manning, Richard Fahy, Thomas Gleeson, Maise Assaoba, Eoghan Walsh.
Sub: Dylan Murphy for Assaoba.