Longford Town overcome Athlone Town to claim U-17 title triumph

Longford Town . . . 1  Athlone Town . . . 0 

The home side had the best chance of the opening quarter, a quick free kick found Dylan Frawley whose attempt just trickled wide of the Athlone goal. 

However, Longford were rewarded for their attempts in the 26th minute. A quick move into the path of Emmanuel Mensah was met by a sharp turn by the young player who raced down on the Athlone goal and made no mistake in slotting the ball into the net to put Conor Frawley’s charges ahead. 

Athlone Town responded by threatening Longford goalkeeper Matthew Onome. They did come close from a corner before the end of the first half but the Town netminder stood tall to deal with the danger of the inswinging corner.

 Mantas Stokus went close early in the second half for the Town before Longford goalkeeper Matthew Onome was called into action in the 62nd minute.

A through ball was played into the path of the Athlone striker but his low effort was stopped by an excellent foot save by the keeper and the visitors were piling on the pressure in a last-ditch attempt to get an equaliser.

Longford were to have another chance in the 80th minute. Jacob Flood Norton ran through on goal from a loose ball and the big crowd at Bishopsgate thought he had scored when the ball just trickled wide having beaten the defender and goalkeeper. 

Athlone created a couple of more chances which forced the Longford goalkeeper into a marvellous save.  

Celebrations erupted at the full time whistle was blown as Longford Town were crowned the EA Sports LOI Academy Under 17 Tier Two League Champions. 

Credit must go to Athlone Town who put up an excellent display and a brilliant end of the season in their Tier Two North Group which got them to the final stage.

 FAI High Performance Coach Mark Connors, FAI Professional Chamber Member Caroline Rhatigan and FAI Academy National Co-Ordinator Pat Duffy were on hand to present the trophy and medals to Longford Town. Captain James McHugh was announced Man Of The Match and accepted the trophy before lifting it with the jubilant squad.

 Massive congratulations to the Longford Town FC U-17  manager Conor Frawley, his fellow mentors Conor Peck, Bren O’Callaghan and Denis O’Brien and the players on an excellent season.