In Pictures: Pike Rovers U13s storm into another SFAI National Cup final

PIKE Rovers, last season's SFAI U12 National Cup winners took a step closer to making it an historic double as they overcame a strong Cork outfit in Carrigaline Utd 2-0 to advance to this year's U13 SFAI National Cup Final.

On a day when the weather took a turn for the worst, constant rain poured down the big game in Crossagalla. A good-sized crowd turned out to watch this last four clash and they witnessed a top-class game unfold, aided by the very good quality of the playing surface.

The early minutes were nip and tuck, with the visitors looking to be that wee bit more dangerous. Eight minutes in, the Cork side's left winger Josh O'Brien cut in from the flank, but his effort just whizzed just wide of the upright.

After this scare, Pike settled down and the recently capped Rep of Ireland international Madison McGuane won several vital tackles and centre back Paddy Casey, who may be small in stature, began to win his duals.

Casey also won a great ball at the edge of his area and quickly linked up with Tristian O'Driscoll who found Conor Kennedy in space but his looping shot just flew over the crossbar.

Moments later, at the Pike end, Carrigaline's Charlie Kennedy showed good skill to evade two home defenders and from an acute angle, his shot did not trouble the 'Hoops' custodian Ross Ryan.

Moments late, Pike almost broke the deadlock as Madison McGuane, played in a good ball that was flicked on by Rian Hanrahan Stewart to Tristian O'Driscoll, but his headed effort rattled the crossbar.

This close shave effort gave Pike added purpose in their play and five minutes later the hosts took the lead when Josh Daly excelled on the right flank weaving his way in on the by-line. Daly then conjured up a precise ball at pace into the mid area with the in-running Alex Meaney finishing it off with some aplomb as the Hoops help a slender but deserved 1-0 lead at the break.

On the turnover, the Cork side pushed on for an equaliser, but the Pike Rovers defence stood firm as the home side won all vital balls and tackles to keep their lead.

In the 49th minute the visitors broke swiftly from midfield as Olly Lynch playing a good ball into Dean O'Halloran who, from a central area saw his well struck effort brilliantly saved by Ryan in the Hoops goal.

This proved a big save as 30 seconds later Pike Rovers won a free 25 yards from goal and it was Martin Hogan who conjured up a brilliant finish as his cracking effort flew into the bottom corner of the net giving the stranded netminder no chance.

With this two goal cushion Pike eased to victory as they booked their place in the U13 SFAI National Cup Final in which they will face Shamrock Rovers.

Full credit to all of the Pike side who played their part, but Paddy Casey was indeed majestic throughout the game and was a joy to watch coupled with his teams tough defending.

Pike Rovers U13: Ross Ryan, Rian Hogan, Conor Campbell, Ryan Lipper, Eason Bian, Lee O'Gorman, Tristian O'Driscoll, Conor Kennedy, Rian Hanrahan Stewart, Scott Hartigan, Alex Meaney, Madison McGuane, Paddy Casey, Jake Costelloe, Josh Daly, Mighty Odudu, Martin Hogan.

Photographer Keith Wiseman captured all the excitement from the game for the Limerick Leader

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