Soccer fans around Carlow and Kilkenny will be treated to a at least a semi final clash in the Leinster Youth Cup.
Both Freebooters and Hanover harps were in action yesterday after such a long lay off due to Covid-19. Domestic seasons had been off for some time, so there was some worry that fitness may be an issue. In both cases it was the opposition, Wicklow Town and Forth Celtic from Wexford, who seemed to have an initial spring in their step.
In the Hanover game, Wicklow Town had a fantastic start when they scored after four minutes. Hanover Harps levelled the game six minutes after thru Ben Akerele Smith however they found ourselves a goal down again after 28 minutes. On the stroke of halftime Harps missed a penalty to draw them level, and they went in at half time down by a goal.
They did not have to wait long to score in the second half as it was 2-2 on 50 mins when Cian Lawler scored and with 20 mins remaining Arnas Ubertas finished a fine team goal to send the Carlow side into the semis after a 3-2 victory.
As mentioned Freebooters also returned to action this weekend in the Leinster Youth Quarter final against Wexford side Forth Celtic. The match was played down in the Fair Green, however visitors Forth Celtic took the lead early on.
This seemed to light a fire under the Booters players who went onto punish Forth Celtic. Goals from Cian Franey , Niall Rowe , Zac Hammond and Darren Lawlor secured Freebooters a place in the semi finals after an initial scare, with a 4-1 victory.
Clubman Declan Wall said it may have taking them awhile to get back into the swing of things but its looking good for the club as their Junior and U-18 team will also be competing in Leinster competition this coming bank holiday weekend.
The draw for the Youth Semi Final will be made soon, and a possible clash between the Carlow and Kilkenny sides maybe on the horizon.
