Under 12 Inter League Semi-Final
Venue: Ballyowen Park, Lucan

South Dublin FL 1-3 Donegal Schoolboys. (After Extra Time)

Donegal Schoolboys sealed their place in the final of the SFAI Under 12 Inter League competition with a 3-1 victory over South Dublin FL in Ballyowen Park, Dublin on Sunday. In near perfect conditions Donegal started the game the better and capitalised on an opening after 5 minutes. Jack Murphy controlled the ball in the middle before threading a precise pass through for Conor Black. The Donegal forward took a touch around the goalkeeper before calmly dispatching the ball into the empty net. Donegal had chances to double their lead straight away when Jason McDaid was put in on goal only for the Dublin goalkeeper to make a reaction save. The hosts settled and created their first meaningful opportunity on 18 minutes when the South Dublin forward beat his man before unleashing a strike that sailed narrowly wide. South Dublin were resigned to long range efforts for most of the opening half and a strike from 30 yards tested Donegal goalkeeper Adrian McLaughlin on the stroke of half-time. Early into the second half South Dublin got their equaliser via the penalty spot. Jack Murphy was adjudged to have handled the ball inside the area giving South Dublin the chance to step up and fire high into the net. That goal signalled a change in the game as both sides began to struggle to create opportunities with both determined not to lose. South Dublin had the best chance to grab the winning goal two minutes from time however Adrian McLaughlin was quick off his line to make a smart save. As both sides remained level, extra time was required to decide the winner. Donegal began to dominate in possession in the first half of extra time and Frankie Campbell spurned a wonderful opportunity when the South Dublin goalkeeper could only fumble a Conor Black cross to the strikers feet but the defence came to the keeper's aid. Set pieces looked like they were going to hold the key to victory and a Jack Murphy corner allowed Stephen Black to rise highest but his header went narrowly over the crossbar. This only served as a warning as one minute later Murphy's corner fell to Eoin Dowling at the edge of the six yard line and the right back made no mistake firing the ball past the South Dublin goalkeeper. That goal was greeted by huge celebrations amongst Donegal's large travelling support who made the trip to Dublin. South Dublin never really threatened the Donegal goal in the final minutes of extra time and Conor Black was on hand to seal the Donegal victory one minute from time. The quick forward out-muscled the South Dublin back line before expertly striking the ball into the corner of the net. Donegal Schoolboys will now travel to Cahir Park, Tipperary on the weekend of the 24th/25th May to contest the final.

Match Report by Andrew Wilson