Rebel comeback breaks Mayo hearts
Padraig McGrath of Cork Youth League in action against Sean Hughes of Mayo Football League during the FAI Youth Inter-League Cup final match between Mayo Football League and Cork Youth League at Fairview Rangers AFC in Limerick. Picture: Ben McShane/Sportsfile
The Cork Youth League, on their 20th anniversary, added yet another FAI Youth Inter-League title (their fifth in 10 years) to their growing list of achievements with a comeback 2-1 win over the Mayo Football League at a well-attended Fairgreen in Limerick.
In a fast-paced opening 15 minutes - highlighted by a frantic press from both sides - it was Mayo who created the first opportunity when Ashton Judge crossed and Simeon Popov headed just over. Cork too had their chance early on to break the deadlock, Evan Cummins created for Padraig McGrath to drag an effort wide of Costello’s goal.
The opening goal arrived on 23 minutes, an attack from Mayo prematurely ending when Cork defender Finn Hagermark intercepted a pass, however the resulting back pass from the centre back took an unfortunate bobble as it arrived at the feet of goalkeeper Kirian, and despite the netminder's best efforts he could not prevent the ball crossing the line to the delight of the Mayo following.
To Cork’s credit the heads did not drop and they were on level terms on 33 minutes, Cummins winning the midfield battle to set up Kai O’Neill who hit a ferocious right footed drive, which after a slight deflection, was well saved by Costello only for the rebound to fall kindly to Ty Corcoran who scored from close range.
Cork started the second half on the front foot and took the lead for the first time on 54 minutes, the wizardry of O'Neill creating the opportunity for Padraig McGrath to swivel brilliantly and find the bottom corner from 12 yards. The Leesiders could have extended their lead on three occasions in the next ten minutes but found Costello in outstanding form, the best of a trio of great saves denying McGrath from an attempted lob to superbly push the ball out for a fruitless corner.
The final quarter was managed brilliantly by Cork who maintained the pace and press that they started the game with, O’Neill unlucky not to cap a fine performance with an effort that grazed the post. Mayo played their part in a very sporting game and will lament Place’s late effort with the goal at his mercy.
