U-12 Cup Last 16 – Corkbeg 8 Blarney ‘A’ 1
Blarney Utd ‘A’ were the visitors to Whitegate on Friday night to take on Corkbeg in an U-12 Cup match.
It was a miserable evening for football, but the poor weather didn’t hinder Corkbeg one little bit.
Corkbeg were strong from the start and were a goal to the good after five minutes.
Corkbeg maintained the pressure throughout the half and had possession for the most part. It was 4-0 at half time.
There was no change in determination in the second half, as we put plenty of pressure on our opponents. We scored another 4 goals before the final whistle, with Blarney pulling back a late consolation goal.
Great football by our lads on the night and great teamwork.
Shay Forde (6), Hugh O Lionsigh & Jack Cahill got all the goals.
Corkbeg Squad: Alex Jaworski, Kaylan Cunningham, Robbie Oosthuizen, Aidan Johnston, Conor Padden, Jack Cahill, Hugh O Lionsigh, Conan O Leary, Shay Forde, Tim O Driscoll, Jake Morrissey
U-12Cup Quarter Final – Corkbeg 2 St Marys 2 (St Marys win on penalties)
Corkbeg U-12s (Div 4) played a much higher ranked St Mary’s team (Div 1) in the last 16 of the local cup in Corkbeg on Sunday morning.
St Mary’s started very lively and displayed some very neat football in the middle of the park. 2 quick goals before the 15 minute water break shook Corkbeg into a wake up call.
When the game resumed, this U12 teams attitude remained very positive and unfortunately for St Mary’s, Shay Forde still had his shooting boots on since his double hat-trick in the previous round and quickly rocketed 2 goals into the Mary’s net.
A typical break down the wing for the first one, saw him cut inside and fire to the far top corner. His second goal was started by a fantastic block and interception from Robbie Oozthuizan in the backline and distributed the ball to Jack Cahill in centre midfield; Jacks ball cleverly put Shay in for the 2nd to rifle home for 2-2.
It was end to end stuff for the rest of the game. The tension was incredible, to see such football from both sides at such a young age would shame some professional teams. I don’t think you will see a better game today, the Euro final included!! 



Jack Cahill went close with 2 free kicks as did Mary’s at the other end hitting the outside of the post to Corkbegs relief.
After 60 mins of amazing football, these lads didn’t give up and carried on into extra time. The pace of the game was relentless and neither side gave an inch.
After extra time the game was deadlocked at 2-2 so it went to penalties. Both sides displayed excellent penalties as well as a fine save from both keepers keeping the game deadlocked again and onwards into sudden death.
The tension was incredible… Corkbeg had to close the gates of the club as we reached Covid capacity at the ground 

A couple of more penalties each and unfortunately someone has to bow out; we missed and St Marys advanced to the semi final.
Absolute credit to both teams but this Corkbeg side continues to impress and with some key players missing today, the future is very bright for this team that is truly sparkling now.
No player should be mentioned as a stand out performer today, as everybody was really excellent, but special mention must be made for stand-in goalkeeper Kaylen Cunnigham, who did a great job between the sticks.
Corkbeg: Kaylan Cunningham ,Aidan Johnson, Robbie Oozthuizan, Aaron Colbert, Conor Padden, Jack Cahill , Hugh O Lionsigh, Shay Forde, Jake Morrissey, Conán O Leary , Tim O Driscoll.

