In the Under 11 Cup, Avenue of Ennis defeated Mallow 3 - 1. There was heavy dissapointment for our Under 11 team who put up a good show againest a very good Avenue team.

Due to the recent poor weather conditions, this was Mallow A's first league game since December. On Saturday last, their unbeaten league run continued with a comprehensive win over Leeds in St. Gobnaits Park. Mallow proved too strong for Leeds from the very start. Midfielder Darragh Donnelly opened the scoring within 2 minutes of the start with a brilliant solo effort followed by a coolly taken goal by forward Adam Scanlon. Jack Shine was his usual brilliant self in midfield with some classy forward runs and pin point passes, he set up many of the goals scored. The Hyde twins David and Peter were really on fire, notching up a hat-trick each. Darragh finished the scoring with his second of the day. A Man of the Match performance by defender Timmy McNamara and tireless work from the rest of the Mallow defense meant keeper Joe Doyle had little or nothing to do. Altogether it was a brilliant team performance.

Team: Joe Doyle, Sean Woulfe, Timmy McNamara, Pa Donoughue, David Barrett, Dylan Harkin, Jack Shine, Peter Hyde, Darragh Donnelly, Adam Scanlon, David Hyde.

Sub: Gavin Burke.

Mallow travelled to Buttevant last Saturday morning and came away with a point in a keenly contested league match. The match was played in what could only be called dire conditions with strong winds, heavy rain, and a heavy pitch making it very hard for both teams to play. But that didn't take away from the fact that this was a local derby which nobody wanted to lose. The game started with both teams trying to adapt to the conditions with Mallow probabaly getting the better of the opening exchanges and taking the lead on 25 minutes when Harry Cosgrove ran from midfield and finished well. Buttevant put on a bit of pressure coming to half time with a few corners and Mallow were happy to get to the break with their lead in tact.

Buttevant came out for the second half and continued to press and got there equaliser 10 minutes in to the half when Mallow failed to clear their lines. Both teams pushed for the winner with Mallow having a ball cleared off the line and Buttevant hitting the post but in the end a draw was a fair result for both teams considering the conditions.

Team: D. O'Hare, C. Cronin, E. O'Regan, J. Cosgrove, L. Murphy, H. Cosgrove, N. O'Keeffe, M. Dineen, J. Dennehy, D. Barrow, L. Attridge

Subs: K. Walsh for J. Dennehy, D. O'Callaghan for M. Dineen.

After the break Mary's applied some pressure of their own with Adrian O'Connell at left back feeling most of their pressure. The dogged pair of Daniel Ryan and Glenn Kenefick soaked up anything that came through the centre of the defence. The Mallow defence became complacent for but one moment and paid the price when Mary's fashioned a goal from nothing and executed it brilliantly. 1-1 game on ! Mallow didn't buckle and turned the screw once more with Murphy getting his just reward for tormenting the Mary's defence all through the game when, having recieved an inch perfect cross from O Callaghan, Murphy scored. 2-1 Mallow. While not called on for much of the game,,keeper Shane O'Connell pulled off a late save to deny Mary's a point. In the dying minutes with all our subs used Murphy was taken down in the box, but again the penalty claim was dismissed. Final score St.Marys 1 Mallow United 2 .

Subs used: Cian McCarthy, Dylan Murphy, Cory Hourigan, Adrianne Potoniec, Oliver Tourai.

Mallow A's tasted defeat for the first time this season when they met a very strong Mallow Premier side in this round of the National Cup played in St. Gobnait's Park. Our A team started the game well and were unlucky not to score when the Premier side scrambled away two chances. The Premier side then put on the pressure and for the first 20 mins our A side coped very well, defending all that was thrown at them. Two goals within a minute then set the Premier side on a goal rush which the A's could no reply to. The Mallow A management and players would like to wish Seanie and Joe and all their Players much success in future rounds of this competition.

Mallow had a very tricky National Cup tie away to Division 5 table toppers Carrigaline on Sunday. Mallow got straight down to the task at hand with some great forward play by the attacking players and with great scoring chances by David Hyde. It was not until the 15th minute that this pressure paid off when Dylan Harkin played a great ball to Man of the Match Jack Shine who brilliantly jinxed his way through the defence and coolly slotted the ball into the left bottom corner.

Mallow started the second half with another great strike from from David Hyde, his powerful shot came off the post, but Tommy Downes was there to retrieve it and set up Ben Slattery who's shot into the top right hand corner gave the keeper no chance. Carrigaline got one back to put great pressure on the Mallow defence who held out brilliantly to the end. This win means Mallow A's will now meet the Mallow Premier side in the next round. A mouth-watering clash that should not be missed.

Team: Joe Doyle, Sean Woulfe, Owen O'Leary, John Willis, David Barrett, Peter Hyde, Jack Shine, Dylan Harkin, Ben Slattery, Tommy Downes, David Hyde.

Mallow had a narrow 2-1 win over Temple United in the FAI National Cup last Saturday morning at St. Gobnait's Park. This was a tough game for Mallow who had been going well of late and were up against lower division opposition in this cup game however Temple were well up to the task. After a tight opening quarter Temple took the lead on 25 minutes when a ball from the left wasn't dealt with and the Temple striker finished well. Mallow pushed for the equaliser before half time and got it on 35 minutes through a neat finish from top scorer Dave Barrow.

Mallow continued to press forward and took the game to Temple and got the winner on 70 minutes when a cross from the right from Niall O Keeffe was fumbled over the line by the Temple keeper. The home team saw out the final 10 minutes to move in to the next round.

Team: D. O 'Hare, C. Cronin, L. Murphy, E. O'Regan, J. Cosgrove, M. Dineen, N. O'Keeffe, H. Cosgrove, R. Harkin, D. Barrow, J. Dennehy

Subs: K. Walsh for J. Dennehy, D. O'Callaghan, P. Buckley, P. O'Connor.

Mallow United Under 14s played host to table toppers Tramore Athletic in this eagerly awaited test of both team's credentials.The game kicked off at a very high tempo with early chances falling to both sides.The central midfield pairing of Daniel O'Rourke and Oliver Tourai were at their best against this physical Tramore side, pushing balls wide left to Hughie Broderick who increasingly brought forwards Tom Murphy and Brandon Arrey into the game. Arrey proved a handful for Tramore and eventually turned supplier to "fox in the box" Broderick who slotted home on 25 minutes to give Mallow a marginally deserved lead.This was the spur for Tramore who threw everything but the kitchen sink at Mallow for the remainder of the half and but for the resolute defending of the back four of Ed Walsh, Dylan O'Callaghan, Daniel Ryan, and Adrian O'Connell it could easily have been level or worse.

The second half saw no let up from Tramore but right midfielder Glenn Kenefick and Tourai broke their hearts with their dogged covering. When eventually the Mallow defence was breached, keeper Shane O'Connell showed more of his marvellous form of late with two top class saves. The fresh legs of subs. Kieran Willis, Cian McCarthy, Kenneth O'Sullivan and Dylan Murphy helped to preserve this valuable lead.

Mallow kept their un-beaten run going against second placed Greenwood. Mallow took the lead through a great goal from David Hyde, quickly followed by a second. It was a great first half for Mallow as they scored a third goal through Tommy Downes. Greenwood pulled one back on the stroke of half time.

Greenwood started the second half with a goal, leaving the score 3-2. Mallow had their backs to the wall before Peter Hyde latched on to a great corner taken by Man of the Match Ben Slattery. Jack Shine added a fifth goal to see off Greenwood's challenge.

Team: Joe Doyle, Sean Woulfe, David Barrett, John Willis, Owen O Leary, Peter Hyde, Ben Slattery, Dylan Harkin, Jack Shine, Tommy Downes, David Hyde

Subs: Brian Carey, Alex Maas, Gavin Burke, Adam Scanlon, Alex Kibiahala.

Mallow continued thier good form with a 3-0 home win against Wilton in St Gobnaits Park last Saturday. The home team were well on top but were finding Wilton hard to break down. Mallow were unlucky not to be ahead when snapshots from both L. Attridge and D. Barrow failed to find the target. Then, just on half time, Mallow took the lead when a ball fell to L.Attridge on the edge of the box and he duly found the bottom corner.

Mallow continued to press on in the second half but failed to convert a couple of half chances and were glad when D. O'Hare made a great save to preserve the lead. Mallow got the all important second goal with five mintues left when substitute R. Harkin finished well and D. Barrow rounded off the scoring a mintue later with a fantastic shot which found the top corner.

Team; D. O'Hare, C. Cronin, L. Murphy, E. O'Regan, J. Cosgrove, H. Cosgrove, L. Attridge, N. O'Keeffe, D. Barrow, P. Buckley, J. Dennehy

Subs: M. Dineen for H. Cosgrove, R. Harkin for P. Buckley, K. Walsh for J. Dennehy, D. O'Callaghan, H. Barry, R. Cranitch, P. O'Connor

Mallow travelled to Cobh last Saturday morning for the 1st round of the FAI National Cup and came away with a comfortable 4-0 win against Springfield Ramblers. Mallow started brightly and took the game to the home team and had a couple of half chances early on but it took until the 30th minute mark before D. Barrow finished to the net from 10 yards.

The away team took that lead to the break and added to it 5 minutes into the second half when a corner from the right was headed in by D. O Callaghan. Mallow continued to pile on the pressure and got their third when substitute P. Buckley finished well. Mallow rounded off the scoring when left-back L. Murphy made a burst upfield and played a one-two with L. Attridge and then finding the corner of the net with a good shot under the keeper. Mallow would have added a few more goals but for some fine saves by the Springfield keeper. So a good start to the competition and a home draw against Temple in the next round.

Team: D. O Hare, C. Cronin, L. Murphy, H. Barry, E. O Regan, H. Cosgrove, L. Attridge, R. Cranitch, J. Dennehy, D. O Callaghan, D. Barrow.

Subs: M. Dineen for H. Cosgrove, M O Keeffe for R Cranitch, J Cosgrove for H. Barry, P. Buckley for D O Callaghan, D O Regan, P.O Connor.

Our Under 14s welcomed St. Mary's to St. Gobnait's Park on Sunday hoping to pick up where they left off at the end of last season with a home win. It was a very tetchy opening with both sides missing some early chances,but Mallow were first to break the deadlock. Ed Walsh crossed a lovely ball in and, under pressure from Kieran Willis, the Mary's keeper failed to deal with it. Enter Hughie Broderick for a complete poacher's finish and it was 1-0 Mallow.

This gave Mallow the boost they needed and they started to press hard. A neat one-two between Cory Hourigan and Tom Murphy cut Mary's defence open and resulted in Murphy being pulled down in the box. Hourigan converted the resulting penalty with a finish worthy of a pro now it was 2-0. This seemed to spur on Mary's and their pressure paid off with a free kick 25 yards out from Ray Walsh's goal. The wall did its job but the ball crept under the crossbar to beat Walsh. Within five minutes Mary's were on level terms after the central defensive pairing of Daniel Ryan and Dylan O'Callaghan got caught napping after another free kick.

Daniel Ryan was taken off injured at half time and Ray Walsh slotted in at centre half while Shane O'Connell went in between the sticks. While the second half saw Mallow start strong there were no clear openings but then enter Brandon Arrey, super sub, for Ed Walsh. Twenty seconds later a superb finish from Brandon saw Mallow at 3-2 up. Now,with their tails in the air it did'nt take long before Willis and Broderick teamed up to hammer another one home for United. While Cian McCarthy and Brandon kept piling on the pressure, Mary's didnt give up and gave full backs Adrian O'Connell and Adrianne Potoniec a tough time of it. However as in previous games it was the hardman of centre midfielder Oliver Tourai and stand in centre half Walsh that really put out St. Mary's fire.

United had a very comfortable 6-1 win away to Douglas Hall in their first league game of the season last Saturday morning. Right from the start Mallow took the game to Douglas and had a couple of half chances before Ryan Harkin gave them the lead on 15 minutes. Mallow continued to dominate but got caught when Douglas equalised on 35 minutes. Mallow upped the tempo from the start of the second half and had two goals in three minutes with Harkin getting his second and Dave Barrow also getting hid name on the score sheet. The away team pushed on from there and added three more goals through D. Barrow, E. O'Regan and D. O'Callaghan to give Mallow the perfect start to the season.

Team: D. O'Hare, C. Cronin, J. Dennehy, J. Cosgrove, E. O'Regan, K. Walsh, H. Cosgrove, L. Attridge, N. O'Keeffe, R. Harkin, D. Barrow

Subs: M. Dineen for L. Attridge, D. O'Callaghan for R. Harkin, H. Barry for J. Cosgrove, R. Cranitch for K. Walsh, D. O'Regan for D. Barrow, P. O'Connor, L. Murphy, M. Egan.

Up next was our King of the Penalties final. We ran 4 rounds of this competion throughout the 6-a-side competion with 2 winners each night quailifying for the final. This meant 8 people taking part on Final night. After a great tussle it came down to Kevin Cotter and Eoin Doyle with Kevin Cotter winning out

After this it was the main event with Mull's Hotshots taking on Mallow Youths for the Larry Kennan shield. This turned out to be a cracking game with Mallow Youths just edging it through a Pat Bowles goal. We would like to congratulate the winners and thank all the teams for taking part. Some photos can be seen here.

Wilton United 1 – 3 Mallow United

(Stephen O’Brien 41)(John Browne 13, Anthony Bowles 37, Keane Buckley 52)

Mallow United attained a unique achievement by claiming a second consecutive successive Under 11 Premier League title by winning their final game of the season. It was an away win versus Wilton United at an immaculate Lee Rd. Park on Saturday morning last, May 15th. In a last day decider which had all the permutations fit for the English Premier League, Mallow United had to match or better Springfield Ramblers result. Ramblers would start their day just a point behind Mallow, with their final game against Cup finalists College Corinthians in the VEC grounds in Cobh. All the while Carrigaline United were watching on more in hope than expectation as they started the morning level on points with Mallow but had finished their league programme. So only a combination of unlikely results would give Carrigaline the lifeline of a playoff scenario.

From the start Mallow took the game to Wilton and, cheered on by the large away support, settled well. The first opportunity of the game came in the third minute when a cross from Keane Buckley found Anthony Bowles in the box but a combination of early nerves and the presence of the Wilton defence bearing down on him meant it was to be a missed chance. Buckley was starting to cause the Wilton defence all sorts of problems and flashed a shot just off target. Mallow made the break-through in the 13th minute when a shot from just out-side the area by Joe Lane thundered back off the cross bar. The quickest to react was fellow striker John Browne who finished expertly with a diving header. The rest of the half was a succession of chances for Mallow with Kevin Taylor, Anthony Bowles, Keane Buckley and the tireless work horse who is Ronan Barrett all impressing in mid-field. Joe Lane and John Browne’s constant movement up front had the Wilton defence working over time, however Mallow could not improve on their one-nil lead and Wilton were glad of the half time whistle.

The second half was to turn out to be one of the most exciting of the season and played at an amazing pace which was a credit to both sets of young players. Mallow again started the brightest when front man Lane found himself straight through on goal after a pin point through ball from Taylor, however it just wasn’t happening for him as he shot high and wide. Mallow were to increase their lead in the 37th minute when yet more trickery from Buckley on the left found Bowles in the box but unlike in the early moments of the game he made no mistake and coolly found the bottom corner of the Wilton net. Many in the ground would have been forgiven if they thought that this was going to be the start of the celebrations for Mallow .However Wilton had other ideas and were going to make sure that they weren’t going to be accused of handing Mallow the title.

Wilton started to press the Mallow defence who up to this point had a fairly comfortable morning and after winning three corners in succession scored a fantastic goal. With the corner swung in Mallow failed to clear their lines and the ball fell to Wilton centre half Stephen O’Brien who drilled a ball from all on 20 yards which left Mallow Keeper James Lowe Fogarty with no chance. Wilton had the majority of play at this stage put the Mallow back four of Dillon Mc Aulliffe, Jack Creedon, Trevor Mc Evoy and Daire Cronin Jenks held firm and showed just why the management team had such faith in these four . Four players who were a constant fixture in the team throughout the season, along with Keeper Lowe Fogarty who only leaked a miserly 12 goals in 18 games. His hard work proved to be the best defence record in the league by a country mile. However Wilton showed no desire for statistics or reputations and continued to press. Mallow nearly came unstuck in the 50th minute when a ball over the top found two Wilton players behind the Mallow back four. The cries of off-side from the Mallow contingent in the crowd fell on the deaf ears of the referee and but for a spectacular save from Lowe-Fogarty Mallow surely would’ve been in trouble.

Mallow United found the strength in depth they’ve relied on so many times throughout the season and again pressed on. Chances again came and went with substitute Eoghan Sheehan missing from close range. However on a day when Mallow were destined to shine, man of the match Keane Buckley picked up the ball wide on the left just inside the opposition's half and went on a trade mark run beating three players before coolly slotting past the un-rushing Wilton keeper. Mallow were to see out the rest of the game in the comfort zone, and Jamie Lynes contributed well as a substitute for Ronan Barrett.

After the final whistle there was a mixed reaction of delight and relief for the Mallow United players, management, and supporters. Team captain Trevor Mc Evoy received the Kevin Dillon U-11 Premier League Cup from Cork Schoolboy League Secretary Mr. Eddie Doyle on behalf of the team.

Manager Seanie Browne was delighted with the win and paid tribute to all 16 players in the squad for their hard work and determination to improve and compete at the highest level throughout the season. He also thanked the parents who supported the lads throughout the year and ensured they were always at training and drove to all the away matches. He also paid special tribute to Darren Browne who picked up an injury whilst playing with the junior team early on in the season, who then gave up his time to help coach the lads and became an integral part of the coaching staff.

Next up for the lads will be the Danone Cup which will be run in the coming weeks.

Squad: James Lowe Fogarty, Dillon Mc Aulliffe, Jack Creedon, Trevor Mc Evoy (c), Daire Cronin Jenks, Kevin Taylor, Anthony Bowles, Ronan Barrett, John Browne, Joe Lane, Keane Buckley, Stephen O’ Callaghan, Billy O’Malley, Eoghan Sheehan, Jamie Lynes, Joshua Byavu.

Photos here.

Mallow United 2 -2 Leeside

Last Sunday before a large crowd in the Town Park Mallow went in to the last game 3 points ahead of Leeside. Mallow began well and had a goal disallowed after 10 minutes when Ian Carpenter was adjudged to have pushed the defender. Mallow were on top in the opening quarter and went ahead after 20 minutes when Pat Bowles headed home from a corner. It got better for Mallow 10 minutes later when Micheal Riordan went on a great run to score into the corner. Mallow sat back a bit too much and were punished just before the break.

It was now game on in the second half with Mallow United having chances to make it 3-1 but they were rocked midway through the half when Leeside made it 2-2. Leeside now knew another goal would give them a play off. Thankfully Mallow were playing better football and Mick Riordon and Garry Shine went close to putting Mallow out of sight. It was a nervous last few mintues but Mallow held out .There were great scenes at the end when Mallow were presented with the cup.

Well done to Martin O'Regan and Pat Bowles as well as the panel of players for this well deserved title.

Mallow kept up the good form of late with a comfortable 4-1 win over UCC last Saturday at the Town Park.

The home team dominated this game from the start but again missed a lot of chances and had to depend on the award of a penalty for their first goal when J O'Driscoll was up ended in the box and Derek O'Flynn again converted to send Mallow in at the break a goal to the good.

The second half saw little change for UCC with the home team piling on the pressure and they quickly put the game beyond the visitors with goals from J O'Driscoll, J O'Connell and J Clow. UCC did pull one back before the end but it was too little too late. Mallow continue with another home game on Tuesday against Glasheen.

Team: W Corcoran, B Doody, Den O'Flynn, T Coakley, D O'Keeffe, J Lehane, K Curran, J McCarthy, J O'Driscoll, Derek O'Flynn, R Willis

Subs: J O'Connell for J Lehane, J Clow for K Curran, A Bucke for J McCarthy.

After the disappointment of the late goal on Tuesday night Mallow got back on track on Thursday with a good 2-1 win at home to College Corinthians.

Mallow again started well and had a few chances before they got the opening goal when on 25 mintues the referee awarded Mallow a penalty for hand ball and Derek O Flynn stepped up to give Mallow the lead. The home team continued to press and on the hour mark got the second when Tom Coakley got his first goal of the season when he finished from close range. College got one back with 10 mins left but Mallow held on for the win.

Team: W Corcoran, E McCarthy, Den O'Flynn, T Coakley, B Doody, J O'Connell, A Bucke, J Clow, J O'Driscoll, Der O'Flynn, K Curran

Subs: J Lehane for Derek O'Flynn, R Willis for J O'Driscoll, J McCarthy for A Bucke.

Mallow came away from the Town Park very disappointed after this game with local rivals Fermoy when conceding an equaliser right on the final whistle to end the game 3-3.

Mallow started brightly playing some good football but could not make the breakthrough and found themselves a goal down after fiftteen mintues when a ball broke at the edge of the Mallow box where a Fermoy midfielder shot to the bottom corner to give the visitors the lead. Mallow got back on level terms five mintues later when a cross from the left was finished from twelve yards by Derek O'Flynn but again some slack defending by Mallow gave Fermoy the lead again. But to there credit Mallow responed before the break when top scorer Jay Clow found space in the area to finish and leave the half time score 2-2.

Mallow came out in the second half and put the pressure on Fermoy and got their reward with twenty mintues to go when a cross from the left was well finished by the in running James McCarthy for his second goal in a week. As the clock ran down Mallow looked to have done enough but with ninety mintues up Fermoy got a corner on the right and after a few touches in the box the ball ended up in the Mallow net to leave the visitors home with a share of the points.

Team: W Corcoran, B Doody, Den O'Flynn, A Jones, D O'Keeffe, J Lehane, A Bucke, J McCarthy, R Willis, J Clow, Derek O Flynn

Subs: T Coakley for A Jones, E McCarthy for J Lehane, J O Driscoll.

Mallow travelled away to Everton last Saturday evening and came away with the three points after a comfortable win. Mallow never looked in danger of losing this game and were in control from the off on what was a very warm day. Mallow took the lead after five minutes when a through ball was played to Jay Clow who finished very well. Mallow should have extended their lead on more than one occasion in the first half but due to some dodgy offside calls and some poor finishing they failed to do so.

Everton started the second half brightly and got back on level terms ten minutes in but from then on it was all Mallow with sub Derek O'Flynn tapping in from close range and then setting up Jay Clow for his second. James McCarthy then got on the score sheet when he broke from midfield and chipped the keeper from the edge of the box. Jay Clow completed his hat trick in the last minute when he took the ball past a few defenders and then rounded the keeper to finish the scoring. Mallow have a busy week ahead with four games in a week.

Team: W Corcoran, B Doody, Denis Flynn, T Coakley, D O'Keeffe, J Lehane, J McCarthy, J O'Connell, R Willis, J Clow, K Curran

Subs: A Bucke, Derek Flynn

Mallow United's Under 15’s took six points from two games in four days with two fantastic wins home and away against Nufarm Ath. The first of these wins came on St.Patricks Day when a Liam Attridge free kick sealed the the points. The game itself was a tough physical battle with the Mallow lads showing great spirit and commitment. The back four of Hugh Barry, Eoin O’Regan, John Cosgrove and Dave Barrow were outstanding all through and never gave the Nufarm attack a look in.

The midfield four of Kieran Walsh, Liam Attridge, Mark Dinneen and John Dennehy fought for every ball while up front Harry Cosgrove and Ryan Harkin were causing all sorts of problems for the Nufarm defence. Although Mallow played the better football Nufarm did hit the crossbar with a long range effort but real chances were few and far between.

The game became a bit ragged in the second half and looked to be heading for a scoreless draw when Harry Cosgrove was brought down on the edge of the box. Up stepped Liam Attridge to drill the ball into the back of the net. Nufarm piled on the pressure in the final minutes but found Paul O’Connor in top form in the Mallow goal.

Team: Paul O’Connor, Dave Barrow, Eoin O’Regan, John Cosgrove, Hugh Barry, John Dennehy, Liam Attridge, Mark Dinneen, Kieran Walsh, Harry Cosgrove, Ryan Harkin.

Subs: Lorcan Murphy, Indrashis, Davin O’Regan, Adam Kerley and Finbarr Carroll.

Mallow United's Under 15’s put themselves right back into the promotion race with a sensational away win against Nufarm Athletic in Cork last Sunday morning. The win was down to character and spirit and a never say die attitude that took the three points with the last kick of the game. Mallow started the game brightly but Nufarm gradually took control and pinned the visitors in their own half for long peroids. Nufarm took the lead after twenty five minutes when a corner kick wasn't dealt with by the Mallow defence and a Nufarm attacker headed to the net.

The second half saw Mallow take control and they equalised when Ryan Harkin’s deft header put Liam Attridge through and he calmly slotted home under the keeper. Within minutes Nufarm were ahead again when a rocket of a shot from twenty five yards flew into the top corner of the net. Other teams may have thrown in the towel but this Mallow team is made of sterner stuff.

Mallow switched Liam Attridge to attack and brought Harry Cosgrove to midfield. This seemed to work with Harry winning some great tackles and Liam looking dangerous up front. The equaliser came with ten minutes remaining after some lovely build up play and once again Liam Attridge was on hand to rifle home from the edge of the area. Most teams would have settled for a draw but Mallow surged forward and got their reward when Ryan Harkin was put through and just as he was about to score the keeper brought him down. Up stepped Dave Barrow to take the penalty and even though the keeper saved his first attempt he cooly slotted home the rebound to secure the three points.

Team: Paul O’Connor, Lorcan Murphy, Cian Cronin, John Cosgrove, Dave Barrow, John Dennehy, Mark Dinneen, Liam Attridge, Kieran Walsh, Harry Cosgrove, Ryan Harkin.

Subs: Hugh Barry, Finbarr Carroll, Davin O’Regan, Indrashis.

The Mallow United Juniors got their John Hayes Trophy campaign off to a good start with a 4-3 home win against city side College Corintians B last Saturday evening at the Town Park. Mallow got off to the perfect start when a mistake in the College backline was pounced on by James O Driscoll to give the home team the lead after only 40 seconds.College Cors got back into it on the half hour mark when a corner from the left was headed in at the back post .Mallow were in control for the most part and regained the lead five minutes from the break when right winger Jay Clow picked up the ball thirty yards out and let fly and found the top corner leaving the keeper no chance,Mallow continued to dominate the game but not putting their chances away and again left College back in to make it 2-2.Mallow upped their game and a headed goal from James O Driscoll and a penalty from Derek O Flynn should have made it easy to see out the game but they dropped their guard and College pulled another one with the last kick of the game.So Mallow move on to a second round tie away to St Marys.
Team; W Corcoran,J Madden,DenisFlynn,T Coakley,D O Keeffe,J McCarthy,J Lehane,J Clow,J O Driscoll,Derek Flynn,A Bucke.Subs;A Jones for J Lehane,K Curran for J Clow,R Willis for J O Driscoll

Mallow United's Under 15’s played host to Youghal Utd in St. Joseph’s Rd last Sunday morning. The stiff breeze made it hard to control the ball, but Mallow started well and created two good chances in the first ten minutes both falling to Kieran Walsh but unfortunately he was off target on each occasions. After this the game became very scrappy with both sides having difficulty controlling the ball. Youghal began to put pressure on the Mallow defence, and it came as no surprise when they took the lead shortly before the break. Some good passing in midfield saw the Youghal center forward hit a great shot from the edge of the box. The shot came back off the crossbar and the Youghal winger reacted quickest to head home.

Mallow took up the running early in the second half and equalized after fifteen minutes. Harry Cosgrove was brought down on the edge of the box and Liam Attridge struck the free kick over the wall and into the corner of the net. The goal seemed to galvanize the home team as they pushed forward in search of a winner. Dan O’Callaghan drove a great ball across the box and Harry Cosgrove slid in only for the keeper to make a great save. Another cross from the left from John Dennehy saw the keeper scramble the ball away to safety. At the other end Paul O’Connor pulled off a great save right at the death to earn Mallow a well deserved point.

Team: Paul O’Connor, Hugh Barry, Cian Cronin, John Cosgrove, Dave Barrow, Roy Cranwitch, Mark Dinneen, Liam Attridge, John Dennehy, Kieran Walsh, Harry Cosgrove.

Subs: Dan O’Callaghan, Lorcan Murphy, Indrashis, Adam Kerley, and Davin O’Regan.

Mallow United's Under 15’s played host to Douglas Hall in the Cork Schoolboys Cup last Sunday, and were very unlucky to come out on the wrong side of a five goal thriller. Mallow who are mid table in the 2nd Division were complete underdogs against the 1st Division leaders Douglas Hall. However they were more than a match for their opponents and once again showed that they can hold their own against any oppisition if they could just get a small bit more consistancy into their game.

Mallow began the game very well and knocked the ball around with some crisp passing. Liam Attridge and Mark Dinneen were on top in the middle of the pitch and with John Dennehy and Dave Barrow playing some great football down the left hand side Mallow looked the more likely side to score. Up front Harry Cosgrove put in a tremendous shift always showing for the ball and bringing his midfielders into the game. He also worked tirelessly at chasing down defenders and never gave them time to settle.

Against the run of play Douglas Hall took the lead when a cross wasn't dealt with by the Mallow defence and the Douglas centre forward scored from close range. In fairness to the Mallow lads they took the game by the scruff of the neck and deservedly equalised before the break. Some lovely passing down the left between John Dennehy and Dave Barrow set up Liam Attridge, who beat his man and hit a tremendous shot from twenty yards out into the back of the net. At this stage Mallow didn't want the half to end, such was their dominance. The start of the second half did not see this dominance rewarded and right from the kick off after the break Douglas Hall scored from a ball that should have been cleared. Mallow again showed great character and never dropped their heads. They continued to play good football and equalised with fifteen minutes to play. After good work on the right by subsitutes Hugh Barry and Finbarr Carroll the ball found its way to John Dennehy coming in from the left and his thunderous shot gave the Hall keeper no chance. As the clock ticked into the final minutes both teams were looking a little tired after their efforts. The visitors snatched the winner almost on full time when the centre forward was allowed to turn and shoot past Paul O’Connor in the Mallow goal. Heartbreak for the Mallow lads in one of their best performances of the season.

Team: Paul O’Connor, Lorcan Murphy, Cian Cronin, John Cosgrove, Dave Barrow, John Dennehy, Liam Attridge, Mark Dinneen, Kieran Walsh, Harry Cosgrove, Adam Kerley.

Subs : Hugh Barry, Finbarr Carroll, Mark Egan, Indrashis, Brian Moloney.

There was a big setback for the Mallow Utd Juniors last Sunday morning when they suffered their firsh defeat since September. They travelled to Cobh in great heart after some fine performances recently but found themselves on the wrong end of a 4-1 result. Mallow fell behind after ten minutes when a free kick from the right was finished to the net. The away team got back into the game five minutes later when a Derek Flynn corner was put in by Anthony Jones, but having got themselves back in the game they conceded two sloppy goals to trail 3-1 at the break.

Mallow came out for the second half and really took the game to Cobh but found them difficult to break down and as Mallow pushed on they left gaps at the back which the home team took advantage of and added a fourth goal before the end. So a dissapointing result but one we wont be dwelling on as we start the defence of our Junior Super Cup next Saturday away to Blarney.

Team: W Corcoran, B Doody, Denis Flynn, Anthony Jones, T Coakley ,J Lehane, K Curran, G Sweeney, J O'Driscoll, Derek Flynn, A Bucke

Subs: J Clow for A Bucke, J McCarthy for J Lehane, M Buckley for K Curran. Not used: J Madden, D O'Keeffe, M Scanlon, E McCarthy.

Mallow United's U.15’s had to settle for a share of the spoils with Avondale Utd in Cork last Sunday morning. Played on a very poor pitch the game was a very scrappy affair, with the ball spending more time out of play then on the pitch.The very rough and uneven surface did nothing to aid both teams attempt to play a passing game.

Paul O’Connor was the busier keeper in the first half and he dealt comfortably with any ball that came his way. In central defence John Cosgrove and Cian Cronin were very prominent, while the hard working Roy Crannitch and John Dennehy worked tirelessly before both had to leave the pitch with injuries in the second half.

Up front Kieran Walsh and Harry Cosgrove tried hard with very little quality ball coming their way. The second half saw Mallow gain the upper hand and they deservedly took the lead when Liam Attridge crossed for Kieran Walsh who set up John Dennehy and he controlled the ball well before side footing home for the lead. Very little happened in the game after this until five minutes from time when a needless free kick ended with Avondale scrambling home the equaliser.

Team: Paul O’Connor, Finbarr Carroll, Cian Cronin, John Cosgrove, Dave Barrow, Roy Crannitch, Liam Attridge, Mark Dinneen, John Dennehy, Kieran Walsh, Harry Cosgrove.

Subs used: Hugh Barry, Dan O’Callaghan, Davin O’Regan and Mark Egan.

Mallow Juniors travelled to Brooklodge last Saturday and produced their best performance of the season with a very convincing 6-1 win.The only real danger to Mallow came in the very first minute when Will Corcoran had to get down well to make a good save.However from there Mallow took over and on twenty five minutes a long throw from Jason Lehane broke kindly for Adrian Bucke on the edge of the box and he let fly with his right leg and it darted into the top corner for a great goal. Five minutes later Mallow extended their lead with another excellent goal this time James O Driscoll volleying home from 12 yards from a quick free kick from the right.

Mallow didn't take long to get going after the break when five minutes in a kick out was flicked on into the path of Derek Flynn who dispatched an unstoppable shot to the net. With Brooklodge on the back foot Mallow kicked on with substitute Jay Clow getting on the end of a cross to make it 4-0. Soon after this Brooklodge got one back but any chance of a comeback was soon ended when Clow got his second with a shot from the edge of the box which found the bottom corner. The away team finished the rout in the last minute when Derek Flynn scored a penalty after Kevin Curran was brought down inside the box. St Marys away next week will be another tough game.

Team: W Corcoran, B Doody, Denis Flynn, A Jones, T Coakley, J Lehane, K Curran, M Buckley, J O'Driscoll, Derek Flynn, A Bucke.

Subs: J Clow for J O'Driscoll, G Sweeney for J Lehane, J Madden for A Bucke. Not used K Aherne, M Scanlon, R Willis.

Last Saturday evening Mallow Juniors travelled to Ringmahon and came away with all three points after a good 4 - 1 win. Mallow had the better of the early exchanges no clear cut chances resulted but they were thankful for a couple of good saves from Mick Murphy late in the half.

The second half started much the same but on the hour Mallow broke the deadlock when a scramble in the box ended as the ball came to James O'Driscoll who finished to the net. Mallow should have pulled away after this but Ringmahon got themselves back in the game when a corner was not cleared and the ball was headed in from close range. From here to the end Mallow took control of the game when substitute Jay Clow teed up O'Driscoll to finish from six yards. Two minutes later O Driscoll completed his hat trick when he chipped the Ringmahon keeper from the edge of the box. Jay Clow made it four in injury time with O'Driscoll squaring for him to tap in.

Team : M. Murphy, B. Doody, Denis Flynn, K. Aherne, T. Coakley, J. Lehane, K. Curran, M. Buckley, J. O'Driscoll, Derek Flynn, A. Bucke.

Subs : A. Jones for K. Aherne, J. Clow for Derek Flynn, J. McCarthy for M. Buckley

Subs not used : J. Madden, G. Sweeney.

On our long awaited return to action last Saturday the Mallow Juniors played out a 1-1 draw with city side Crofton Celtic. Even up to the kickoff this game looked like it may not go ahead with heavy fog putting it in danger but with the referee and both teams eager for it to happen it got under way. The early exchanges were fairly even with both teams happy to try and get settled into the game. but then the home team began to up the tempo. A few half chances came their way with the best of them falling to right winder Kevin Curran when the ball was laid into his path just inside the box. However his shot was well saved by the Crofton keeper. A few minutes before the break Mallow scored when a free kick from James O'Driscoll was only parried by the keeper. Ken Ahearne followed in to finish from a few yards to give Mallow the half time lead.

Mallow started the second period well and should have added to their one goal lead. They were made to pay for not scoring when a ball from the right was headed in at the back post for Crofton's equaliser. Both teams pushed for the winner to no avail. A draw was probably a fair result for both sides and it was a nice opener for the busy months ahead.

Team : W. Corcoran, B. Doody, Denis Flynn, K. Aherne, T. Coakley, J. Lehane, M. Buckley, A. Bucke, J. O'Driscoll, Derek Flynn, K. Curran.

Subs : J. Clow for K. Curran, J. McCarthy for M. Buckley, G. Sweeney for J. Lehane. Not Used : C. Murphy, R. Downey, M Scanlon, A. Jones.

Mallow United Under 15’s cruised into the next round of the Cork Schoolboys Cup with an emphatic win over Douglas Hall in Mallow last Sunday.

In truth Mallow had the game wrapped up after half an hour during which they scored four goals and the rest of the game was merely a training session. Mallow opened the scoring after five minutes when John Dennehy sent Dave Barrow down the left and his mesmerising run past three players saw him pick out Liam Attridge who volleyed home from ten yards. A couple of minutes later they doubled their lead when John Dennehy’s deep cross from the left found Kieran Walsh who hit an unstoppable shot from twelve yards into the roof of the net. Mallow continued to press and went three up ten minutes later when Liam Attridge’s corner was headed on by John Cosgrove for Harry Cosgrove to react fastest and prod the ball home.

The Douglas Hall defence was working overtime at this stage and only some last ditch defending and good goalkeeping kept the score down. However goal number four arrived ten minutes before the break when Kieran Walsh siezed on a poor clearance and drilled a great shot into the corner of the net from the edge of the box. With the game over as a contest Mallow made a host of substitutions after the break and though the game lost a bit of edge they created numerous chances. The fifth goal arrived when another John Dennehy cross found Harry Cosgrove lurking at the back post and he sidefooted home for his second of the match. The sixth came when Dan O’Callaghan’s great pass found Chris Reilly out wide and he sprinted into the box and hammered a low shot to the back of the net. All in all a good workout after another long break due to the recent bad weather.

Team : Paul O’Connor, Finbarr Carroll, Cian Cronin, John Cosgrove, Dave Barrow, Roy Cranwitch, Liam Attridge, Mark Dinneen, John Dennehy, Harry Cosgrove, Kieran Walsh.

Subs Used : Lorcan Murphy, Dan O’Callaghan, Adam Kerley, Jack Downes, Chris Reilly.

Kevin Taylor (18, 31, 46), Trevor Mc Evoy 36, Tarik Yilmaz 57

On Saturday afternoon Mallow United’s Under 11 Premier team got the new year off to a perfect start with a hard earned 5-0 win over local rivals Blarney United in extremely difficult underfoot conditions at St. Josephs Road.The one o’clock kick-off time for this fixture had to be delayed due to the harsh weather conditions being experienced and at one stage it looked like the game would not be played. However match official Gerry Lynch, after consultations with both management teams, decided to get the game underway.

Both teams started the game off slowly with players taking time to get used to the slippery underfoot conditions. Mallow started to settle first and on 11 minutes had the game's first chance when Keane Buckley broke down the left hand side and his cross found Anthony Bowles who couldn’t get the touch he required to put the ball into the goal and ionstead shot tamely wide. The next 10 minutes or so was all one way traffic with Mallow applying constant pressure on the visitors, and the home side could easily have gone ahead with efforts from Keane Buckley, John Browne and Stephen O’Callaghan. Mallow had to wait until the 18th minute for the breakthrough when another sweeping move found Kevin Taylor in the box and he duely supplied the finishing touch from close range to put Mallow one nil up.

This spurred Blarney United into action and they applied decent pressure on Mallow for the remainder of the half but the back four of Ronan Barrett, Jack Creedon, Trevor McEvoy, and the ever improving Daire Cronin-Jenks kept the Blarney attackers limited to long range efforts which were well handled by goalkeeper James Lowe-Fogarty.

On the resumption of the second half Mallow United hit Blarney with a blitz and effectively killed the game in a ten minute spell. The first emerged from the kickoff when Kevin Taylor received a through ball from Trevor Mc Evoy from that kickoff and duly scored from just outside the penalty area. Then after more Mallow pressure Mallow were awarded a corner and centre half Mc Evoy latched onto Buckley’s corner to slot the ball home from 12 yards. Mallow continued to pile the pressure on Blarney and on 46 minutes Taylor completed his hat-trick when he got the slightest of touches to guide Stephen O’ Callaghan’s long range effort past the Blarney keeper.

Blarney did manage to get in around the Mallow defence and their best chance came from a free kick just outside the box. However good handling yet again from James Lowe-Fogarty eased any pressure being applied. Mallow’s 5th goal came in the closing minutes after good work from Buckley found Tarik Yilmaz in the box and he scored to round off a good second half display from the home team.

This was a good display from the Mallow players in difficult conditions and is ideal preparation for the upcoming fixtures which will see them play in the 5th round of the National Cup, and meet the big teams pushing for the Premier league title. There will be a lot tougher games ahead and the lads will have to draw on all their strengths and skills to continue on their good start to the year.

Team : Lowe-Fogarty, Barrett, Creedon, Mc Evoy (c), Cronin-Jenks, Taylor, Browne, O’Callaghan, Bowles, Sheehan, Buckley.

Subs : McAulliffe for Creedon (30), Yilmaz for Sheehan (42), O’Malley for Barrett (47), Lynes for Bowles (51), Byavu for Cronin-Jenks (57).