This was the U16As’ first outing on the new astro, which is fantastic for the club, and the lads marked it with a cup win to remember.

Carrigtwohill settled quickly and got their reward on 21 minutes. Billi Bilonda Kanku was brought down, Killian O’Halloran swung in the free kick, and Rian Newman met it with a powerful header to put the lads in front.

Avondale hit back on 38 minutes to make it 1–1, and that’s how it stayed at the break.

The whole squad played its part. David Gilley made key saves in goal, behind a back line of Matthew Board, Alex Doyle, Hilary Ibeh, Killian O’Halloran and Rian Connolly. In midfield, Sam Crowley, Flynn Connolly, Noah Foley, Alex Menez Castro, Dylan Hornibrook and Maurice O’Connor worked tirelessly, winning the ball and keeping the play flowing. Up front, Rian Newman, Billi Bilonda Kanku, Milosz Giec and Samuel Kelly gave the Avondale defence no peace.

Avondale took the lead for the first time on 48 minutes, and the lads had to show real character. They did, hitting back on 60 minutes with a moment of quality. Sam Crowley won the ball and played it to Samuel Kelly, who found Milosz Giec. Milosz then beat three defenders and slotted it home to make it 2–2.

The winner came on 75 minutes, and what a goal it was! Killian O’Halloran picked up the ball outside the box and unleashed a strike from 30 yards that flew into the far top corner.

The lads stood firm until the final whistle to seal a 3–2 win and a place in the next round.

Joint Players of the Match: Flynn Connolly, who worked tirelessly and was a rock in midfield all game, and Killian O’Halloran, who set up the opener and scored a stunning winner.