U19s v Cork preview

CORK CITY NEXT UP FOR UNDER 19’S

After two successive home wins, against Shelbourne and Drogheda United respectively, the Hoops’ Under 19 team will make the journey south this coming Sunday to take on Cork City at Bishopstown.

Looking back on last Saturday’s 2-1 win against Drogheda, manager Declan Hevey acknowledged that although the goals came late he was more than satisfied with the performance. “I was very pleased with our overall performance, I felt that we completely dominated the game and owned possession. We had nineteen shots on target and got caught with a sucker punch to go behind in the game.

“Even though we scored so late I felt that we deserved the win. The victory wasn’t fortuitous in any way. Big John (Tambwe), who made his debut for us, made an impact as did the other two subs we brought on. We finished the game with one midfielder and six attackers. They are a great bunch of lads and they bonding well.”

Last Monday night’s Leinster Senior Cup final against St. Pat’s CY saw Dean Ebbe play the entire second half. Ebbe and James Mullaney (also on the bench) had previously played in the competition this year. Current Under 19 players Nathan Brown, Mark Sandford, Stephen Morris and Dylan Kearney were all on the bench. Many of last season’s Under 19 squad played in the earlier rounds of the Cup including Jack Memery who lined out and Monday and who has moved up to the first team. “It was a great opportunity and experience for the lads to have been involved on Monday”, said Hevey.

Dean Ebbe is a player who continues to improve. “Dean has the overall desire and drive to get the crowd going. He played really well on Monday. He hasn’t got the goals yet this season but they will come; last season he had scored just two up to Christmas but then finished the season with twenty.”

Hevey has no doubts that Sunday’s game against Cork will be a big test for his young team: “It’s a tough game for us against the champions Cork City and we will have to be at our very best against them.”