General
- Friday November 24th, 2017 @ 16:30
Saints U15 In League Final Action
St Patrick's Athletic under 15's can make history tomorrow night in the inaugral SSE Airtricity National U15 League Final when they face Athlone Town in Lissywollen on Saturday night (kick-off 7pm, Lissywollen).
The Saints advanced to the final having overcome Bray Wanderers 2-1 in the Semi-Finals two weeks ago thanks to goals from Cian Leavy and Kyle Conway, and having previously beaten Sligo Rovers in the knockout stages and topping their group with a record of nine wins and a draw from their 10 games.
Looking ahead to the game, U15's manager Dennis Hyland is delighted the players have the chance to play in the final following all their hard work this season.
"The first part of the U15 league is very short, but we are happy to be in the final and it has been competitive all the way. Nine of our players are 2002 and nine are 2003, so we will have the younger players again for next season which is great for us," Hyland told the Soccer Show podcast.
Athlone Town have only lost one game this term, recording wins over St Kevin's Boys, UCD, and Galway United in the group stage. A quarter-final victory in Waterford followed before victory at Finn Harps. Reflecting on the semi-final win over Bray and the challenge his side now face against Athlone, Hyland admitted that it will be a big test for the 'Supersaints'.
"[The Semi-Final] was tough as Bray are a physically strong side, but luckily it went for us on the day and now we are really looking forward to the final.
"We have had a look at Athlone and they are a really hard working team with some good individuals. There is a great togetherness about them which is a sign of a really strong team. Athlone have probably come out of the strongest group as well, so it will be a tough game. Like ourselves, you don't get to the final without being a decent team."
Everyone at St Patrick's Athletic FC wishes the under 15's the best of luck on Saturday night in the game - all support welcome on the night!
SSE Airtricity National Under 15 League Final
Saturday, November 25: Athlone Town v St Patrick's Athletic, Athlone Town Stadium, KO 7pm