Soccer
Balla Secondary School v Nagle Community College
1, Feb 2014 - 16:11

UMBRO FAI Schools John Murphy All Ireland Cup Semi Final (Senior ‘B' Boys)
January 30, 2014
Nagle Community College, Mahon, Cork 2-3 Balla Secondary School, Mayo.

Scorers

Balla Secondary School

BALLA SECONDARY SCHOOL defeated reigning All Ireland Champions, Nagle Community College in a five goal thriller in Aisling Annacotty this afternoon (Thursday, January 30)
Seán Geasley's side had a phenomenal record in this competition in recent years as Nagle were bidding for their fourth consecutive appearance in an All Ireland Final having reigned supreme since 2011. The Mahon lads won the title that year, were runners up in 2012 and captured the title again for a second time last season as they overcame neighbouring Our Lady's SS, Belmullet in the Cup Final.
Twelve months on and Geasley had eight players returning, ensuring the odds were stacked in their favour, however their top scorer was absent from today's proceedings as he picked up a suspension in their Provincial win over St. Peter's CS, Passage West.
Balla were riding high on their own successes following a magnificent win over Inverin of Galway in their provincial heat.
The Mayo side had an impressive starting eleven named as Mayo minor keeper Matthew Flanagan lined out between the sticks. The ever impressive Liam Flatley and Cian Mannion also featured alongside talisman Gerry Canavan.
This tantalising tie came to life in the 8th minute when Canavan struck a sweet right footed effort just inside the box to test Nagle's number one who dealt confidently to deflect the ball over his own bar.
Seconds later Nagle were showing their form as a counter attack down the left flank by Ryan O'Mahony saw the ball drift dangerously to the far post of the Balla net. However the versatile Flanagan got a full stretch on to palm the ball to safety
Liam Flatley and Bryan Walsh combined well for the latter to have his effort sail over the upright on 13 minutes.
A thunderous 30 yard pile driver from Eoghan Daly signalled Nagle's intentions early on as long range attempts were rifling across Flanagan's crossbar by Jordan O'Regan and Eric Santry in a matter of minutes
The game was evolving at a higher tempo as the interval was fast approaching.
The dangerously astute Gerry Canavan capitalised on a defensive error to rifle a super volley past Cian O'Connor with 41 minutes registered.
No sooner had the Balla students settled following their jubilant celebrations but Nagle had levelled matters within the minute as Jordan O'Regan shot from inside the box.
1-1 at half time
Liam Flatley assisted with Canavan's second of the afternoon on 53 minutes as Balla took the game to the reigning Champions.
The hat-trick was completed inside the hour as a brilliantly weighted pass from Cian Mannion found Canavan down the left wing. The youngster lobbed O'Connor as the ball drifted perfectly inside the top corner much to the delight of mentor Kenneth Nally
The Connacht contingency may have thought they had things wrapped up but Nagle were of a different opinion as Ryan O'Mahony produced a spectacular goal from 15 yards out to take it back to 3-2 with 25 minutes remaining.
Eoín O'Neill was introduced for Darren Murray as Balla dug deep to maintain the slight advantage
Kelvin Forde, Robert Lynam and Jordan O'Regan were impressive for Nagle as Seán Geasley looked on anxiously awaiting the equaliser.
Both teams ended the game with 10 men following the dismissal of Nagle Captain Liam Coleman in the 80th minute. This was followed shortly after with the referee brandishing a second yellow and subsequent red to sharp shooter Gerry Canavan ensuring a pulsating conclusion to this crunch encounter.
Matthew Flanagan maintained his composure in the goal mouth to deny the Nagle blitz that followed ensuring his team maintain their unbeaten run as they go in search of All Ireland success
The westerners will now meet St. Tiernan's Community School, Balally in this year's Cup Final. A new name will be etched onto the John Murphy Cup come February 12 as the hotly contested showpiece will determine the honours.

Balla Secondary School

BALLA SECONDARY SCHOOL: Matthew Flanagan, Dylan Padden, Colm Murphy, Dave Clarke, Shane Conway, Ben Freyne, Cian Mannion, Darren Murray (Eóin O'Neill 67), Bryan Walsh, Liam Flatley, Gerry Canavan
Subs not used: Jason Barrett, Keelan McDonnell, Luke Ralph, Ciaran Kilkenny
Teacher: Kenneth Nally

Captains Nagle v Balla

NAGLE COMMUNITY COLLEGE, MAHON: Cian O'Connor, Aaron Quilligan, Jay Dondolo, Keelyn Cotter, Liam Coleman (Capt), Eric Santry, Ryan O'Mahony, Eoghan Daly, Jordan O'Regan, Robert Lynam, Kelvin Forde,
Subs not used: Alan O'Mahony, James O'Callaghan, Michael Morris, Nathan Screenan, Jordan Collins

Teacher: Seán Geasley

REFEREE: John McNamara (Limerick)