Kyle kills off Robins’ hopes

PHOTOS:
Winners Prendergast Villa and runners up Milford United

Under 13s Cup Final:

Milford United 1 - Prendergast Villa 2

Venue: Monkton Lane, Monkton Swifts

Referee: Neil Crawshaw

Assistants: Steve Williams; Alan Buckfield

Central midfielder Kyle O’Sullivan was the toast of his young Prendergast Villa team mates as his last-gasp goal from outside the Milford United penalty area gave his team the under 13s Cup for this season.

Perhaps the Young Robins’ outfit started as very slight favourites after the teams tied for third place in the league but they won at home and drew away against The Villa – and the contest was as competitive as expected as The Villa took the lead before United levelled matters with 15 minutes left of an exciting tussle.

O’Sullivan’s strike settles it

But then O’Sullivan gave his side victory in the last match they are likely to be all together as Prendergast Villa and the joy was evident on the face of coach Chris Morris, who had been involved with the squad since most of them were five or six years old.

He stepped up to take a free kick almost 30 yards out and found enough pace to beat Charlie Malloy in The Robins’ goal, who had earlier distinguished himself with a handful of terrific saves to keep his side in contention.

The Villa back four of  Lewis Kerrison, Kyle Smith, Harvey Dalton and Louis Godden looked solid from the outset and it was Dalton who opened the scoring as he stepped up at a set-piece and drove the ball home.

Robins fight back

Their midfield of Tyler Morris, O’Sullivan and twins Dan and Harri John were also busy as they squared up to opposite numbers Kyle Griffin, George Nicholas, Cameron Lees and McKenzie McCarthy – and the latter quartet helped put enough pressure on so that from a free-kick striker Rowan Llewellyn, who worked hard alongside Atticus Kingston, managed to beat John Chesters in The Villa goal.

Sam Fallows and Rude Poole posed a threat to United’s defence but it looked as if extra time would be the order of the day until O’Sullivan sealed success for Prendergast Villa – and was immediately engulfed by his excited colleagues and moments later by supporters after the final whistle from referee Neil Crawshaw.

Chris Morris (Prendergast Villa Coach):

This was a bitter/sweet moment for us because it is the last time we will all be together after I first took them on when they were real nippers and I’ve really enjoyed their company in what has been a family set-up. I’ve decided to accept an offer from Goodwick regarding their junior programme next season and although I will miss being part of the Villa set-up I am already looking forward to a new challenge there.”

Dai Malloy (Milford United Coach): I am delighted our team reached the final although, like the players I’m disappointed that we didn’t quite play to our full potential because they are a great bunch of players who have terrific support from their families. We have had a good season and we will be looking to build again next season.”

Milford United: Charlie Malloy:  Rhys Brawn; Callum Britton; Curtis Davies; Max Rozblat: Kyle Griffin; George Nicholas; Cameron Lees; McKenzie McCarthy; Rowan Llewellyn; Atticus Kingston: Subs: Dewi Bowen; Elliott King; Joseph Zugasti; Teifion Owen.

Coaches: Dai Malloy and Des Nicholas

Prendergast Villa: John Chesters: Lewis Kerrison; Harvey Dalton; Kyle Smith; Louis Godden: Tyler Morris; Kyle O’Sullivan; Dan John; Harri John: Sam Fallows; Rude Poole. Subs: Tyler Lee; Lucas Thomas; Bobby Dong; Logan McSheedy.

Coach: Chris Morris. Assistant: Wayne O’Sullivan