Ecstasy as first-rate Covies side power to SFAI Cup final

U15 SFAI Trophy semi-final

Westport United 7

(D Hejdu 1 54, J Holmes 18, M Aljomar 36, Z Maxwell 39 60, A O’Toole 68)

Castleisland FC 1

(Y Momontov 17)

Westport United advanced to the U15 SFAI National Trophy final on Sunday afternoon, after an emphatic semi-final victory over Castleisland FC of Kerry, at United Park.

A brace of goals from David Hejdu and Zach Maxwell, as well as one each from Jamie Holmes, Mohammed Aljomar and Adam O’Toole secured the victory for the hosts, in an entertaining contest which took place on the astroturf pitch at the west Mayo venue.

United got off to a dream start in this game when they opened the scoring inside the first 60 seconds of the contest.

Hejdu found himself behind the away side’s defence after neat build-up play down the left flank, and the midfielder fired a delightful left-footed strike to the back of the Kerry side’s net.

To their credit, the visitors grew into the contest after this, and they levelled matters 16 minutes later, when Yevhenni Momontov latched onto a long ball, and he finished calmly to the dismay of the Westport defence.

Seconds later, however, the hosts restored their lead when Holmes’ left-footed delivery was poorly dealt with by Connie O’Connor in the away side’s goal, and the ball found its way into the back of the Castleisland net.

The eventual victors then struck two further goals on the stroke of half-time. Firstly, Aljomar punished the Castleisland defence after they failed to clear the football. 

Moments later, Maxwell made it 4-1, after he weaved his way through the away side’s defence.

The half-time score was harsh on the visitors, who were competitive throughout the opening period.

Hejdu, Maxwell and O’Toole added further goals in the second half, as Westport ran out comfortable winners in a dominant display.