The U14 Championship got underway on Sunday with Longwood hosting St Ultans/Cortown on a dry pitch in lovely playing conditions. While the final scoreline might suggest a one-sided affair, the contest was far more competitive than the scoreboard eventually reflected, with Longwood's efficiency in front of goal proving the decisive factor.

Longwood made the perfect start. From the throw-in, Lochlan Rowley gathered possession and, after a slick exchange of passes with Patrick Maguire and Luka Farrell, opened the scoring with an excellent point. Thomas Murray followed with a fine fisted score before another trademark long-range effort from Rowley handed the home side an early advantage.
St Ultans/Cortown enjoyed plenty of possession during the opening quarter but were unable to capitalise, squandering a number of promising opportunities with some wayward shooting. Longwood, by contrast, took every chance that came their way. Another point from Lochlan Rowley was quickly followed by the game's first goal when Patrick Maguire burst through the middle and supplied Thomas Maguire, who finished clinically to the net.

Thomas Murray was producing a tremendous display covering huge ground tracking the visitors' most influential player. His industry was rewarded with another fine point before Lochlan Rowley struck for Longwood's second goal, surging from midfield, exchanging passes with Luka Farrell and finishing decisively to the net.

At the other end, Longwood's defence was excelling. Dylan Dixon, Erikas Petkus and captain Aidan Sharkey defended the scoring arc superbly, limiting St Ultans/Cortown to difficult chances despite the visitors enjoying plenty of possession. Thomas Maguire then provided one of the lighter moments of the afternoon. After firing two ambitious efforts wide with his left foot, he shaped for a third attempt. As he lined up the shot, his mother could be heard leading the sideline chorus of "Lord Lamb of Jaysus!" Thankfully for all concerned, the ball sailed over the bar and Longwood carried a commanding 2-6 to 0-2 lead into the break.

The scoreline perhaps flattered Longwood somewhat, as the first half had been much tighter than the 10 point margin suggested. The difference was Longwood's superb kick out strategy from Aoghan Freeman, defensive discipline and tough tackling and their opponents' inability to convert several promising opportunities.
The second half began with a reshuffle that immediately paid dividends. Bobby Barron was introduced into midfield while Lochlan Rowley moved to full forward. Within minutes the move bore fruit as Barron delivered an excellent ball that Rowley converted to the net.

The score of the game soon followed. Lukas Hennessy won possession on his own goal line and a sweeping team move involving Emmet Collins, Bobby Barron, Cuan Saunders and Patrick Maguire carved open visitors defence. The move ended with Rowley blasting to the net after a flowing move that travelled the length of the pitch and showcased the team's impressive passing and support play.

Longwood's ruthlessness continued when Thomas Maguire added another goal. Further points from Bobby Barron, who was beginning to dominate around midfield, and Patrick Maguire pushed Longwood further ahead. With Conor Baldwin mopping up any danger at the back, Longwood found themselves comfortably ahead at 5-9 to 0-3 with fifteen minutes remaining.

The final quarter followed a similar pattern. St Ultans/Cortown continued to create opportunities but struggled to make them count, while Longwood remained deadly whenever chances presented themselves. Dylan Dixon rounded the goalkeeper and calmly finished another goal. Additional points from Bobby Barron and Thomas Maguire continued to keep the scoreboard moving.

There was still time for one final flourish. Caeden Connor provided the perfect finish to the afternoon, driving an excellent shot into the top corner to bring proceedings to a close.
At the final whistle Longwood ran out convincing winners on a scoreline of 7-12 to 0-4.

While the margin of victory was substantial, it did not fully reflect the nature of a match that was competitive for long periods. Longwood's defensive unit deserves enormous credit for protecting the scoring zone so effectively, while the midfield pairing caused problems throughout with their energy and running power. Up front, the forwards carried a constant scoring threat. The kick out strategy and deliveries from Aodhan Freeman  remain a potent weapon as they have throughout the league campaign.

Special mention must go to Patrick Maguire, whose intelligent running, unselfish link play and creative passing helped create numerous scores for teammates. 

The Longwood team worked hard from start to finish and this work ethic  combined with clinical finishing in front of goal,  proved a winning formula as they got their championship campaign off to an excellent start. 

Team
Goalkeeper – Aodhan Freeman
Backs – Conor Baldwin, Erikas Petkas, Lucas Hennessy, Aidan Sharkey (Captain), Emmet Collins.
Midfield – Lochlan Rowley (3-03), Bobby Barron(0-3), Dylan Dixon (1-0)
Forwards – Thomas Murray (0-2) Patrick Maguire (0-1), Thomas Maguire (2-03) Luka Farrell, Cuan Saunders, Caeden Connor (1-0)
Player of the Match: 
Patrick Maguire


Match Report - Sean Farrell