Cork City U19 complete the double-double

Cork City completed the final leg of an historic double-double by comprehensively defeating Shelbourne in the final of the Enda McGuill Cup at Turner’s Cross last night.

City clinched the league last month, finishing two points ahead of a Shels team who came into this game unbeaten since December, and thanks to a brace from star man Alan Browne and a delightful opening effort from Greg Henry, they secured the final piece of the collection in impressive fashion.

While Shels created plenty of chances in the first half, with Dylan Cashin and Alex Prizeman causing some bother, there was no denying a City side who were rampant in their pursuit of the trophy after the interval.

The opener arrived with 18 minutes on the clock as Sean O’Callaghan’s cross was pulled back by Browne and Henry powered a perfectly timed diving header past Shels stopper Ryan Graydon from 12 yards.

Shels could easily have levelled through a Cashin effort nearing half-time, but City keeper David Browne did excellently to turn his attempt over the bar.

Alan Browne then doubled the advantage on the hour mark with a stunning finish from a long free-kick punted forward by John Kavanagh, before the unrelenting midfielder doubled his personal tally and sealed the deal for City five minutes later after Jason Abbott’s initial effort was blocked down.

Shels did nab a late consolation on 85 when substitute Chris Donohue found the top corner with his first touch following Michael Malone’s  lay-off, but it wasn’t enough as the home side deservedly picked up yet another piece of silverware.

Cork City: David Browne; Chris Dineen, Darragh Lucey, Colman Kennedy, Jason Forde; John Kavanagh, Jason Abbott, Greg Henry (Darren Murphy 88), Alan Browne; Rob Lehane, Sean O’Callaghan (Anthony McAlavey 83).
Subs not used: Paul White, Darragh Corcoran, Conor O'Driscoll, Conor Cannon, Daniel Santry.

Shelbourne: Ryan Graydon; Rob Cornwall, David Tobin, Adam O’Connor, Paul Gannon (Conor Donohue 84); Alex Prizeman (Dylan Connolly 68), Stephen Sheerin, Michael Malone, Matthew Taylor; Dylan Cashin, Jake Donnelly.
Subs not used: Eoin Comerford, Shane Hamilton, Curtis Murphy, Simon Dixon, Aaron Robinson.

Referee: Keith Callanan (Cork).

Attendance: 483