St Patrick’s Athletic and Bohemians will go head-to-head at Dalymount Park on Wednesday evening in the final of the U-19 league, after Pats came through an incredible semi-final by beating the holders UCD 7-4 on Saturday. We spoke to the managers of both sides ahead of the big game.
First off we asked St Pats manager Garrett Dodrill about the game on Saturday. He said, “It was a crazy match. We were delighted to win the game. We started slow and UCD had the upper hand.”
“We took the lead from an own goal following a great free-kick by Jamie Lennon. Callum Keane put us 2 up with a great finish when put through on goal following a great pass by Michael Cregan. UCD raised their game and scored just on half time.”
“In second half we started very well, racing into a 5-1 lead. Cian Hughes put us 3-1 up finishing another cross by Cregan . He then scored the 4th goal turning home a Luke heeney cross. Callum Keane made it 5 following a super turn and finish from the edge of box.”
“Our players must have assumed the game was over as they then switched off and stopped working hard. Credit to UCD who threw bodies forward and fought their way back into the game to bring it back to 5-4. Sean McDonald came on for them and made huge difference. He's an excellent player who can score goals and his movement is very good. I'm surprised he didnt start!”
“Thankfully we managed to score 2 more near the end to see us over the line. Jason Grouse finished the 6th after some good work up the right. Our 7th followed a UCD corner where they brought Conor Kearns the keeper forward hoping to recreate his super over head kick goal earlier in season. We broke and Jason cooly finished into an empty net from just inside the UCD half.”
Now the attention turns to the final against Bohemians on Wednesday, which is a very tight turnaround for Pats, We need to prepare right for the final now. The preperation isn't ideal as we only have 3 days rest in between the semi and final, where as Bohs have had 9-10 days. There has been a few changes to the fixture calendar over recent weeks but we'll just get on with it. Hopefully the players can put in a performance on Wednesday in the final now,” said Dodrill.
For Bohemians and their manager Graham Lawlor, his side can’t wait for the final to come around, “We’re really looking forward to the U-19 final on Wednesday. Our preparation for the game is going as planned. The players are refreshed, focused and we have a full squad to choose from.”
When asked if he saw the semi-final between St Pats and UCD he said, “I was at the Pats/UCD game which was entertaining because of the amount of goals scored by both sides. We have faced each other twice already this season so both sides will be well prepared.”
Lawlor also called on the public to come out in force for Wednesday’s game, “It's going to be a great game and once again I'd encourage people to attend. There are some very good players coming through at U-19 level to the 1st team at Bohs and it's great to see these players at an early stage of their development.”
It all kicks-off at Dalymount Park on Wednesday evening at 7.30.
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