KDFL Under 18 Premier League
Monasterevin AFC returned to U18 Premier Division action with a hard-fought 1–0 away win over Clane United, earning all three points after a disciplined and determined performance.
Having not played for several weeks, Monasterevin could be forgiven for a slightly rusty start. The visitors forced a couple of early corners inside the opening four minutes, but neither produced a breakthrough.
Clane then tested the Monasterevin defence with a dangerous cross, but goalkeeper Michael Morrissey was alert, punching clear under pressure. At the other end, Jack Ingram showed good intent with a driving run and shot from distance, though it lacked the power to trouble the Clane keeper.
Charlie Cullen, Scott Lavin, and Conor McBrien combined well down the right-hand side, but Clane’s defence held firm. Despite some promising play, Monasterevin were guilty of rushing passes and overhitting balls in a sluggish opening spell.
Conor McBrien tried his luck from long range midway through the half, while Morrissey remained sharp, coming off his line quickly to smother danger at the other end.
The best chance of the first half fell to Scott Lavin, who rounded the keeper but found the angle too tight, cutting the ball back to Charlie Cullen, whose effort went wide. The sides went into halftime level at 0–0.
Second Half
Monasterevin came out with renewed energy after the break and were rewarded in the 56th minute, when Alex Murphy coolly slotted home off the crossbar to make it 1–0.
The goal lifted the visitors, with Devon Abbey putting in a tireless shift in midfield, breaking up play and setting the tempo. Conor McBrien began to dictate proceedings, twice striking the crossbar as Monasterevin pushed for a second goal.
Up front, Brody Dunne caused constant problems for the Clane back line with his power and movement, while Ben Doyle went close with a header that lacked just a bit more power. Scott Lavin thought he had doubled the lead, only to see his effort ruled out for offside.
At the back, Monasterevin’s defence of Murphy, Aaron O’Loughlin, Sam Connell, Jack Johnson, and Morrissey stood strong, producing a superb collective display to preserve the clean sheet.
In midfield, Cullen, McBrien, and Abbey worked tirelessly, linking play and maintaining control, while Lavin and Dunne continued to press and tire the Clane defence.
Monasterevin’s composure and improved passing in the second half allowed them to see out the game professionally, sealing a deserved 1–0 victory and all three points.
This win moves Monasterevin AFC onto 6pts from their two opening games.
