Under 18 LFA Cup
Monasterevin AFC 4 V 1 Kildare Town AFC
25/10/2025
Monasterevin Advance in U18 LFA Cup with 4-1 Victory over Kildare Town
Monasterevin successfully navigated a cold morning derby clash at Togher Road, defeating neighbours Kildare Town 4-1 to progress in the LFA Cup.
The final score line belied a challenging contest, particularly in the midfield, but Monasterevin’s quality, especially on the wings and in the attacking third, proved the difference.
First Half: Monasterevin Find the Opener
The match started at a fast pace with both teams engaging in a scrappy, end-to-end battle for the first five minutes.
Monasterevin created the first clear chances; Jack Ingram ran effectively at the Kildare backline but saw his pull-back cleared, and Ben Doyle was immediately involved but couldn't find a shooting lane.
The pressure mounted around the quarter-hour mark. Ben Doyle forced a good save from the Kildare goalkeeper with a shot from a tight angle in the 13th minute, and Scott Lavin struck a looping shot just over the bar moments later.
Crucially, Monasterevin’s back four of Aaron O’Loughlin, Alex Murphy, Sam Connell, and Charlie Cullen formed a formidable unit, giving Kildare's attackers very little space throughout the half.
The breakthrough arrived in the 19th minute. Scott Lavin was played in and saw his initial shot saved, but the rebound fell perfectly to Jack Ingram who finished clinically from the edge of the box to make it 1-0.
Ingram was proving a constant threat on the wing, stretching the Kildare full-back. To their credit, Kildare Town defended diligently, managing to limit space for Monasterevin playmaker Adam Martin in the central area, leading to a prolonged midfield battle where Monasterevin often sought to exploit the flanks.
A late Kildare shot just before the whistle went wide, leaving the score 1-0 at halftime.
Second Half: Immediate Response and Regaining Control
Monasterevin appeared sluggish after the break, displaying some rustiness in what was only their second match in over a month.
An early cross from Conor McBrien found Scott Lavin, but his header went straight into the keeper’s arms.
This was swiftly followed by the equalizer in the 48th minute, as Kildare Town capitalized on a ball played over the top of the defence to level the score.
The momentum shifted back in Monasterevin's favour thanks to key saves from goalkeeper Michael Morrissey, who made two vital stops in quick succession in the 59th minute.
Substitutions provided fresh impetus. Brody Dunne, introduced at halftime, immediately caused problems for the Kildare backline with his direct running and movement.
Leon Prendergast, replacing Ingram, also provided excellent work rate.
The home side regained the lead on 61 minutes with a goal of real quality. Scott Lavin played a lovely ball in, which Ben Doyle met with a sweet first-time strike, nestling it into the bottom corner for 2-1.
Despite a near-immediate scare where a scramble in the Monasterevin box saw a Kildare striker shoot over from close range (64 minutes), Monasterevin pressed on.
Doyle was denied again by a keeper save (69 minutes), and Devon Abbey tested the stopper with a half-volley after a neat flick over a defender (81 minutes).
A Strong Finish Seals the Victory
Monasterevin’s superior fitness and persistence paid off in the final minutes.
In the 87th minute, Conor McBrien’s cross found Ben Doyle at the back post. Doyle unselfishly pulled the ball across the goalmouth, where Scott Lavin finished to seal the game at 3-1.
The final word came in injury time from a corner. The ball landed at the feet of Striker Brody Dunne , who finished decisively from six yards out, bringing the final score to 4-1.
Monasterevin’s attacking depth and defensive resilience were key factors in their successful cup run continuation.
Best for Monasterevin: Ben Doyle, Scott Lavin, Aaron O’Loughlin, and Devon Abbey.
Well done to the team and coaches.
