McArdle strikes late for Quay in U14 Schoolboys League title decider with Ardee
Quay Celtic 3 Ardee Celtic 2
U14 Premier Division title decider
Quay Celtic 3 Ardee Celtic 2
A cracking goal from Jack McArdle two minutes from time saw Quay Celtic clinch the U14 Premier Division title in a five-goal thriller on Sunday morning.
Quay would take the lead, however, when Jack Watters headed Scott Hearty's cross to the net, before the same pair combined moments later as Watters passed up a chance to extend the advantage further.
Trailing 2-0, Ardee were much better in the second half and they seized the initiative after Quay made several changes in personnel. James Rogers pulled a goal back before the hour mark and, with their tails up, Ardee levelled when Daniel Clinton fired home.
Extra-time looked inevitable at this point, but Coleman had other ideas when he won the ball and played McArdle through on goal, and he swiftly slotted by Halpenny.
Desperate to get back on level terms, Ardee applied serious pressure in the closing minutes, however, it was a case of too little too late as Quay held on to take the league title.
Quay Celtic: Daniel Shields, Conor Devlin, Sam Malone, Morgan Tobin, Tiernan Cassidy, Evan Wynne, Óisín Coleman, Kieran McArdle, Jack Watters, Cathal Bradley, Scott Hearty, Nathan Quinn, Conall O’Callaghan, Jack McArdle, Luke O’Connell
Ardee Celtic: Shane Halpenny, James Russell, Cillian Taaffe, David Magee, Matthew Kane, Ryan Halpenny, Daniel Clinton, Tadgh Kellett, James Rogers, Óisín Lynch, James O’Callaghan, Jamie Durnin, Noah Coyle, Aaron Levins
Referee: Stephen Donnan. Assistants: Niall Minto and Eoin Quigley