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Under 10c1 Lee Kavanagh Cup Finalists 2010

Valeview Shankill's  Under 10C1s magical cup run continues after the team booked their place in the Lee Kavanagh Cup Final with a nail biting penalty shoot out win over St Mark's Rangers.

The team had begun their cup odyssey with a 1-1 draw against Home Farm which Shankill won on penalties. Next up was Jobstown Celtic in a game that finished 5-1 with a comfortable win for the well organised 'Vale.  That victory saw them face St John Vianney in the Quarter Final. The match was very well balanced with Valeview going ahead 1 - 0 just before half time. The second half continued to be a tight affair with some good play from both sides cancelling each other out. Thankfully the breaks went with the home team and Valeview closed out the game with a flattering 5-0 score line.

The Semi Final was played away at St Mark's Rangers home ground which, historically, had been a graveyard for this Valeview team. The signs were positive though as the sun was shinning and the day was mild - perfect for good football! The team was excited at the prospect of playing the league leaders in such an important match but not over-awed. With the presence of an official league referee Shankill were confident of a fair and balanced view on the happenings pitch side.

St Mark's started strongly and used their strong physical presence to impose themselves on the visitors. However, 'keeper Daniel O'Neill and defenders Mark Walsh, Carl Cullen, Hisham Ahmed plus sweeper Cormac Hayes kept them at bay. Half time arrived with the teams level. Daniel Thompson, who had been having a good game came off due to the after effects of a heavy tackle and was replaced on the right wing by Cian Cahill to complete the midfield of Chelsea Rigley, James Thompson and Chloe Rigley.

After weathering the physical challenge Valeview Shankill brought the game to St Mark's and went on the offensive from the whistle. The teams cancelled each other out in what was proving to be a very good game of football with both teams defending well and breaking fast on the counter attack.

The final whistle blew with the teams locked at 0-0. St Mark's brought on some fresh players from their squad of 14 to try and wear down Valeview who were without Ryan Bell for the match due to illness. However, the team, knowing they were 10 minutes of extra time away from a possible final berth found the mental strength to see out both halves and prepare for penalties.

Emotions were running high with both sets of supporters urging their teams on. Valeview Shankill elected to shoot first with Mark Walsh putting his spot kick past the Saints keeper. Hisham Ahmed, Cian Cahill and Chloe Rigley all put their penalties away with St Mark's trading like for like. Controversy followed then with Carl Cullen scoring his penalty but being ordered to take it again. His re-take was saved, but justice was restored when Daniel O'Neill made a great stop from the next St Mark's Penalty.

With all 5 penalties taken the game went to sudden death. A miss each for both teams ratcheted up the tension to almost unbearable levels for the support. Up stepped Daniel Thompson bravely after his injury and dispatched his shot with aplomb. All the pressure was now back on the St Mark's player who stepped up to take his penalty. He blasted his shot but Daniel O'Neill was bonner-esque in his reaction and pulled off a magnificent save to put Valeview Shankill through to the Kavanagh Cup Final!

Well Done Guys and Girls you have done Shankill proud!
(to be continued)