U12 Boys
This is the page where you can find all the news you need to know about our U12 boys teams. Any parents or coaches who attend games are invited to email us images and details of where the photos were taken and we will gladly add them to this page. Just send them to colgawebsite@gmail.com.
21st February 2015
Colga through to last 8 of SFAI Cup
After Shootout drama
U12's through to GFA Final!
Our U12s once again rose to the occasion and gave a barnstorming performance to book a Cup Final place at Eamonn Deacy Park.
Colga got out of the blocks quickly and after early pressure took the lead through Liam Leen. It was a wonderful start from Colga and they continued to press with the Salthill goal surviving numerous scares.
Salthill were happy to get to the break at only 1-0 down and tried to raise their game in the second half. However Liam Leen brilliantly controlled a Robin Pfeiffer kick out five minutes in, and slotted in his second to make Salthill’s task even more difficult. Impressive stuff from Liam considering he was a serious injury doubt before the game. Salthill managed to get a goal back with seven minutes remaining but a late Oisin Ivers header put the issue beyond doubt. The final will be at Eamonn Deacy park and will be against the winner of the other semi-final between Knocknacarra (who ended Mervue’s hopes in the Quarters) and Loughrea Rams. The final is on Saturday May the 16th at 12 Noon in Deacy Park - please get along and support the team if you can!
Blue skies, big crowd, hear stopping excitement.
Last Saturday had it all at Colga grounds, as our U12s took on Portlaoise in an effort to turn this year’s groundbreaking season into a history making one. Playing with the slope and the elements Portlaoise had the better of the first half, with Robin Pfeiffer being the far busier goalkeeper. Having taken time to settle Colga fought their way back and looked more dangerous in the second half. Portlaoise still shaded possession and territory and were unlucky when they struck the woodwork midways through the 2nd half.
With both teams unable to make the any breakthrough the game went into extra time.
Playing with the slope in the first period Colga had their best spell but Portlaoise defended resolutely. In the second period of extra time Portlaoise were in the ascendancy. Colga held firm with some resolute defending of their own, and the game went into a penalty shoot-out. Dara Sheeran, Adam White, Gavin Kelly, Cian Kennedy were all successful for Colga. When Robin Pfeiffer brilliantly saved Portlaoise’s 4th penalty it was left to Liam Leen to secure a last 8 spot v Lourdes Celtic. Liam held his nerve and the celebrations began.
Congratulations to all the squad, their parents, and coaches. Part one of a history making day for Colga was in the bag.
20th December 2014
Valiant Exit from the Connacht Shield v Kilshanvey
Colga and Kilshanvey served up a Christmas cracker for the lucky spectators at Kilcornan last Saturday in the U12 Connacht Shield.
After a long year the 2 teams showed no signs of any holiday excesses or fatigue during an end to end encounter. Kilshanvey took an early 2nd half lead and looked to consolidate it with the aid of the wind and slope in the 2nd half. Colga heroically raised their game for the last 10 minutes and snatched a last gasp Adam White equaliser. Buoyed by their strong finish Colga dominated extra time but after a few near misses the game went to penalties.
Kikshanvey prevailed in the tense shootout (4-3)which went all the down to the 7th penalty.
It was a real character forming display by both sides and we wish them both well in 2015 with Kilshanvey to carry the mantle in the Connacht Shield and Colga in the SFAI Cup.
Picture shows the teams lining up for the penalty shootout.
8th November 2014
U12's Beat Westport away in SFAI Cup 3rd Round
Colga u12 players celebrate in the dressing room after their impressive 2 - 1 victory over a strong and well organised Westport side. Westport Utd took an early lead and proved a handful for Our U12s.
However once Colga struck back with a Ben Lalor goal in the 40th minute the away team began to impose their authority and Liam Leen struck the winner with 10 minutes left.
In sport we are often advised to finish strong and our U12s did just that. They played their best football of the match for the last 10 minutes spraying the ball around and dominating possession and territory against a by now shell-shocked Westport side. Overall congrats to both sides for playing good football on a difficult surface.
The SFAI Cup has proved to be greatly character building for our players. They have negotiated 3 difficult away fixtures including a nail-biting penalty shootout in the 2nd round against Shiven Rovers. Here's hoping the boys will continue to entertain and impress us with their character, resilience and footballing skills.
22nd November 2014
U12's Beat Ballina to enter last 32 of the SFAI Cup
Colga are only 1 of 3 Connacht teams into the last 32 of the SFAI U12 Irish Cup. The competition opens up to a nationwide format which throws up all sorts of possibilities.
And they made it with style! After a couple of cliffhangers in previous rounds they hit a fancied Ballina team for 5 with a storming second half performance. The teams went in level at half time, Colga having been pegged back after an Adam White penalty put them 1-0 up. Gavin Lee restored the lead with a header and further goals by Liam Leen, Finn Dunleavy and Ben Lalor put the gloss on a sparkling display. Pictured are the happy players and coaches after the match.