Report by Darragh Reidy TY
Two second half goals from TJ Kelly sent Hazelwood through to the third round of the Munster U19 Soccer Shield. On January 7th, Hazelwood played Mercy Mounthawk, Tralee in Cove Park, Broadford. Conditions weren’t the best with a very strong wind blowing. Hazelwood played with the elements in the first half and put pressure on the Mounthawk defence, forcing the goal keeper to make some very good saves. On the stroke of half-time Hazelwood could have gone 1-0 up when a great ball from Brian Aherne put Darragh Ryan through but the shot went just wide.
In the second half Hazelwood knew it would be tough and a slow start allowed Mounthawk to score just after the break. Hazelwood regrouped and within ten minutes the sides were level, thanks to a great goal by TJ Kelly. Tempers were starting to rise and Mounthawk lost three players to red cards. With five minutes to go Kelly scored again. An exceptional cross from Kenny Lynch into the danger area landed at Kelly’s feet and he put it in the net. Substitute Ronan O Connor got on the score sheet with a well taken goal to make it 3-1. A lack of concentration allowed Mounthawk to get one back to make it 3-2 but that was as close as it got as the referee blew the final whistle. Best of luck to Hazelwood in the Munster Quarter Final.