LIONS AFC:
The Lions AFC Committee would like to thank all those who supported, sponsored prizes and helped out in the Lions Annual Christmas Draw.
The New Year begins with some exciting fixtures with our U12s, U13s and U14s all playing their Sketcher Sup (South East Region) last eight cup ties over the next three weeks.
What is even more exciting is that all cup ties are at home in the Lions AFC Club Grounds and we hope if you are free you will come and support the teams!
Fixtures:
Saturday January 29th –
Lions U13 v Callan U13;
Saturday February 5th –
Lions U12 v St Josephs (Wexford) U12;
Lions U14 v Dungarvan U14.
Keep an eye on our Facebook and Instagram pages for further information.
Junior League Division 2
Result:
Lions AFC 2 v 1 Thomastown B.
(Scorers: Michael Dooley and James Duggan).
Lions stayed top of Division 2 with a hard fought 2-1 win away to Thomastown B. Lions started well and dominated early exchanges, some good play by Darragh Kelly and Darren Maher set up Michael Dooley for the opening goal after 15 minutes. Although dominating possession for the rest of the half and playing some nice football they were unable to capitalise and the score remained 1-0 at half time. The second half continued in the same pattern but Thomastown were always in the game and they got a rather fortuitous equaliser when a cross deceived keeper Rob Eyres and sneaked in at the far post. Lions struggled to convert chances until substitute James Duggan was slipped through on goal by Darragh Kelly,  Duggans original effort was saved by the keeper but he made no mistake when the ball rebounded to him and smashed home the winner. Well done to all the lads on a super battling display.
U15 Girls League Division 1
Result:
Lions AFC 3 v 1 Bridge Utd.
(Scorers: Lucy Kelly X2)
What a match! What a day! The U15 girls entertained in a thrilling match in Goresbridge on Saturday. The first half was a tight affair with the Lions going in front before the 10 minute mark after a Bridge United own goal. A deserved lead as the team fought tooth and nail for every ball. With little time to go in the first half Goresbridge equalised and would have added a quick second but for a goal line clearance from Amelia Starnes. The second half started with action end to end. Lions persisted and with 15 mins to go were rewarded for their hard work when an Olivia Hovenden corner was met by Lucy Kelly who promptly placed the ball in the back of the net. Lions defended well with Eimear Murphy marking Goresbridge star player out of the match. With persistence and determination the Lions went on to grab a third just before the end with hard work and a superb finish from Lucy Kelly as she struck her second goal of the game. The Lions deserved their win today with superb support from a few U13 girls. If only we could bottle the spirit showed.
U19 League Division 1
Result:
Lions AFC 3 v 1 Newpark
(Scorers: Dan Kirby, Lochlan Curran & Darragh Kelly)
The Lions U19s kicked off 2022 with a win in Dereen against a gallant Newpark side. After a dull first half, the game kicked into life in the second half when Dan Kirby delighfully flicked on a Ciaran Flynn free kick that went all the way into the top corner. Lochlan Curran scored next with a beautiful header from a Darragh Kelly free kick. Darragh Kelly then went from provider to finisher with the third goal with a neat finish into the corner. Unfortunately Lions weren’t able to keep a clean sheet as Newpark pulled one back, although it was too little too late.
U13 League Division 2A
Result:
Lions AFC 5 v 1 Evergreen City.
Scorers, Jack Kelly, Alex Sheppard, Shane Townsend and Sean Farrell.
Well done to the lads on a great result.
U13 Girls League Division 1
Result:
Lions AFC 2  v 1 Highview Athletic.
Lions U13 girls took on Highview Athletic of Graiguenamanagh last week in Dereen. Their first game of the new year was a tight affair. Lions started brightly and broke through the Highview defence on a number of occasions, only for their chasing defence to get back and clear the ball. Lions pressed hard continuously and their pressure was rewarded when a Highview defender handled the ball in the square. Sophie Donohue stepped up a slotted the resulting penalty into the bottom corner of the net. The first half finished 1-0. The second half followed a similar pattern to the first. Lions pressed hard and created a lot of scoring chances but could not find that final touch to score. Midway through the second half the Highview winger broke through our defence on the left wing and the speedy winger couldn’t be caught , finishing well to level the scores. Lions to their credit did not drop their heads and continued to press hard and create more chances. Minutes later after some great work by Kate McEvoy on the right wing, the ball eventually broke to Grace Shortall in the box and she finished the ball to the back of the Highview net, giving Lions a 2-1 lead. As the game progressed, Lions players tired and Highview pressed our defence hard in search of a goal. Some resolute defending by the Lions defence kept them out. The game finished 2-1 in favour of the Lions. The scoreline doesn’t reflect the dominance of the Lions, but for their first game out after the Christmas break, it was a good win.
Well done to all the girls.
LIONS AFC LADIES SOCCER: Women’s social soccer on every Monday from 7pm until 8pm at the Lions AFC all weather pitch. All abilities welcome. Contact Sinead at (087) 9510587 for further details.