Leixlip Girls U13 Division1 Secure DDSL Cup Glory in Dramatic Penalty Shootout

A glorious day at the AUL Complex witnessed a thrilling encounter in the DDSL Cup Final between Leixlip United and Peamount Girls U13s. The Leixlip United girls who are sponsored in their league journey this year by Orla Kinsella and the team at Black Angel emerged victorious after a penalty shootout, etching their names in the club’s history as the first-ever DDSL Girls Div 1 Cup champions.

Coming off a demoralizing 6-1 defeat to Peamount in the league just three weeks prior, Leixlip entered the match with a burning desire for redemption. Captain Cara Murphy led by example as her team dominated the opening exchanges. Despite their superior possession and attacking prowess, Peamount landed a sucker punch, scoring the game's first goal against the run of play.

Unfazed by the setback, Leixlip displayed remarkable resilience. Inspired by a halftime pep talk from player Niamh Looney, they continued to press forward in the second half. Goalkeeper Jules Nunan produced a stunning save to keep her side in the contest.

With the clock ticking down, Leixlip made a tactical switch, pushing for a late equalizer. The gamble paid off in dramatic fashion. In the dying seconds, Lily Diffney rose highest to meet a perfectly floated ball, unleashing a thunderous volley that nestled in the top corner. The equaliser sent the Leixlip faithful into a frenzy, leaving Peamount crestfallen.

Extra time failed to produce a winner, forcing the dreaded penalty shootout. Annabelle Carty stepped up first for Leixlip and converted with composure. Nunan then emerged as a hero, pulling off two magnificent saves to put the pressure firmly on Peamount. Sophie Murphy held her nerve with the final penalty, coolly slotting the ball past the goalkeeper to spark jubilant celebrations amongst the Leixlip contingent.

The unwavering support from the sidelines undoubtedly fueled Leixlip's fighting spirit throughout the match. This historic victory serves as a massive confidence boost for the girls as they gear up for the upcoming Barcelona Cup in a few weeks. Leixlip can now look forward to the challenge with their heads held high, knowing they can overcome any obstacle thrown their way.

Reacting to the win, manager Colin Murphy praised his team's performance: "They were unbelievable, did everything we ask of them. They showed great character to come back from being behind. I'm incredibly proud of each and every one of them."

Coach Fiona Silke echoed Murphy's sentiments, highlighting the girls' potential: "These girls have so much potential, it's been amazing to be part of this team and watch them grow over the past few seasons. They thoroughly deserve this win."

Silke also commended the team's belief, which played a crucial role in their victory: "They believed it was possible and they were right, belief is everything. They never gave up and kept fighting until the final whistle. It's a fantastic achievement for the club and the girls."

Coach Darren Keegan, whose daughter Emily plays on the U13 team, also shared his delight: "This has to be my best day in football by a country mile. So proud of my daughter Emily and every bit as proud of her teammates. The girls showed a maturity beyond their years, a togetherness and trust of each other that was inspiring. This group of girls are special to say the least and will go on to achieve great things in their sporting lives."

Coach John Silke, another member of the coaching staff, added his voice to the chorus of praise: "Absolutely brilliant result for the girls, it was an honour to see their first trophy success as they start

U14M1 Leixlip 0 Stella Maris 3
Stella are 2nd in the league & we knew it’d be a tough test. The lads were competitive, holding it to 1-0 deep into the second half.
We battled and played some very nice football and the opposition started to get very narky with each other.
Things got away from us when their striker drove into the box, played for a penalty and we obliged.
After 2-0 they were on top and stayed on top.

U14M1 Leixlip 2 Castleknock 0
Payback for them taking the points recently, the lads raced out of the traps and stayed in control for virtually the whole game. Zach Fitzpatrick’s second early peach of a corner was met by James McGee’s head to give us the lead.
We stayed on top and when Brendan Carolyn battled to the byline and crossed a lovely ball Senan Moriarty was there to head it in.
We played the better football in the second half with each player putting in a performance to be proud of. We couldn’t add to the score line but still very happy

MGL u18s Leixlip 4 Clonee 1
Irina Canizares opened the scoring early on with a fantastic goal, cutting in from the left and dribbling past players before toe poking the ball in under the keeper. Wasn't long until we were 2 ahead after a long pass from Fiona Shields, Emily Lynch hit a great shot in from outside the box. Clonee pulled one back soon after and it was close in the first half, but in the second half we kicked on. Katie Allen got our third, meeting a long cross from Aliana Buisman and hitting a nice lofted finish from a tight angle. Emily rounded off the scoring, having been clipped in the box, she knocked home the penalty well. 

2 more games to go this week, which could see us do the (mini!) league and cup double.

15M Leixlip Utd 0 St. Ita's 1.
Really hard to take this defeat as our lads absolutely battered Ita's but just couldn't put the ball in the net. We started strong  but midway through the first half a clearance rebounded off one of our own players  and their centre forward took the one and only chance they had. We pushed on in the second half, we looked for a penalty but the referee from his position on the half way line turned away our appeals. We had plenty of chances but their keeper had one of those days where everything hit him or the crossbar. We go again on Monday away to Crumlin with very little leeway now.

Major 16s Result Leixlip 5-3 Cabinteely
A game for the Neutrals, we raced ahead into a 2-goal lead after 10 minutes with goals from Lewis and Finn, Cabinteely hit one back before halftime in an entertaining 1st half. In the 2nd half we started strong and went 3-1 up with another from Lewis and looked comfortable and dangerous, but Cabinteely to their credit managed to get 2 themselves and make it 3-3 with 10 to play. We then go and create a few chances and you begin to think it's not gonna happen, then a great ball in and great feet from Lewis who smashes it home to make it 4-3 and get his hat trick and the entire place erupted in celebration. Cabinteely launched balls into the box and the defence dealt with them very well, then another great ball sent Finn through for his 2nd and our 5th and ultimately killed the game at the death. Big win against a very good team.