It is with great pride that we can say Adamstown Community College are the U17’s FAI Leinster Champions for 2023/2024! Under the guidance of Mr.MacTague, Mr.Smith and student coach James Casserly and captained by Steven Aluebholse, the team battled hard against a tough opposition in Gaelcholáiste Reachrann.

**ACC v GC Reachrann**

**Match Report by Donie Smith**

Our u17 boys team travelled to Dublin Port Stadium on Wednesday May 1st to play the Champions League Leinster final against Gaelcholaiste Reachrann. This was the schools first ever Leinster final and getting this far was a great achievement.

The first half began with great tension and plenty of mistakes as Gaelcholaiste Reachrann made the brighter start. They scored after they were given a penalty after 10 mins and it was cooly dispatched by the Reachrann striker. ACC struggled to get a foothold in the game and were giving away possession cheaply. Reachrann pushed hard for a second goal and got that after 30 mins when their centre half made no mistake in firing a low drive into Dean Kinsella’s bottom left corner.

*Steven Aluebholse attacking from mid-field.*

This was the catalyst that brought ACC to life. By half time ACC had improved but they could not find an opening. Reece Whelan went close after Seb Fravega did great work down the left hand side of the pitch. ACC came shooting out of the blocks in the 2nd half. They changed tactics and opted for a more aggressive and attacking style of play. They showed greater intent and more intensity on the ball. Captain Steven Aluebhosle and Sean Dunne demonstrated why they are so important to the team and started dominating the middle sector.

*Sean Dunne tracking back after an ACC attack.*

*Reece Whelan clears the ball down the line.*

In the 51st minute, ACC scored their first goal after great link up play between Fravega and Hamza Gafar which left winger Doveson Akpaloo free which he made no mistake. ACC kept applying the pressure and had Reachrann camped in their own half. With only 7 minutes left, Gafar whipped in a beautiful free kick and Fravega got his head to it and the game was level.

*Fravega getting his head to the ball to equalize.*

*Hamza Gafar battling hard for the ball.*

*Patrick Kniaz making an impact off the bench.*

The ACC supporters really clicked into gear and drove on the team. The team pushed hard to find the winner in normal time but the referee had seen enough. Extra time was played out at a much slower pace and it was clear both teams were starting to fatigue. ACC emptied the bench with Ikenna Ukah, Patrick Kniaz, Paul Abankwah and Juwon Adeniran all coming in to give fresh legs. Neither side could find a breakthrough so the game was to be decided by a penalty shootout.

*Doveson Akpaloo makes his presence felt.*

ACC keeper Dean Kinsella proved to be the hero as he saved 2 penalties to claim a historic victory for ACC much to the joy of his teammates and supporters. The scenes after the game where there was utter excitement from players, supporters, management and parents shows how much the win meant to the team.

*Kinsella swarmed by team mates and school supporters!*

On a day where there were many heroes, a special mention has to be given to Doveson Akpaloo who kept battling even when things were not going his way. Dean Kinsella will go down in ACC history as the goalkeeper who made the all important saves to win the Cup. Kyle O’Neill played a leadership role in the game and played with his body on the line. Seb Fravega showed why many clubs around Europe are interested in him with his skill and finishing ability.

Mr. MacTague and Mr. Smith would like to acknowledge and thank all the players who made a massive effort all year starting with our first training session on Wednesday morning 20th September. All players are a credit to their families and their communities. Well done to all.

ACC are Leinster Champions!

ACC v GC Reachrann

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