THE West Cork Academy U15 schoolboys defeated Leeds United, Sheffield Wednesday and Doncaster during a productive mid-term tour of the UK.

David Hall’s U15 side began their UK tour with a tough opener against English League One club Barnsley’s U17 academy team.

A physically stronger Barnsley put their opponents on the back foot with two goals inside the first five minutes. In the end, Barnsley ran out 7-0 winners despite their opponents’ best efforts.

West Cork’s academy graduates were delighted to spend time with Barnsley’s first team manager and former Irish international Conor Hourihane prior to the game. The Bandon native spoke positively about the West Cork Academy’s players and was impressed with their efforts.

The West Cork Academy also received a civic reception whilst in Barnsley.

‘Barnsley played free flowing football and, at times, were rampant in attack,’ David Hall told The Southern Star.

‘We struggled to cope and had no answer to one of the best presses we have ever encountered. The Barnsley press was accompanied by dynamic interchange and transitional play which we struggled to contain.’

West Cork responded in the best possible fashion by defeating a famous English Championship club’s academy on day two of their UK tour.

A 3-0 victory over Sheffield Wednesday was hard earned but thoroughly merited.

Amid cold and blustery conditions, Jack Allen broke the deadlock in an evenly fought game. The Castlelack striker headed past Wednesday’s goalkeeper following a well-rehearsed corner kick routine.

Hugh McCarthy released Vittor Coutinho in behind Wednesday’s defence shortly after. The Dunmanway Town player made no mistake, rifling his shot into the bottom corner to double his team’s advantage.

Coutinho wrapped up a terrific West Cork Academy victory with his second goal five minutes from the end.

‘This was a good performance on the back of our previous defeat,’ David Hall said.

‘The West Cork Academy took the game to our opponents and enjoyed long spells of possession.

‘A well organised Sheffield Wednesday side played a mid to low block and looked to hit us on the break. On a very cold Yorkshire evening, chances were at a premium. The lads fully deserved this victory.’

The West Cork Academy U15 schoolboys with the Mayor of Barnsley.

***

One of the highlights of the academy’s tour came on day three when West Cork defeated English Premier League club Leeds United 3-2.

‘The Leeds game was a super competitive and technically high-level encounter played at relentless intensity from start to finish,’ David Hall commented.

‘Both sides showed excellent quality in possession, sharp movement between the lines and aggressive pressing, creating a true academy-standard contest.

‘West Cork showed resilience, maturity and a clinical edge to see out a deserved win. Against high-quality opposition, the Leeds win was an excellent test and reflection of the group’s ongoing development.’

Jack Allen continued his profitable week by netting two of West Cork’s goals. Hugh McCarthy added a crucial third during a strong attacking spell to give West Cork the edge.

Leeds applied sustained pressure throughout the second-half but Bay Rovers’ Blake Hegarty enjoyed an exceptional outing in goal. Hegarty made several key saves and helped West Cork run out 3-2 winners.

Finishing their UK tour on a high, the West Cork Academy overpowered English League One club Doncaster in their final outing.

A cracking game was tied 2-2 at the interval. West Cork made several changes during the break and the newcomers had the desired effect.

Jack Allen’s hat-trick along with brilliantly converted Max Bramoulle, Adam Whelton and Eoghan Hickey efforts wrapped up a 6-2 victory.

‘The second-half performance demonstrated the depth of our squad,’ David Hall concluded.

‘Also, our adaptability to conditions and a relentless mentality. West Cork pulled away convincingly in the second half to secure an impressive victory and conclude our tour in emphatic fashion.’

West Cork Academy U15 schoolboys: Aaron Harrington (Castlelack), Adam Whelton (Bunratty United), Blake Hegarty (Bay Rovers), Cillian Kingston (Drinagh Rangers), Donnacha Collins (Drinagh Rangers), Dylan O'Shea (Riverside Athletic), Eoghain Holland (Dunmanway Town), Fiachra Garrett (Skibbereen), Henrikas Dabrys (Beara United), Hugh McCarthy (Dunmanway Town), Jack Allen (Castlelack), Lovro Kordic (Clonakilty AFC), Marcus Moynihan (Bunratty United), Max Bramoulle (Dunmanway Town), Michael Collins (Clonakilty AFC), Micheal Ryan (Lyre Rovers), Oisín Kelleher (Dunmanway Town), Oisín Griffin (Ardfield), Sam Mullany (Bay Rovers), Vittor Coutinho (Dunmanway Town) and Danny Carroll (Dunmanway Town).