Under-13s County Cup Final

WEYMOUTH FC 5

WEYMOUTH COUGARS ATH 0

STANDIN keeper Declan O'Callaghan proved the hero for the young Terras as they claimed a county youth cup victory for the second year running.

O'Callaghan volunteered to go between the sticks after regular keeper Regan Coward was ruled out with a last minute leg injury.

Josh Armstrong replaced O'Callaghan in a reshaped Weymouth side which was soon under the cosh from their home town rivals.

O'Callaghan kept his team in the contest with two breathtaking saves as Athletic enjoyed the best of the opening exchanges.

First he turned over a point blank effort from striker Steve Walker then flew off his line to thwart Oliver Hibbs who was clear on goal after racing unchecked from the halfway line.

O'Callaghan's antics breathed life into Division Two side Weymouth and they began to take the game to their Division One challengers.

Athletic - also fielding a sub keeper in the outstanding Keiron Thorne - finally buckled after 20 minutes when Jonathan Armfield was felled in the box and cool George Thomas stepped up to convert the penalty and send his team in with a 10 halftime lead.

The second period saw Weymouth's back four of Lewis Bull, Chris Clarke, Danny Hill and Matt Eaton in uncompromising mood.

Dominic McAllister began the move which led to Terra Tom Bell extending the lead and strike partner Adam Wheller bagged the next two including an exquisite volley on the run before Bell completed the scoring.

Athletic's neversaydie attitude was exemplified by Ben Mackie, Steven Blanks and Robert Dabbs but after Ross Oliver came on to shore up the Weymouth midfield there was no way back for the Cougars side.

n Weymouth Cougars have started recruiting players in all age groups for next season's youth teams and especially Under11 and Under13.

Anyone interested should contact Fred Dunford on Weymouth 815209.