Monday
Midlands 5
Cavan/Monaghan 0
Two first-half goals set the tone as the Midlands secured a convincing win in their opening group stage match on Monday.
It was the perfect start for the team in lilac, who took the lead with their first attack. Daniel Blanc broke down the wing and finished confidently to give his side an early advantage. The Northern team responded by gaining more control of the game but couldn’t find an equaliser. The Midlands continued to threaten on the counter, and just before the 20-minute mark, Blanc capitalised on a defensive error to double the lead.
A lengthy stoppage followed due to the opposition goalkeeper being stretchered off, which disrupted the rhythm of the game. Neither side could add to the scoreline before the break.
The result was effectively sealed ten minutes into the second half when Ryan Coughlan smashed in a goal from a corner. With fifteen minutes remaining, Blanc was in the right place to complete his hat trick, capping a standout performance. The scoring was rounded off by Kalvin Flynn, who confidently converted a penalty.
It was an emphatic performance that gave the Midlands the ideal start to their group campaign.
Tuesday
Midlands 0
Clare 1
Clare secured a late 1-0 win over Midlands in a match where Midlands clearly played the better football but were left frustrated by missed opportunities and a costly mistake near the end.
Midlands controlled large parts of the game, displaying greater composure on the ball and sharper attacking movement. They dominated possession and created several clear chances but were unable to break through Clare’s defence. Their fluid attacking play made them the more threatening side throughout, while Clare struggled to assert themselves and spent much of the match defending deeply.
Despite Clare applying pressure in the closing stages, Midlands’ goalkeeper was outstanding, making a series of crucial saves to keep his team in the contest. He denied Clare from close range early in the second half and produced a remarkable diving stop in the 75th minute, preventing what looked like a certain goal.
Yet, in the 88th minute, Clare found a breakthrough. A swift counterattack caught Midlands off guard, and a low cross found Clare’s substitute striker, who calmly finished from close range.
It was a harsh blow for Midlands, who did almost everything right except score. The victory ultimately favors Clare, who were second best for most of the match but capitalized on their late opportunity to claim all three points.
Midlands 0
Waterford 2
Waterford claimed a 2-0 victory over Midlands thanks to two late goals in the second half, but Midlands can take pride in being the stronger side for much of the game. Despite the defeat, Midlands dominated possession and created most of the scoring opportunities, only to be repeatedly denied by an outstanding display from their own goalkeeper.
From the outset, Midlands controlled the pace of the match, circulating the ball confidently and consistently testing Waterford’s defence. Their attacking play was sharp and effective, yet they were frustrated time and again by the goalkeeper’s remarkable saves, which kept the scoreline close throughout the contest.
Waterford, with less possession, remained efficient and clinical when it counted. Both goals came in the latter stages, as they took advantage of rare counterattacks that caught Midlands off balance. Though Midlands controlled much of the game, those crucial moments allowed Waterford to secure the win.
Midlands will feel unfortunate after their strong showing and dominance. Their failure to convert chances and the timing of the goals conceded ultimately defined the result. With their goalkeeper in excellent form and a solid overall team performance, Midlands have a strong foundation to build on moving forward.
Wednesday
Midlands 1
South Belfast 0
Midlands earned a hard-fought 1-0 win over South Belfast in a closely contested encounter, thanks to an excellent first-half goal and a strong defensive display in the second half.
Right from the kickoff, Midlands demonstrated great intent and control, commanding possession and creating several opportunities. Their persistence was rewarded midway through the first half when Cooper Lynch expertly finished a well-executed team move to put Midlands ahead. The goal showcased Midlands’ attacking prowess and clinical finishing.
Once in front, Midlands focused on maintaining defensive discipline and structure. South Belfast responded with increased pressure after the break, eager to find an equalizer, but Midlands’ defense remained solid and well-organized. They absorbed sustained pressure with determination, effectively thwarting South Belfast’s attempts to break through.
Despite South Belfast’s persistent efforts, Midlands maintained their shape and composure, showing great resilience to hold onto their lead until the final whistle. The victory highlighted Midlands’ effective blend of attacking threat and defensive solidity, laying a strong foundation for the semi final.
Thursday
Shield Place Match
Midlands 0
Kilkenny 1
A goal late in the first half proved the difference in the Leinster derby on Thursday afternoon.
The game's decisive moment came just before half-time when Kilkenny’s MJ Carroll struck from a corner, capitalizing on a brief lapse in the otherwise disciplined Midlands defence. Up to that point, the home side had looked composed at the back, with their goalkeeper pulling off two superb saves earlier in the half to keep Kilkenny at bay.
After the break, Midlands came out with intent, controlling possession and putting Kilkenny under sustained pressure. They carved out a number of promising chances, but the Kilkenny keeper stood firm, producing key saves to preserve his side’s lead. Despite their dominance in the second half, Midlands couldn’t convert their efforts into goals.
While the result didn’t reflect their efforts, Midlands can take encouragement from a spirited and disciplined display. Their energy, pressing, and attacking movement were impressive, and with sharper finishing, the outcome could have been different. It was a frustrating afternoon in front of goal, but the performance offered plenty of positives moving forward.
Friday
Shield Place Match 19th/20th
Midlands 0 Penalties (4)
Longford 0 Penalties 5
In a match that was always expected to be closely contested, nothing could divide the local rivals on Friday morning – until the lottery of penalties provided the final verdict.
The opening half featured early chances for both teams, with Midlands coming closest just before the interval. Their striker found space inside the box but dragged his effort narrowly wide, squandering a prime opportunity to take the lead.
After the break, the game tightened even further. Both sides battled hard in midfield, but attacking moments were few and far between. Midlands carved out the only notable chance of the half, drawing a sharp save from the opposition goalkeeper midway through the second period.
Despite the intensity and determination on display, neither team could find a breakthrough in normal time. With the score still goalless after sixty minutes, the match moved to the penalty spot – a cruel but inevitable conclusion for such an evenly balanced contest.
Though goals eluded both teams in open play, the game showcased defensive discipline and tactical focus from start to finish. In the end, it took the calmest heads from 12 yards to decide the outcome of a fiercely fought local derby.
Midlands Penalties
1st Ryan Coughlan (Scored)
2nd Cooper Lynch ( Miss)
3rd Kalvin Flynn (Scored)
4th Ruadhan O’ Higgins (Scored)
5th Frank Pettit (Scored)
At the conclusion of the tournament, head coach Darren Whelan shared his reflections on the team's performance. He highlighted how tournament football often comes down to fine margins — a single bounce of the ball or a moment of fortune can make all the difference. This was certainly true for his side, who, with a bit more luck, might have finished much higher in the standings.
“It’s all about the margins down here – most of the group games and especially the knockouts are decided by just the kick of a ball,” Whelan remarked.
He went on to praise his players for their commitment and discipline throughout the campaign. “The boys performed well and carried out everything the coaches asked of them from start to finish,” he added. “In a competition as challenging as this, that’s all we can really ask.”
Midlands Squad:Midlands Squad:Tadas Širvaitis Portlaoise AFC, Fionn Burke Mountmellick Utd, Diarmuid Sammon St. Joseph's Athlone, Kaiden Monahan Killeigh FC, Ryan Coughlan Mullingar Ath, Daniel Blanc Mountmellick Utd, Conal Buggy Tullamore Town, James Brazón Walsh Island Shamrocks, Harry Doyle
Mountmellick Utd, John Duignan St. Joseph's Athlone,
Aaron Maher Tullamore Town, Kalvin Flynn Mullingar Ath,
Cian Mc Goldrick St. Joseph's Athlone, Harry Hewitt
St. Joseph's Athlone, Ruadhán O'Higgins St. Joseph's Athlone,
James Boland Birr Town, Fionn Macken St. Francis Athlone,
Cooper Lynch Kinnegad Juniors, Frank Pettit St. Francis Athlone,
Sean Norton St. Francis Athlone.
Manager: Tommy Hewitt
Coaches: Darren Whelan, Dermot Lennon, Oliver Sammon, Sean Óg Campbell.
Goalie Coach Conor Whelan
