Newbridge Utd clinch historic league title

Newbridge United FC’s Under 21 team have made history by becoming the first team from Kildare to win the Leinster Football League (LFL) at U21 level, and they’ve claimed the league title at the first attempt.

The team secured the LFL U21 League Title with a game to spare following a 4-1 victory away to Laytown FC last Sunday. This remarkable achievement builds on their dominance at youth level, having previously won back-to-back League and Cup Doubles at Under 20 level in the KDFL.

Newbridge came out 4-1 winners on Sunday against a tough Laytown FC to be crowned champions. After going a goal behind, Newbridge drew level after a corner from James Mahony found midfielder Conor Walsh who headed the ball to the back of the net and leave the game all square at half time.

Early in the second half Newbridge upped the gears and when Mahony again played a ball across the Laytown box, it was smartly finished by striker Keane Kennedy to make it 2-1. 

Both teams fought hard in the exchanges but the advantage went to Newbridge when a ball over the top from captain Cian Delaney was chased down by Dennis Kave and he found the net to give Newbridge some breathing space late in the gam. Laytown to their credit never gave up and pushed late on to try and get back into the game but on the 85th minute the game was put to bed when defender Callum Sinclair broke into the midfield and played a perfect through ball to Kennedy who made no mistake in front of goal and slotted it under the keeper for his second goal, leaving the final scoreline 4-1. Man of the match was Keane Kennedy after his two fantastic goals added to his unbelievable work leading the line up top. 

The team’s, Scott McNamara, praised the players’ dedication and resilience.

"This group has shown incredible commitment all season. To be the first team from Kildare to win the Leinster Football League at Under 21 level and to do it at our first attempt is a fantastic achievement. The lads have been relentless, and this success is a testament to their hard work and determination. They’ve set a standard for future teams to follow.”

Club Secretary, Rowland Luttrell, also expressed his pride in the team’s success:

“We’re extremely proud of this group. To come into a new competition like the Leinster Football League and win the league at the first attempt is something very special. It reflects not only the talent and effort of the players but also the fantastic work being done at all levels of the club to develop young talent. This success highlights the pathway we are building from Academy level through to Senior football.”

The team will look to finish the season strongly with their final game still to be played and all eyes now on the chance of a Leinster league and cup double , but their league achievement has already been sealed in the record books.

Newbridge United FC continues to progress as a club, and this achievement will be seen as a significant milestone in their ongoing development