Wonderful White on the double as Kildare book Plate final spot
Kildare and District Underage League two goal hero Alex White in action during the game against NERL Photo: Keith Wiseman
Alex White produced a momentous display as his superb second-half brace guided the Kildare and District Underage League into the Kennedy Cup Plate Final, following a hard-earned semi-final victory over West Cork in testing conditions at the University of Limerick.
White, who has been a standout performer for Kildare throughout the week, once again proved decisive with two clinical goals that ultimately settled a tightly contested encounter. His contributions ensured Mal Watson’s side overcame the disappointment of their quarter-final loss to NERL—who have since advanced to the Kennedy Cup Final—by securing at least a top-six finish in the competition.
Played in relentless rain and strong winds, the first half was a cagey affair, with both sides struggling to create clear-cut chances. Defences remained on top for large periods, and the difficult conditions made free-flowing football a challenge.
Kildare, however, raised their level after the break and made the decisive breakthrough just two minutes into the second half. Dexter Powell demonstrated excellent control on the right side of midfield before threading a clever through ball into the path of Alex White. The Naas AFC forward showed composure beyond his years, rounding goalkeeper Oliver Kiely and calmly slotting the ball home from close range to give his side the lead.
White’s second goal five minutes later was the standout moment of the game. Intercepting a misplaced backpass, he quickly combined with Ryan Poole, who returned the ball into his path. Spotting Kiely off his line, White unleashed a remarkable long-range strike from approximately 45 yards, sending the ball over the retreating goalkeeper and into the net—an effort that capped a brilliant individual performance.
With a two-goal cushion, Kildare took control of proceedings and managed the remainder of the game with maturity and composure. West Cork battled valiantly but were unable to find a way back into the contest as the Lilywhites’ defence held firm.
Kildare now turn their attention to Friday’s Plate Final, where they will face South Belfast, buoyed by both their resilience and the clinical form of their match-winner, Alex White.
