A BRAVE West Cork Academy performance wasn’t enough to prevent a narrow 1-0 defeat to Kildare in their SFAI National U12 Schoolboys Inter-League Shield quarter-final at Canon Crowley Park.

In a tightly-contested encounter, a single first-half goal from a set-piece proved enough to send the Leinster side through and end West Cork’s hopes of a semi-final place.

Chances were at a premium throughout the first half. While the home side enjoyed spells of possession, they found it difficult to make inroads in the final third against a well-drilled Kildare defence.

At the other end, West Cork remained organised and disciplined, limiting their opponents’ opportunities. However, that resistance was broken just before half time.

A Kildare free kick into the penalty area wasn’t fully dealt with, and amid the ensuing goalmouth scramble, the visitors forced the ball over the line for what proved to be the decisive score.

West Cork suffered a further setback at the interval when Jimmy McDonagh was forced off through injury, and his absence was felt as the hosts chased an equaliser in the second half.

Despite their best efforts, West Cork were unable to find a breakthrough. Eoin Healy, Gearoid Linehan and Paddy Hegarty were among the standout performers for the home side in a battling display.

‘We showed great determination, but a lack of fluency and belief in possession ultimately prevented us from getting back into the game,’ West Cork Academy U12 Schoolboys coach David Hall said.

‘Overall, it was a highly competitive fixture where the margins were fine.

‘Our defensive organisation kept us in the contest. A combination of nerves, the loss of a key player and a decisive set-piece ultimately proved the difference.’

Attention now turns to another busy weekend for the West Cork Academy, with three schoolboys squads involved in national quarter-finals.

Drinagh Rangers’ Canon Crowley Park hosts Saturday’s SFAI National U13 Schoolboys Inter-League Trophy quarter-final between West Cork Academy and Galway Maroon (1.30pm).

The West Cork U12B schoolboys travel to Limerick on Sunday for their SFAI National U12 Schoolboys Inter-League Trophy last-eight clash with Limerick County (1pm).

Also on Sunday, the West Cork Academy U15 Schoolboys face a long trip to Dundalk for their SFAI National U15 Schoolboys Inter-League Shield quarter-final (2.45pm).