UL Sport Amputee FC narrowly beaten to EAFA League Title

In their debut season UL Sport Amputee FC were beaten to the EAFA League Title by Peterborough by the very narrowest of margins; goal difference. Oxford City FC hosted the final round of EAFA league fixtures on Saturday May 21st. 3 teams began the day with a chance of lifting the trophy. ULSAFC had it all to do, 2 points behind second placed Everton and 6 off leaders and reigning champions Peterborough. UL had to ensure that they secured all 9 points on offer and hope that other results would go their way. 3 fantastic performances meant that the Limerick side did all they possibly could and despite finishing on the same points as Peterborough (30), the English side's superior goal difference saw them pip UL to the title.

ULSAFC 3-0 Portsmouth
UL started the day with a convincing win over Portsmouth. 3 goals in the first half (Wall, Dowling and O'Rourke) saw the team get off to the best possible start on the day. Some excellent combination play between UL's strike partners Dowling and O'Rourke supported by hard working midfielders Wall and Saunders proved too much for the Portsmouth defence.

Arsenal 0-1 ULSAFC
Arsenal proved tough opposition for Limerick's amputees. The sides last meeting ended in a 1-1 draw and UL were looking to improve on their last performance against the Londoners. Dowling got the all important goal in the first half. An inspired performance by the Arsenal goalkeeper meant that despite their best efforts UL couldn't add to their tally. Dowling's strike proved sufficient, however, and UL secure their second 3 points of the day.

ULSAFC 1-0 Peterborough
UL began their last fixture of the day 3 points behind opponents Peterborough and 2 behind Everton, who had lost their last game of the season to Arsenal 0-1. Limerick needed all 3 points to leapfrog Everton and join Peterborough at the top of the table on 30 points. Five minutes in O'Rourke got the crucial goal, heading in from Wall's cross, to stun the reigning champions. UL defended resolutely and Conroy in the Limerick goal kept his third clean sheet of the day. They pushed for a second goal but the leaders stood firm. Despite taking all 3 points and finishing level with Peterborough, UL were unable to match the Posh's goal difference, a tally they had amassed over the course of the season.

An excellent showing from the Irish side in their debut season. The IAFA are incredibly proud of manager Simon Baker and the lads who put in a huge effort during the season travelling to England on 5 occasions. Next up for ULSAFC is the EAFA League Cup in June. Simon and the boys will be looking to get one over on Peterborough and signal their intent to challenge for the league title next season.

ULSAFC Player Stats - EAFA Premier League 2015/16