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FIVE BIG GAMES THIS MONTH
Statoil FAI Junior Cup Quarter Final Grattan Utd (Cork) 2 Villa 3 (aet)
We qualified for the semi-finals of the Statoil FAI Junior Cup following a pulsating game in Cork City. After a week of rain the pitch was naturally heavy and a greasy surface contributed to the entertainment. The game was only two minutes old when we had our first chance of the game with Des Mullett firing just wide of the post. The home side hit back and looked dangerous from set pieces as a number of successive corners were defended with Keith Ryan very strong in the air. We had the better of the first half chances with Glenn O’Neill and Rory Walsh coming close. With the final action of the first half only a desperate goal-line clearance prevented Ian Cantwell from breaking the deadlock.
The second half saw the weather conditions deteriorate with driving rain falling for most of the half. We lost Keith Ryan due to illness replaced by Eoin Ginnety. Again both sides had half chances with brave defending from the home side keeping Kevin O’Brien’s shot out. At the other end a goalmouth scramble saw Liam Kavanagh bravely come out with the ball in his hands. Ten minutes into the second half, a challenge on Danny Sheridan looked to warrant a penalty, which was denied. Less than a minute later a penalty was awarded against us which was duly converted. In the aftermath of the goal, we dominated for about ten minutes and deserved the equaliser when Kevin O’Brien’s corner was headed home by Rory Walsh. Six minutes later we were behind again when Grattan broke our offside trap to score. Credit to our players who lifted themselves and went in search of an equaliser. With six minutes remaining, Kevin O’Brien scored directly from a corner kick to level the game. Despite chances at both ends there was no further goals and extra time was needed.
Extra time continued in the same fashion with Eoin Ginnety having a shot cleared off the line, the home side hitting the bar and shooting just wide. However, the all important breakthrough came with just four minutes remaining when Keith Worley’s cushioned header was finished by Glenn O’Neill. The home side attacked in search of an equaliser but Iain Hatton and Neil Hennebry in the centre of defence stood firm.
The final whistle brought scenes of huge joy for players, management and supporters as we qualify for the last four of a competition which started with 632 teams. We also qualify for the first round of the FAI Senior cup as a result of making the last four.
After the game Kevin O’Brien was presented with the man of the match award by Denis O’Driscoll of the FAI Junior Council. Special mention must also be made of Liam Kavanagh who put in a superb performance in the absence of regular No. 1 Cian O’Brien. Well done to all the players and management on a tremendous achievement.
Team : Liam Kavanagh, Neil Hennebry, Danny Sheridan, Keith Ryan, Iain Hatton, Des Mullett, Kevin O’Brien, Nicky Corcoran, Ian Cantwell, Glenn O’Neill, Rory Walsh. Suubs used : Eoin Ginnety, Keith Worley and Eric O’Connor
FAI Junior Cup 7th Round Newcastle West 0 Villa 2 (AET)
We progressed to the quarter finals of the FAI Junior Cup with a hard fought win in County Limerick. The home team started strongly but we contained them comfortably and then got into the game. Neither side created chances in the first half. Newcastle West piled on the pressure in the second half as they went for the win. Cian O’Brien made two very good saves to keep the scoreline at 0-0. The home side continued to drive forward in the opening period of extra time but long distance shots were going well wide. Two minutes into the second period Nicky Corcoran broke the deadlock being quickest as the ball bounced around the box. With two minutes left Glenn O’Neill’s cool finish had the supporters in raptures as a place in the quarter finals was certain. It is a tremendous achievement to reach the last 8 of a competition that starts with well over 600 teams. Well done to all the players and management on a historic win for the club.
Under 11 SFAI Cup 5th Round Templeogue 1 Villa 1 (Villa won 4-3 on pens)
Our U-11 team recorded a terrific win in the national cup to advance to the last 16 of the competition. Playing away from home at this stage of the competition was never going to be easy and this game proved this point. The game was played on a pitch that never gave either team a chance to pass the ball or play good football. However, we had the first chance of the game after 2 minutes, when Niall McCabe broke through but as he shot the ball took a terrible bounce and the shot went wide. After this we came under a lot of pressure from the home side but good and determined defending kept the home team to few chances. Just before half time the home team broke and scored to put them ahead.
The second half started as the first finished with us having to soak up pressure but after making some changes we started to gain a foothold in the game. We gradually came more into the game and equalised 10 minutes from time when Niall McCabe got on the end of a Luke Kelly flick on to lob the goalkeeper with a great finish. The game remained tight to the final whistle.
Extra time was a tight affair with both teams starting to tire so the game was settled by a penalty shoot out. Adam Donovan made one terrific save while our scorers were Craig Brown, Niall McCabe, Tadgh Whelan and sudden death hero Lee Crowley, scorer of the winning penalty.
Every player played their part in a brave, fighting performance with all the lads deserving great praise. Well done lads.
National Irish Bank Under 13 SFAI Cup 6th Round Newcastle West 0 Villa 1
We qualified for the quarter finals of the Under 13 SFAI Cup with a single goal victory in County Limerick. We started the game strongly and after five minutes an excellent strike from Eoin Kindlon came back off the post. We had the better of the half but weren’t creating scoring chances. The home side got into the game during the half but our defence was comfortable with Adam Potter dominating.
The second half was a scrappy affair, mainly due to the very big pitch being used. We made the breakthrough after 15 minutes of the half when Jonathan McEvoy’s shot was parried by the ‘keeper and Conor Coad was first to react and slotted home. We were unlucky not to be two ahead when Jonathan’s shot was saved by the ‘keeper. Newcastle West threw everything at us in search of an equaliser and Marc Weldon was forced to make an excellent save to maintain our lead.
At the end we were deserving of our victory and a place in the quarter finals where we will have a home draw.
U15 SFAI Villa 0 Shamrock Rovers 1
We exited from the U15 National Cup last Saturday when we played hosts to Shamrock Rovers This game finished Nil all at full time and towards the end of extra time it looked like it was going to penalties but the vistors scored with 5 minutes remaining.
We put up a good fight and had some chances during both halves and in extra time but failed to finish any of them with the ball in the net. Shamrock Rovers had about the same amount of chances and overall it was a very even game and we were unfortunate to concede the goal in the dying minutes.
Best for Villa on the day were Rob Bresnan who made some fine saves, Eric Marsh, Seamus Byrne, Robin Spencer and Paul Power. Jack Gaule deserves a special mention for his work rate on the day and was unfortunate not to score after a very fine individual run
OTHER GAMES
The Premier team suffered a 3-1 defeat at home to Ferrybank while the 13A and 14A teams continued good form with league wins over Kilmacthomas and Carrick respectively.
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