Athenry spot on in penalty shoot-out against Cork side

Date Published: {J}

Soccer Wrap Up with Mike Rafferty

On a good weekend for Galway teams in the FAI Junior Cup, it was Athenry who had the closest call as they required penalties before seeing off Fairview FC in Moanbaun on Saturday last, while Corrib Rangers and OLBC had more comfortable successes over Mountview United and Hill Celtic respectively as all advanced to the last 32.

With Athenry getting some of their regulars back into the starting eleven, expectations are getting a little higher, but despite all the experience available, the hosts struggled to see off a Cork side that set out in defensive mode and stayed true to their mantra throughout.

The home side eventually prevailed by 5-4 on penalties, after the contest finished level at 1-1 following extra time. Gabriel Glavin’s charges made a good start and it was Cathal Fahy who sent Gary Forde scampering away to fire home the opener, but the advantage was short lived as Fairview quickly levelled matters.

Despite that setback, Athenry continued to do most of the pressing and Conor Cannon and Declan Cullen were both denied by some top class goalkeeping and, indeed, the Fairview custodian continued to frustrate with save after save.

However Athenry’s failure to kill off the visitors didn’t prove to be their downfall as they prevailed in the shootout. Seamie Crowe, Cathal Fahy, Stephen Rabbitte, Alan O’Donovan and Mark Moran were all spot on with their penalties, while Mark Cobey made one crucial save when diving to his right to keep out Fairview’s final effort to secure victory.

Boys Club were always in command in Limerick as goals by Jason Ruffley, Jason McDonagh and Jimmy Jennings eased them to a 3-0 win over Hill Celtic.

The final outcome in Terryland was a little flattering as far as Corrib Rangers were concerned, but their 4-1 win over Dublin side Mountview United was merited, but achieved against a side who finished with just eight men.

Set piece goals by Barry Moran had Rangers two up on 64 minutes, when Mountview imploded and, in quick succession, they had two players collect second yellow cards.

Despite the numerical difference, they pulled one back from a Martin Mullarney penalty and it took a goal line clearance by Kevin Fitzpatrick to deny Johnny Gunnery a shock equaliser. Another red card for Chris Barbour reduced their number to eight.

Despite all the advantages lying with the home side, they struggled to keep possession and it was only deep in additional time that Moran completed his hat trick and David Smith also found the range to seal the win.

Unfortunately, the three Galway teams left in the Junior Cup will all be taking to the road following Tuesday night’s Sixth Round draw. Athenry will be heading to Donegal to face Millford United, while OLBC must travel to Dublin to take on Trinity Corinthians. Corrib Rangers will be making the relatively shorter journey to west Limerick to face Broadford United. The games are scheduled to take place on the weekend of January 14/15.

For more, read this week’s Galway City Tribune.