5
The number sent off when Newtown and Rathnew met in the Wicklow Cup quarter-final
THERE WILL be a new name on the Wicklow Cup this season. Reigning champions Newtown United A’s defence of the trophy was brought crashing to an end on Sunday in a typically feisty encounter that produced five red cards and five goals.
United lost three men, while Rathnew had two dismissed as a late Nicky Mernagh strike knocked the Magpies out at the quarter final stage.
Mernagh had opened the scoring for the Villagers in the fourth minute from the penalty spot but goals from Shane Mooney and Matthew Kennedy turned the game on its head before half time.
The first two of five red cards were shown early in the second half just minutes before Mark Doyle nodded home an equaliser.
United lost another man to leave them with nine men and their resistance was broken late on by Mernagh, before referee Gavin Colfer produced two red cards in the closing minutes to leave just 17 men on the pitch by the final whistle.
Lying in wait for Rathnew A in the semifinals is Arklow Town. The Andy McEvoy Premier 1 contenders hosted Glencormac United; still buzzing from their giant-killing of Newtown United A in the Charlie Bishop Cup.
The Kilmacanogue side made life as difficult as they could for the hosts; coming from behind twice and so nearly forcing extra time but in the end, the Town proved too strong for the Division 2 side as they struck late to avoid embarrassment.
Peter Smith’s side went ahead but Trevor Carr’s men replied through Cian McGoldrick.
Smith’s side went back ahead in the second period only for United to fight back again as Gavan Burke struck five minutes from the end of normal time.
Arklow Town were in no mood to become victims of an upset though and they landed a late winner to advance to the last four.
The other semi-final will see Rathnew AFC C take on Ashford Rovers.