O-35 down to last eight
THE SHIELD quarter-finals in the Richie Dwyer Memorial Over-35 soccer league took place on Tuesday, and result of the round goes to Fastnet Rovers who defeated the high-flying Group A leaders Corach Ramblers following a firsthalf Brian Denton goal.
Also through to the semi-finals are Forth Celtic following a comprehensive victory over an understrength Ross Celtic.
Goals from Patrick Hearne and Mark Lett had Forth off to the perfect start. After half-time another goal each from Hearne and Lett either side of an Anthony Hayes hat-trick saw Forth comfortably through.
St. Leonards are also through following a 4-1 victory over the All Blacks. Two goals from Matty Flynn, plus singles from Willie Whitty and Tommy Byrne proved enough to see the Ballycullane men safely through.
The last game of the quarter-finals was a much tighter affair, with Rosslare Rangers eventually seeing off the challenge of near neighbours Kilmore United after extra-time. Ian O’Leary opened the scoring for the home side but from the kick-off, Aldo had the away side level.
Fintan Wickham soon restored the lead for the home side. A second-half penalty by Aldo sent the game into extra-time, and Rangers were awarded a spot kick which was duly converted by Derek O’Connor, much to the delight of the home team.
On Friday the final round of league games all kicked off at the same time as some of the teams faced into potentially their last game if some of the results didn’t go their way.
With only the top four in each group qualifying, it was all to play for in Group A as Ross Celtic needed to win to keep Duncannon and St. Leonards at bay and secure the play-off place.
At the top Corach could have found themselves in third spot had results gone against them, and having led the way for most of the league, they could have been faced with an away quarter-final as only the top two in each group will have the home advantage.
With five minutes to go in Duncannon, Keith Donnelly finished off a good move and his low, hard drive gave the Leonards ‘keeper no chance.
Meanwhile, in New Ross, the score remained 0-0 in their game against Taghmon United who were also looking to win and assure themselves of a home tie in the next round.
Duncannon were in the driving seat, but the joy was shortlived as word came through from Ross that Adam Gratz had scored for the home team with only moments remaining and that’s how it stayed. Ross Celtic went through to the quarter-finals and Duncannon were out. Sport can be cruel sometimes.
In Group B, wins for Shamrock Rovers and Forth consolidated their first and second positions, while Fastnet will qualify in third and Rosslare Rangers took the final spot.
The quarter-final line-up is: Shamrock Rovers v. Ross Celtic; Forth Celtic v. Taghmon United; Corach Ramblers v. Fastnet Rovers; Campile United v. Rosslare Rangers. Ties will be played this weekend, July 20 and 21. Times and dates will be on www.theover35s.com/fixtures