Cup thrills for local clubs
Exciting games in The Glasshouse Hotel Cup and Frank Kennedy Memorial Cup
LAST weekend’s action in the Sligo-Leitrim and District Soccer League focused on two cup competitions, The Glasshouse Hotel Cup and the Frank Kennedy Memorial Cup. There were four first round games and one quarter-final scheduled in The Glasshouse Hotel Cup, with just two of the first round games actually played.
The standout fixture of the first round was Strand Celtic’s hosting of Sligo Southern Hotel Super League champions Carbury FC on Friday night last.
Carbury won 2-0 to progress to a quarter-final against either Cliffoney Celtic or Arrow Harps. A headed goal by Ibrahim Savage – from Ross McLoughlin’s 23rd minute free-kick – gave Carbury a 1-0 interval lead.
The winners doubled their lead after 50 minutes – a classy build-up culminated in Mark McGoldrick’s volleyed finished to Mark Hannon’s cross.
With 25 minutes left Strand almost pulled a goal back but Carbury goalkeeper Mark Rooney made an excellent save.
There was one other first round tie played – Sunday’s 1-0 away win for Cartron United over Ballisodare United. Nathan Hargadon netted in the 90th minute to give Cartron the win and a quarter-final away to Ballymote Celtic. Elsewhere in the first round, MCR FC received a walkover from Aughanagh Celtic, who were unable to field a team. MCR are at home against Merville United in the last eight. A mix-up regarding referees meant the game between Cliffoney Celtic and Arrow Harps didn’t go ahead – it has been rescheduled for this Sunday (kick-off 11am).
In The Glasshouse Hotel Cup quarter-final, Manor Rangers beat Real Tubber 4-2 on penalties. This thriller, played in Tubbercurry, ended 4-4 after 90 minutes and extra-time.
Real Tubber, who led 4-2 at one stage in the second-half, had three goalscorers – Ben Henry, who scored twice, Raffaele Cretaro and Jack Walsh.
Scoring for Manor Rangers were Niall Brady, Seamus Ryder, Patrick Woulfe and Brian McDonald, whose equaliser made it 4-4 in the second-half of normal time. Manor Rangers will be away to either Ballymote Celtic or Cartron United in the semi-finals.
There were four games – two first round fixtures and two quarter-finals – in the Frank Kennedy Memorial Cup.
The first of these first round games was played last Friday as Gurteen Celtic won 3-2 at home against Glenview Stars.
On target for the winners were Billy Flynn, Conor Walsh and Caelan Hunt. Clive Brennan and Cormac Coyne netted for Glenview.
Next up for Gurteen is an away fixture against Benbulben FC in the last eight.
The following day, Saturday, St John’s FC defeated Valley Rovers 4-3 in a first round tie at MacSharry Park.
Valley Rovers were 3-1 ahead after 55 minutes – a brace from Ciaran Jennings and James Conlon’s goal appeared to have put them on course for a quarter-final slot.
St John’s, who scored through Ryan Healy in the first-half, recovered superbly. The comeback began when Steven Armstrong scored. Ryan Healy levelled matters and Conor Brennan grabbed his side’s fourth goal, a score that proved to be the winner.
St John’s will take on Sligo Pallets Premier League champions Calry Bohs in the quarter-finals.
Sunday saw two quarter-finals. Carrick Town won 3-2 – after extra-time – away to Coolaney United. The precious goal for Carrick was Niall Comerton’s goal in extra-time.
It was all-square at 2-2 at the end of 90 minutes. The goalscorers for Coolaney were Mateusz Racki and Ciaran McMurray. Carrick’s scorers in normal time were David Regan and Stephen Flynn. Carrick will be away to either St John’s or Calry Bohs in the semi-final.
Also through to the semi-finals are Ballygawley Celtic, who were 4-3 winners at home against Chaffpool United, for whom Hughie Marren scored a hat-trick.
The goalscorers for Ballygawley were Aidan Kilpatrick, Ryan Walsh, Brian O’Connor and Conor Healy. Chaffpool led 3-1 at half-time but they were overturned by a Ballygawley revival that produced three second-half goals. Ballygawley’s opponents in the semi-final – an away fixture – will be either Gurteen Celtic or Benbulben FC.
RESULTS
Played on Friday, April 22
The Glasshouse Hotel Cup
FIRST ROUND: Strand Celtic 0, Carbury FC 2
Frank Kennedy Memorial Cup
FIRST ROUND: Gurteen Celtic 3, Glenview Stars 2
Played on Saturday, April 23
Frank Kennedy Memorial Cup
FIRST ROUND: St John’s FC 4, Valley Rovers 3
Played on Sunday, April 24
The Glasshouse Hotel Cup
FIRST ROUND: Aughanagh Celtic 0, MCR FC 3 (walkover win); Cliffoney Celtic P Arrow Harps P; Ballisodare United 0, Cartron United 1 QUARTER-FINAL: Real Tubber 4, Manor Rangers 4 AET (Manor Rangers won 4-2 on penalties)
Frank Kennedy Memorial Cup
QUARTER-FINALS: Coolaney United 2, Carrick Town 3 AET; Ballygawley Celtic 4, Chaffpool United 3
FIXTURES
Saturday, April 30
The Glasshouse Hotel Cup
QUARTER-FINAL: Ballymote Celtic v Cartron United (7.15pm)
Frank Kennedy Memorial Cup
QUARTER-FINAL: St John’s FC v Calry Bohs (7.15pm)
Sunday, May 1
The Glasshouse Hotel Cup
FIRST ROUND: Cliffoney Celtic v Arrow Harps (11am) QUARTER-FINAL: MCR FC v Merville United (11am)
Frank Kennedy Memorial Cup
QUARTER-FINAL: Benbulben FC v Gurteen Celtic (11am)