Ardee beaten in shoot-out
Victories for Ardee, St Dominics and Bellurgan
ARDEE suffered shootout heartbreak as opponents Baldoyle thanks to the heroics of their goalkeeper booked a place in the North Leinster final of the under-12 Skechers National Cup at Townspark on Saturday.
The visitors goalkeeper produced a marvellous double two minutes from the end of extra-time to secure a shootout as the tie remained scoreless through normal and added time.
He then saved Ardee’s first kick in the shoot out and that proved the dividing margin between the sides as both sets of penalty takers otherwise had a 100 per cent success rate in the spot kick contest.
The Deesiders premier 2 side have at least the consolation that they still are in the main competition with a last 32 tie to look forward to in the New Year.
They dominated the opening 15 minutes of this semi-final tie, and could have had their passage into the regional decider wrapped up with the chances they created.
However, the wind had a big bearing on the match. It favoured Ardee in the first half when they were on top.
Baldoyle then had the better of the exchanges with it on their back in the second period, with scoring chances overall proving illusive.
But the crucial moment was that double save by the Baldoyle goalkeeper.
Tom Maguire, Tadgh Devanny and Jack Martin were to the forefront of a gallant display by Ardee, several of whom are eligible to play at this age level again next year.
ARDEE recorded their first win in the Dundalk Under-19 League on Friday night in the second series of matches.
The young Ardonians who are all eligible to play again at this age level next year, bounced back from their opening match defeat to Rock, recovering from falling behind in the opening 15 minutes to get the better of Quay Celtic at Townparks.
Michael Swostakowski grabbed a brace for the winners, and Harry Butterly notched their other goal.
They drew level on the half hour, and that is how the score stood at the interval.
They then hit the front mid way through the second half, and a third goal 15 minutes from time virtually assured them of the point.
Quay nabbed their second goal in stoppage time, which was too late to alter the outcome.
Their scorers were Joe Gorman and Graham Stevens.
Saint Dominic’s made a successful debut to their campaign, with an away win over Carrick by the odd goal in five on Saturday.
The Farney men won their opening game against Termonfeckin. However, a goal by Flynn Holland and an own goal was not enough to earn them anything against Saint Dominic’s .
Jack Barron from the spot, along with Brian and Fintan Brady netted a goal apiece for Dominic’s
Rock Celtic also recorded a comfortable win in their first game, but they were decisively beaten by Bellurgan at Flynn Park also on Saturday.
The Peninsula side ran out winners on a 4-1 scoreline with goals by Ian Arnold (2), James Keenan and Peter Lynch.
Killian Duffy scored for the second successive game, nabbing Rock’s lone reply. ,
Results: Friday, Ardee 3 (Michael Swostakowski 2, Harry Butterly) Quay Celtic 2 (Joe Gorman, Graham Stevens); Bellurgan United 4 ( Ian Arnold 2, James Keenan, Peter Lynch) Rock Celtic 1 (Cillian Duffy); Carrick 2 ( Flynn Holland, og) Saint Dominic’s 3 (Jack Barron pen, Brian and Fintan Brady).
Fixtures:Tuesday, Rock Celtic v Glenmuir, Sandy Lane 7.30pm.
Friday, Quay Celtic v Bellurgan Clancy Park 7.30pm; Ardee v Carrick, Ardee 7.30pm.