Faughart advance to Clancy Cup semi

THE non-stop rainfall caused more games to be postponed due to pitches being unplayable in the Dundalk Junior League.

The League management plan to re-fix all Clancy Cup games that have fallen victim of the weather.

In the games played, Faughart qualified for the semi-finals of the Clancy Cup, running up a third straight win in their group by defeating Rock Celtic, 4-2

Abdul Ahmed struck in the third minute, blasting home from inside the six-yard box. The lead lasted 10 minutes with Ciarán Fee equalising for Rock. Within a minute of the restart, Cathal Manning, with a very precise lob, put the home side back ahead.

Six minutes later, a well-placed shot by top-scorer Emmanuel Keenan stretched the Ravensdale side’s lead. He then sealed victory with a headed goal from close range to put them 4-1 in front.

Rock then got a grip on the game and Seb McGeough, on the hour mark, made it 4-2 with a close-range shot. Despite doing all the pressing until the referee, Paddy White, blew the final whistle, the home defence stood firm.

The champions, St Dominic’s, were held to a 2-2 draw by Carlingford at the all-weather pitch at Muirhevnamor. The game, played in front of a big crowd, saw the teams serve up a thrilling match.

Carlingford opened the scoring after 16 minutes with Peter Shields driving home a shot in a crowded penalty area.

St Dominic’s responded with a wave of attacks, with last season’s top-scorer, Greg Shannon, twice hitting the posts and crossbar. Despite being on the back foot, the visitors went in 1-0 ahead at the break.

In the 57th minute, a superb move from the back ended with Shields blasting Carlingford 2-0 ahead.

Within four minutes, Shannon reduced the arrears, latching on to a loose ball to fire home. From this point the game swung from end-to-end with the sides each coming close to scoring.

In added time, Alan Carr grabbed an equaliser for the title holders, providing a fitting result to a great game. Both clubs have still to meet Bellurgan United.