Killorglin reach FAI semi-finals
FAI UNDER 17 CUP QUARTER-FINAL
Killorglin 1 Carndonagh FC (Donegal) 1
( AET, Killorglin won 8-7 on penalties)
FILM director Alfred Hitchcock would have found it hard to produce a better script than this game unearthed on Sunday as it was riveting stuff from start to finish and a fairytale outcome at the end for this talented Killorglin side who covered themselves in glory with a win of gigantic proportions.
It was a day when underage soccer on the banks of the Laune scaled new heights when they booked their place in the semi-final of the FAI Under 17 Cup with a fantastic penalty shoot out win over Donegal side Carndonagh FC in an epic game played in a great sporting spirit.
It was a rollercoaster ride for the players management team and their families and supporters who had their hearts in their mouths throughout the whole two-hour 15 minutes saga and the scenes of celebration when the final whistle sounded exemplified just how much the win meant to all concerned.
The big home crowd gave Killorglin great encouragement and they did not disappoint them turning in a tremendous performance where their spirit, work ethic, perseverance and self-belief was their recipe for success at the end.
This was not a game for the faint-hearted as it was edge of the seat stuff all the way with the final outcome uncertain right up to the very end. Indeed the home side produced a comeback of Lazarus proportions as they looked defeated as they trailed 1-0 going in to added time, but they scored a sensational equaliser in the seventh minute of added time which sent their big band of supporters into a frenzy of delight at the end.
The game was played in heavy underfoot conditions but both sides rose to the occasion and provided a very entertaining game with play switching from end to end on a regular basis.
Killorglin were on top in the first half but despite creating a number of scoring chances they were unable to break down a very solid Carndonagh defence, while they were also finding it hard to beat the excellent Carndonagh goalie Kyle Harkin.
They began briskly and created an early chance when Callum Russell prizing an opening for Mikey O’Donnell but his shot was straight at the Carndonagh keeper. The home side had to make a substitution after 20 minutes with Aaron O’Shea replacing the injured Oran Smith.
Now they were on top at midfield and Dylan Moriarty was a constant threat up front weaving his web of magic on the ball and leaving players in his wake with his dainty footwork. While Killorglin were playing well Carndonagh looked very dangerous on the break with Conor O’Neill and Seán O’Donnell a threat when they won possession.
They caught Killorglin on the counter attack in the 25th minute, but goalie Jack McGillycuddy, who had an excellent game was swift off his goal line and won the ball ahead of O’Donnell. Killorglin forced a few corner kicks, but they were having no joy in front of goals despite having plenty of the ball.
Araon O’Shea tested the Carndonagh goalie in the 40th minute with a well struck free kick from 30 yards and he made a fine save at the butt of the post. Then completely against the run of play Carndonagh were awarded a penalty kick in the 44th minute after a foul on Conor O’Neill.
O’Neill brushed himself off and put away the penalty kick in emphatic fashion. Killorglin must have been very disappointed going in a goal down at half time as on the run of play they should have been ahead.
Carndonagh began to enjoy much more of the play in the second half but to their credit Killorglin defended very well and rarely looked like conceding a goal. As the ground began to get heavier both sides were finding the going tough and the visitors began to slow down play and try to protect their slender advantage.
As the game entered the final 10 minutes Killorglin began to pile on the pressure in search of an equaliser. However, they had a big let off in the 81st minute when on the counter attack Conor O’Neill set up Seán O’Donnell and his shot came back off the crossbar.
Entering the concluding minutes sub Simon Coffey latched on to a Cathal Crowley corner-kick and he was denied by a great save by the Carndonagh keeper. Killorglin kept the relentless pressure going and as the game entered the seventh minute of added time they got a second successive corner kick and this was last chance saloon time.
It was floated into the packed goalmouth by Cathal Crowley where Dylan Moriarty’s effort on goal was pushed up into the air by the Carndonagh goalie and under pressure when the ball came down it was deemed to have crossed the goal line and Killorglin were in seventh heaven.
Two tired sides headed into extra time and while both sides created a few half chances the game remained deadlocked and headed for the dreaded shoot out. You could cut the tension with a knife as the marathon shoot out commenced and it took 18 penalties to decide the issue with just three misses.
In the regulation 10 spot kicks Dylan Moriarty, Mark Clifford, Aaron O’Shea and Callum Russel scored for Killorglin while Cillain Burke’s penalty was saved. Cian Burke, Will Quinn, Cian Doherty and Conor O’Neill scored for Carndonagh, while Rory Lynch’s put his penalty wide.
With deadlock prevailing at 4-4 after five penalty kicks each it then progressed into sudden death.
Callum Moriarty, Mikey O’Donnell and Jack Healy scored for Killorglin and Jamie Doherty, Sean O’Donnell, Kyran Cantwell scored for Carndonagh and now it was 7-7.
Under huge pressure Simon Coffey scored the 9th penalty for Killorglin which meant Carndonagh had to score the next one to stay in the game but Dean Doherty’s spot kick came back off the crossbar and Killorglin were victorious 8-7.
Great scenes of jubilations erupted among Killorglin players and supporters as the magnitude of their win sank in.
Both sides are to be highly commended for providing a rousing game that gave the big crowd great value for money. The pace, energy and enthusiasm of the players during the game made for compelling viewing and captivated the imagination of everyone present.
Now Killorglin can eagerly await the semi final draw with fingers crossed that they will get a home tie. It is a phenomenal achievement to reach the last four of the National Competition and who knows what lies ahead as they may reach the Promised Land before the 40 days of Lent are over.
Great credit is due to Killorglin manager Robbie Evans and his back-room crew for having the squad so well prepared for the big game and no doubt he was delighted with their performance.
KILLORGLIN: Jack McGillycuddy, Daniel Evans for Simon Coffey (65), Cathal Crowley, Matt Reenstierna for Jack Healy (104), Callum Moriarty, Mark Clifford, Mikey O’Donnell, Callum Russell, Dylan Moriarty, Cillian Burke, Oran Smith for Aaron O’Shea (20)
CARNDONAGH: Kyle Harkin, Josh Diver, Conor Mc Laughlin, Cian Doherty, Dominic O’Donnell for Jamie Doherty (54), Sean O’Kane, Will Quinn, Conor O’Neill, Cian Burke, Rory Lynch, Sean O’Donnell for Dean Doherty (88)
REFEREE: Pat King (Desmond League)