Park back in the big time in National Cup

SKECHERS NATIONAL CUP Under15

ST Brendan’s Park will once again be mixing it with the elite in the National Cup as they reach the last 8 of National Cup.

The win in the last 16 came after a titanic battle with Naas United at Christy Leahy Park going through 2-1 after extra time. It was game that came with a little poignancy for the Park as eight of the squad were playing their last game at this age having signed for the Kerry League of Ireland Under 15s.

The visitors were tough to break down early on and it took a moment of class from Cianan Cooney to break the deadlock.

His quick turn and low shot past the Naas keeper on the 26th minute put the Park 1-0 to the delight of the home crowd.

The Park had chances to extend their lead, but didn’t do so and were made pay when they failed to clear a ball and the game was tied at 1-1.

There was no further score and with the game into the second period of extra time the dreaded penalty shoot-out looked on the cards.

But Cooney had other ideas and another cool finish from close range won the game for the Park.

This was a great team effort with Cooney, Kieran O’Connor and Samuel Aladesanusi probably the stand-out players who along with their management deserve great credit for reaching the last eight of a national competition.

The Park now await the quarter final draw and are hoping for a home draw and will fancy their chances against any side especially at Christy Leahy Park.

Under 13

THE Park’s great run to the last sixteen ended with a 3-2 defeat away to Southend United of Waterford.

The home side played against the wind in the first half, but two attacks saw them score twice. Credit to the Park they hit back when James Fisher headed in a Jack Slattery cross. It got better for the Tralee side in the second half when JJ Olitijan levelled matters.

Sadly it was the home side the hit the winner late on to break the Park’s heart after a great run in this competition.