The Kerryman (North Kerry)

Castleisla­nd’s FAI Cup run ends against VEC FC

- MIKE RICE WITH ALL THE NEWS FROM THE KERRY DISTRICT LEAGUE

FAI JUNIOR CUP FIFTH ROUND (LAST 64)

Castleisla­nd 0 VEC FC (Dublin) 3

CASTLEISLA­ND’S great run in the FAI Junior Cup came to and end in the North Kerry town on Sunday when they went down to strong Dublin side VEC FC.

The game was played in testing conditions and the visitors had the assistance of a strong wind in the first half and they enjoyed the lion’s share of possession.

However Castleisla­nd defended sensibly against the elements and going in 1-0 down at half time they were in a decent enough position knowing they would have a strong wind behind them in the second half.

VEC were a very big physical side who were extremely dangerous from set piece situations having a huge height advantage.

While the visitors were on top in the opening 20 minutes they had nothing to show for it and Castleisla­nd were creating a few chances on the counter attack.

All this changed in the 23rd minute when VEC forced a corner kick. It was delivered into the goalmouth by Dani Gonzales where it was flicked on at the near post. As the ball broke loose in front of goals a shot by Aidan Hyland was parried by Castleisla­nd goalie Stephen Bartlett and deflected off a defender and as Bartlett tried to recover the ball it struck the inside of the post and he was deemed to have taken the ball over the line to the displeasur­e of Castleisla­nd players.

Castleisla­nd then put a few good attacks together and Stan Divane had two efforts on goal his first a bicycle kick went wide while another effort from inside the box was superbly blocked by Gavin Murphy.

Going in 1-0 down was satisfacto­ry enough for the home side and they came out in the second half with a spring in their steps.

Stan Divane had a chance from a corner kick but he fluffed his shot while a Tommy Feehan free kick went over the top.

They were only a whisker away from equalising in the 59th minute when Aidan O’Callaghan met a Tommy Feehan free kick and his powerful header was just inches wide.

However VEC put clear daylight between the sides in the 70th minute when a Dani Gonzalez free kick found Aidan Hyland at the back post and his header found the net getting a nick off a defender along the way.

Castleisla­nd had the ball in the net in the 76th minute after a Tommy Feehan free kick broke loose in the box and sub Mike McCarthy smashed the ball to the back off the net but he was ruled offside by linesman Eddie O’Mahony to the derision of the home fans.

VEC wrapped up the game in the 84th minute when Aidan Hyland played in Seamus Staunton and he gave Stephen Bartlett no chance from close range.

Castleisla­nd could not be faulted for lack off effort as they worked their socks off for the whole game and made their opponents work hard for their victory.

VEC were the better side on the day and now go forward to the last 32 draw, CASTLEISLA­ND: Stephen Bartlett, Mike Hanifan, Aidan O’Callaghan, Paul Carmody (Luke Lyons, 82 ), Mike Cahill (Mike McCarthy, 73), Colin McCarthy (Eamon Nolan, 77), Michael Walsh, Ray Huggard (Kevin O’Mahoney, 77), Pierce Brosnan (Adam O’Donoghue, 67), Stan Divane, Tommy Feehan.

VEC FC: David Frewen, Eoin Ferry, Gavin Murphy, Conall O’Shaughness­y, Peter O’Brien, Mick Kinsella, Ray Jaudems (Pat Meghen, 81), Seamus Staunton, Dani Gonzalez, Aidan Hyland, Jack Nolan (James McGauran, 70).

REFEREE: Seamus O’Mahoney

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