EJ’s are through to the Open Cup finals

THE open cup semi finals took centre stage in the Sligo Rovers Astro League last week, with EJs facing GSS on Tuesday, while Ballyshannon entertained Sheffield Thursday on Wednesday. Both semi finals on paper looked incredibly hard to pick a winner, and so they proved.

The opening semi final on Tuesday last, saw defending champions EJS face a strong GSS side that have enjoyed a very positive season to date. The opening ten minutes provided chances for both sides as the game became very open. Fifteen minutes into the game, EJs broke the deadlock courtesy of a penalty from Keith Lynch, after Ronan Cox was fouled in the area. However, their lead was short lived, as Brendan Lowry struck for GSS five minutes later to make it 1- 1, with yet another sublime strike. The goal of the game came thereafter, after some neat build up from EJs and from Glen Shannon in particular, Lee Marshall finished expertly to finish off a fine team move and struck the ball in the bottom corner of the net. The second half proved just as exciting, as both sides were guilty of missing some guilt edged chances. GSS threw everything at EJs in the final ten minutes in search for an equaliser but it wasn’t to be for them. EJs progressed into next month’s open cup final 2- 1. For GSS, attention now swiftly turns back the league action for them, as they go in search of the Championship Division crown.

There was drama in the other semi final between Sheffield Thursday and Ballyshannon, as they battled it out to earn the right to play EJs in the final. Sheffield Thursday raced into a 2- 0 lead before the half time break, and seemed in full control of the game. However, the second half proved very different as Josh Ritchie pulled a goal back for Ballyshannon to give them hope. Ballyshannon dominated the remainder of the game and were rewarded a penalty five minutes from time after Aidan O’Brien was shown a red card for a deliberate hand ball. Up stepped Seamus Kane to make it 2- 2 to force penalties. Ballyshannon’s momentum continued in the penalty shoot- out and recorded a 4- 3 victory in the shoot- out. The result is in jeopardy however, after the league received an official complaint from Sheffield Thursday about an alleged illegal player on the Ballyshannon team. The Sligo Rovers astro league will investigate accordingly and make a decision on the matter in the coming days. The only league match to take place last week was in the Championship division, as Upson Downs defeated Cash Savers Calcio 4- 0. Goals from Danny Andrews, Ovis, Seamie Cannon and Gary Funston ensured Upson Downs collected the three points. This week’s fixtures are as follows: Tuesday, 9pm GSS vs Borussia Teeth; Wednesday, 8pm Sheffield Thursday vs Sally Gardens; Wednesday, 9pm The Belfry vs Cash Savers Calico; Friday, 8pm Ballyshannon vs Forrest Celtic; Friday, 9pm EJs vs Strand Celtic.

Pictured is EJ’s who are in the final.