Coachford move into Munster Junior Cup semi after 23 penalties in epic shootout
Coachford had a 12-11 penalty shoot-out win over Limerick's Regency FC in the quarter-final of the Munster Junior Cup at the Glebe. Picture: Barry Peelo.
It took extra time and penalties before Coachford booked their spot in the semi-final stage of the Munster Junior Cup after a 12-11 penalty shoot-out victory over Regency FC at the Glebe.
Although it was a game with lots of excitement at different stages of the contest, it was also very sloppy in parts, but the crowd certainly got value for money in the end.
The start was exciting as Matthew Bradley came so close with an effort, following an assist from Ryan Leahy before Andy Quaid played a sumptuous ball into space for Denis Shaughnessy, whose cross had just too much on it for the available Kiaran O’Connell.
After 12 minutes, Regency nosed in front, when after being awarded a free outside the box, Kiaran O’Connell rifled an unstoppable strike into the top corner to hand his side the advantage.
A chance fell for Coachford one minute later when after Matthew Bradley’s cross was headed clear, it arrived for Jamie Griffin, but his low effort was saved by O’Brien. Regency were reduced to 10 men when Tommy Frawley was sent off for a second yellow around the half-hour mark.
When play commenced, an early ball from Cialan O’Sullivan would have reached Luke Casey, but an excellent intervention from Tommy Frawley ended the threat.
Then, from a free kick, Cialan O’Sullivan almost got through on goal, but Denis Shaughnessy got an important touch in to concede a corner.
Another chance fell for Coachford soon after, but from Bradley’s delivery, Adam Murphy touched over near goal.
Coachford were edging the contest now and they found themselves back in the hunt once again when after building from the back, Luke Casey guided past the advancing Cian O’Brien from Ryan Leahy’s cross on 32 minutes to restore parity once again.
With just minutes into the second half, what a chance fell for Coachford – Luke Casey’s free kick into the box, broke kindly for Sean O’Sullivan, but he fired over while unattended before Joe Lavin made Stephen Murray work hard to collect from his low effort.
Regency had a chance next when Alex Keating found space outside the box, but he failed to get any conviction on his strike.
Coachford threatened next, when Cialan O’Sullivan played a lovely ball on for the supporting Dara Lynch, he went on to slam the side netting with a crisp effort, but what a goal we saw next. – noticing the Coachford keeper out of position, Kiaran O’Connell unleashed an audacious strike from almost the halfway line, which looped over Murray before dipping under the bar to fire Regency in front on 75.
It was almost honours even soon after, but from Cathal O’Neill’s venomously struck effort, Cian O’Brian produced a top-drawer save.
But, on 88 minutes, it was all square, when Adam Murphy hammered home from the spot after Cialan O’Sullivan was tripped up, inside the box.
Coachford had a great chance soon after when Bradley worked it on to Luke Casey, who found Cialan O’Sullivan in a good position, but the winger drilled over.
Plenty of drama then followed after that.
Coachford nosed in front in injury time, when following a break, Matthew Bradley was accorded space in the box to drill home from close range to make it 3-2, but just as you thought the tie was over, Kiaran O’Sullivan got away on the right before crossing low for Alex Keating to help home near the far post and force the game into extra time at 3-3.
With just four minutes into the first period, Coachford found themselves reduced to 10 men as well when Cathal O’Neill was sent off.
The best chance in that period fell for Coachford when Luke Casey cushioned it down for Cialan O’Sullivan, but he was denied by a super save from O’Brien.
But the tie was eventually decided upon after a fairly drawn-out penalty shoot ended with Coachford winning 12-11 in the end.
Stephen Murray, Matthew Bradley, Dara Lynch, Mark Murphy, Keith Linzell, Sean O’Sullivan, Ryan Leahy, Adam Murphy, Luke Casey, Jamie Griffin, Cialan O’Sullivan.
Gary Murphy for Ryan Leahy (80), Cathal O’Neill for Keith Linzell (82).
Cian O’Brien, Tommy Frawley, Jack O’Donovan, Ewan O’Brien, Joe Lavin, Andy Quaid, Eoin Duff, Kiaran O’Connell, Denis Shaughnessy, Brian O’Connor, Shane Donegan.
Sean Madigan for Ben O’Shaughnessy (23), Alex Keating for Brian O’Connor (61), Ryan Gilmartin for Joe Lavin (92), Muhsin Jelle for Eoin Duff (101).
Alan McDonagh.
Paul Bowdren and Stephen Moore.
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