UCC B reach City Challenge Cup final after penalty shootout win over Grattan United B
The UCC B side that had a 5-3 penalty shoot-out victory over Grattan United B in the semi-final of the City Challenge Cup after it was 2-2 over extra time at O'Neill Park.
Although with a lot at stake here, both sides went toe to toe in a lively opening that saw UCC B threaten first when from Gokhan Dumlupinar’s free kick, Ammidat touched towards goal while inside the box, but it went off a defender to go out for a corner.
In a sweeping move down the left channel, Ali Ammidat collected from Michael Morris before attempting to find the available Eric Montgomery with his cross, but a sharp Ben Hogan was quickly off his line to make an important interception.
And when Michael Morris tried to play in Ali Ammidat, Tadgh Lawton reacted sharply to clear the threat.
But, Grattan went ahead and what a goal it was – showing neat control outside the box, Tomas Murray struck an effort the flew into the top corner for what was a wonderful finish on 18 minutes.
Minutes later, UCC B had a chance to restore parity but, when Ali Ammidat collected from Michael Morris, his first effort was blocked by Padraig Crowley and when it came back to him again, he fired straight at Ben Hogan before a terrific effort from Tomas Murray soared agonisingly over at the other end.
Grattan B threatened again – this time Tomas Murray was the provider when he found Damien McSweeny in space to rifle a cracking effort, inches over.
A ball over the top then arrived for Eric Montgomery, but as he won the race for possession over Ben Hogan, he poked wide of the target.
Play shifted to the other end and when Damien McSweeny’s corner was cleared, Troy Barry hooked it back into the box - it fell for Tadgh Lawton who back-heeled an effort that went narrowly wide.
Then, the woodwork came to UCC B’s rescue when Adrian Duggan controlled from Chirstopher Foley’s pass before unleashing a thumping effort that cannoned off the bar before being cleared to safety.
Tadgh Lawton produced a run that took him deep into the UCC B’s half before finding Daniel Whittington in space, but the striker rifled over from 20.
But, it was all square again when from Pual Murphy’s free kick, the ball arrived for Michael Morris who guided home from inside the box to make it 1-1 at the break.
UCC B threatened with just minute into the second half with Ali Ammidat playing it short for Gokhan Dumlupinar who helped on for Eric Montgomery, but control left him down at a crucial time and a potential chance went.
UCC B nosed in front when failure by the Grattan rear-guard to clear their lines presented Eric Montgomery a chance to hammer home on 55.
A response from Grattan B then saw Jamie O’Connor finding Stephen Harris who tried to force home, but Walter Messina got in the way near goal.
But, Grattan B were back in the game when from Dominic Wojtas’ corner, Damien McSweeny was first to pounce in the box to guide home and make it honours even once again on 75.
Grattan were having a good spell now and it was Walter Messina who had to throw his body on the line to make a big block from Jamie O’Connor before Damien McSweeny saw his well-struck effort dip narrowly over.
And with his back to goal, Tomas Murray’s headed effort from Wojtas’ free kick went straight at Michael Hayes.
At the other end, Gerard Moloney drilled over from outside the box, shortly before the referee brought closure to what was a lively stalemate over the 90 minutes.
In extra-time, Grattan B had the better chances, but UCC B proved more accurate in the penalty shoot-out after a 5-3 victory in the end.
Grattan United B: Ben Hogan, Jimmy O’Brien, Graham Cummins, Padraig Crowley, Tadgh Lawton, Tomas Murray, Adrian Duggan, Troy Barry, Daniel Whittington, Christopher Foley and Damien McSweeney.
Subs: Dominic Wojtas and Stephen Harris for Christopher Foley and Troy Barry (half-time), Jamie O’Connor for Adrian Duggan (55), Ciaran Crowley Daniel Whittington (67), Trevor O’Brien for Jimmy O’Brien (85).
UCC B: Michael Hayes, John Houlihan, David Foley, Walter Messina, Eoin Gunnigle, Paul Murphy, Gokhan Dumlupinar, Matthew Ellis, Eric Montgomery, Ali Ammidat and Michael Morris.
Subs: Gerard Moloney for Gokhan Dumlupinar (67).
Referee: Paul Bowdren.
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