Coachford into FAI Junior Cup final after penalty shoot-out drama in Meath
The Coachford side that had a 4-1 penalty shoot-out victory in the semi-final of the FAI Junior Cup against Trim Celtic after it was 1-1 in Navan.
Coachford secured an unprecedented spot in the FAI Junior Cup final after sealing a monumental penalty shoot-out triumph over Trim Celtic after a 1-1 draw to spark scenes of unbridled jubilation at the final whistle in the NDL Grounds at Navan on Sunday.
This wasn't just a cup victory; it was a legendary, monumental milestone that would be spoken about for generations to come.
In a breathless semi-final that will live long in the memory of those Coachford supporters who attended and fuelled by a relentless hunger as well as unbreakable resilience, this Coachford side produced an immense performance that exhausted every ounce of energy which in the end, booked their passage to the national showcase.
And in the overall scheme of things, the AUL side thoroughly deserved this victory as they edged the contest for large chunks throughout the full duration.
Coachford started brightly as Adan Murphy found Jamie Griffen, who made Niall Brady work to collected from his low effort.
Then, Cialan O’Sullivan produced a driving run before rifling an effort straight at Brady from a narrow angle.
It was certainly a positive start from Coachford as Gerard Murray had to throw his body on the line to deny Griffen an effort on goal.
Soon after, Ferriera Diaz claimed possession at the other end, but could not adjust his body enough to get a telling effort away.
A looping cross was destined for the impressive Sam Murray, but Steven Murray was sharply off his line to make an important interception.
Matthew Bradley then side-stepped his challenger before unleashing a decent effort that dipped over.
But, after Gerard Murray closed down an effort from Jamie Griffen, Sam Murray showed neat control before rifling a low effort agonisingly wide while at the other end, Cialan O’Sullivan made Brady work to save from his stinging effort to end the action in a half that was edged by Coachford.
Coachford threatened from the off as the second half got underway with Cialan O’Sullivan working it on for Matthew Bradley, who played it into space for Jamie Griffen to cut inside before unleashing a tremendous effort which soared narrowly over.
But, on 67 minutes, the ice was broken when from Matthew Bradley’s corner, Adam Murphy rose highest to send his thumping header crashing into the net to hand Coachford a deserved lead.
Trim Celtic had to go for it now and started to enjoy a bit more possession and from a free kick around 30 yards out, Trim’s Cian Lee forced Steven Murray to stretch before tipping over for a corner.
Then, Gary Gibney unleashed a thumping effort that flashed inches over.
Coachford threatened minutes later with Ryan Leahy showing good composure before making ground to drill a crisply struck effort narrowly over.
But, a bit of clumsy defending at the back from the Coachford rearguard, presented Sam Murray with an opportunity which he fully accepted by slotting into the corner and force the game into extra time in the dying seconds.
Both sides cancelled each other out for the first period of extra time as the immense commitment from the two teams truly began to take its toll, but in the second half, Cialan O’Sullivan was denied twice by frantic blocks before Jamie Griffen saw his shot charged down to complete 110 minutes of energy-sapping football.
So, it was on to the dreaded penalty shoot-out next to decide the outcome of this epic contest.
And following Cathal O’Neill’s final penalty which bulged the net to make it 4-1, the very large travelling group of Coachford supporters swarmed on to the pitch to embrace their heroes.
Niall Brady, Ciaran O’Connell, Aaron Williams, Sean Fitzgerald, Sam Murray, Ian Byrne, Ferrera Diaz, Gerard Murray, Paul Mee, Cian Lee, and Gary Gibney.
Brian Faulkner for Ferriera Dias (78), Dean Courtney for Ian Byrne (81), Paul Munelly for Paul Mee (90).
Steven Murray, Dara Lynch, Matthew Bradley, Mark Murphy, Keith Linzell, Sean O’Sullivan, Alan Murphy, Mark O’Connell, Jack O’Sullivan, Jamie Griffen, Cialan O’Sullivan.
Cathal O’Neill for Sean O’Sullivan (67), Ryan Leahy for Jack O’Sullivan (68).
Adam Conroy.
Paul Shelley and Joseph O’Hanlon.
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