Pobalscoil Ghaoth Dobhair win out on spot kicks
FAI Schools First Year ‘B’ Boys National Cup Semi Final (Under 14, Small Schools)
The deferred Cup competition will see both the First Year ‘B’ Girls and Boys National Semi Finals and Finals played off in the next few weeks.
Tuesday, September 17, 2024
Balla Secondary School 0-0 Pobalscoil Ghaoth Dobhair (AET) Pobalscoil won 5-3 pens
A scoreless draw was played out in a sun-kissed Ray MacSharry Park, Sligo this afternoon (September 17) as Pobalscoil Ghaoth Dobhair needed spot kicks to overcome a creative Balla Secondary School.
The Connacht stars edged the game ever so slightly but it was the Ulster side who held their nerve to slot home all five penalties in an entertaining and tense conclusion to the Cup tie. Both defences played solidly to ensure a close encounter through out.
Balla enjoyed a period of good possession in the opening quarter with Daniel Lyons forcing Ó Rabhartaigh into a great save with six minutes gone.
Midway through the half, Gweedore had their first attempt on goal which saw Cormac Ó Gallchóir’s effort sail over the upright.
Balla came agonisingly close to breaking the deadlock three minutes from the interval as Seán Nolan’s piledriver clipped the bottom of the post.
It remained goalless at the break.
There were few chances in the second period with both keepers in fine form.
Colman MacCumhaill hit the side netting with six minutes left as the game needed extra time.
The stalemate remained in additional time with Eoin Walsh rattling the woodwork three minutes into the restart.
Pobalscoil remained confident as they slotted in the first peno. Unlike Balla who missed theirs and just couldn’t make up the deficit as Ciaran Mac an Bhreithiun’s young side managed a 100% conversion rate to advance to this season’s showdown.
The Donegal crew will await the winners of the other semi-final which is scheduled for Thursday, September 19 in Killavilla United FC, Roscrea where Limerick side Hazelwood College, Dromcollogher entertain Blessington Community College (1.0).
The National Cup Final is down for contention on Wednesday, October 2.
BALLA SECONDARY SCHOOL | Noah Murphy, James Heaney, Ross Malone, Donal Keane, Blake Mannion, James Staunton, Tony Cunningham ©, Ryan Nolan, Daniel Lyons, Eoin Walsh, Seán Nolan
SUBS ROLL ON / OFF | Jacob Kenny, Kian Sandival, Lewis Campbell, Shaun Conroy, Liam Cunningham, Jack Heneghen, Ryan McDonnell
TEACHERS | Kevin McGauran, Adrian Philips
POBALSCOIL GHAOTH DOBHAIR | Darragh Ó Rabhartaigh, John Joe Mac Giolla Bhríde, Dylan Ó Gallchóir, Zach O Colla, Padraig Ó Gallchóir, Fionn Mac Grianna, Cormac Ó Gallchóir, Jay Ó Docharaigh, Ronan Nathan, Adam Mac Giolla Bhríde ©, Colman MacCumhaill
SUBS ROLL ON / OFF | Callan Mac Grianna, Cillian Mac Ruairí, Patrick Mandilla, Eoin Ó Searcaigh, Brian MacAoidh, Dylan T Ó Gallchóir, Aodhán Ó Domhnaill
TEACHER | Ciaran Mac an Bhreithiun
MATCH OFFICIAL | John Barry (Sligo)
