After a tremendous game we went out of the National Cup to last years beaten finalists for the second year running . The lads shouldn’t feel too disappointed because the performance of both sides was excellent . Chances were scarce throughout most of the first half and this was due mainly to the standard of defending . Jamie Clifford and Sean Dukes had real battles with two outstanding wide men for Regional and Segun Duyile and Sean Kelliher were both magnificent in defence .
Ferdia O Brien and Paddy Collins both looked accomplished in the middle of the pitch and Luke Moynihan and Ryan Dolan were a constant threat . James Duggan took a heavy knock early in the first half and did very well to battle on .
After dominating possession for much of the first half a mistake on the half way line led to Regional taking the lead just before half time . The second half saw Jesse Stafford Lacey come close to getting the equaliser with a lovely curling effort . In truth we didn’t create too many clear cut chances but could have levelled the game when Fergal Ryan was put through after a lovely flowing move but saw his one on one effort saved by an impressive Regional keeper .Pushing for the equaliser Stefan Okonbor came on up front and caused lots of problems . Two tremendous strikes from Paddy Collins and Jamie Clifford nearly brought about goals and a fairly blatant penalty claim was strangely turned down by the referee after James Duggan was brought down in the area .
With time running out we continued to press forward and one or two half chances eluded us .It was good to see the respect both sets of players had for each other at the final whistle . Regional Utd knew they had been in a real game and we wish them well in the next round . It will take a good side to beat them .
Jack Carmody , Jamie Clifford ,Sean Kelliher ,Segun Duyile ,Sean Dukes ,Ferdia O Brien ,Luke Moynihan ,Paddy Collins ,Ryan Dolan ,Jesse Stafford Lacey, James Duggan. subs Stefan Okonbor ,Fergal Ryan .
Report by T.Collins
