MONKSLAND UNITED 1 FREEBOOTERS FC 3
Freebooters FC advanced to the next round of the Leinster FA Junior Cup at the expense of Monksland United last Sunday afternoon in Cushla Park.
The home team took the lead early in the second half but the Kilkenny outfit levelled matters on the hour mark. The tie looked to be heading towards extra time but the visitors struck again late on, a third goal on the stroke of full-time sealing victory.
The visitors had all the early chances. The first came after just four minutes when Andy Walsh flicked over the bar. A first corner soon followed with Jamie Holden then firing off target.
Monksland were slow to get going but four corners in quick succession announced their arrival. The best chance of the half though fell to Freebooters following this spell of home pressure when, after 13 minutes, Ger Hayes was unlucky to see his shot hit the post.
The best home chance came when Matt Scally passed to Dylan Jinks whose shot on the turn went wide. Another chance came when Jinks provided the opening with a low cross from the right but the goalkeeper collected before Scally could pounce.
Freebooters responded and captain, Paddy Cahill, should have done better but saw his shot dribble harmlessly wide.
Monksland opened the scoring from their first chance of the second half on 52 minutes. Johnny Kiernan burst down the right and his low cross picked out Jinks who put the ‘Land in front. Kiernan soon had a chance to double the lead but fired over.
Freebooters made good use of their squad and one of their substitutes levelled matters on the hour mark. It was a poor goal for United to concede as a low cross from the right was fumbled by goalkeeper Conal Sheeran and Sean Bolger took full advantage to fire home.
It looked as though extra time might be needed to decide a winner on the day but there was late drama. Kiernan had a shot saved midway through the half while Sheeran was seen in a better light when blocking a shot from Walsh.
The visitors finished strongly and somehow failed to take the lead with 10 minutes remaining when Walsh saw his shot cleared off the line by Reece Moran. Kiernan then had a chance at the other end when he attempted to take advantage of the away keeper being out of position.
The visitors went in front with 83 minutes played. A corner kick was conceded and another substitute scored when Chris Phelan rose unmarked at the far post to head home.
The visitors duly completed their passage into the next round with a third goal on the stroke of full time. Monksland somehow gave up possession from a throw in close to their end line. The visitors gratefully took advantage and it allowed Walsh to finish off the game with a third score.
There was still more action to follow during stoppage time. Kiernan sent in a free kick from the right and was unlucky to see his delivery hit off the woodwork.
