Clonaslee United 2
Temple Villa 2
(Villa won 4-3 on penalties )
Villa made the trip to senior division side Clonaslee on Sunday last and although having to endure a penalty shoot-out, fully deserved their victory which would have been more comfortable if they had made better used of numerous scoring opportunities when 2-0 up.
Villa started much the better and took the game to the home team from the off, and with only seven minutes gone, John Gaffey steered a great header over the advancing keeper after a great cross from Beano Cassells. More chances followed soon as the visitors completely dominated and striker Tomas Browne doubled the lead ten minutes later, when his twenty yard effort found the roof of the net. For the remainder of the half, Villa passed the ball really well but could not add to their lead with Anthony Allen, Tomas Browne, and Noel Galvin all going close. Ten minutes before the interval, Clonaslee were given a lifeline when they were awarded a penalty, but a great save from Gary Flanagan kept Villa's lead intact.
Villa seemed to sit back a bit on their lead in the second period which allowed the home team back into the game, but Villa defended very well with Fergal Murray and Brian Mularney very impressive at the back, and regular keeper Joe McMahon (who replaced Gary Flanagan ) made a couple of great point-blank saves. With fifteen minutes to go, Clonaslee pulled one back with a good free-kick from twenty yards and proceeded to throw the kitchen sink at Villa for the remainder. During this period Villa had a couple of good chances to seal the victory, but Gary Flanagan and Anthony Allen failed to convert, having created good opportunites for themselves. Almost on the stroke of full-time, Clonaslee were awarded a penalty which was duly converted to break Villa hearts.
The extra-time proved a very cagey affair, with neither side giving anything away and penalties always looked the most likely outcome.
In the shoot-out Noel Galvin, Gary Flanagan, Michael Donohoe, and Tomas Browne all converted while the hero of day was Joe McMahon who made three great saves to ensure Villa's passage to the quarter-final.
Villa: Gary Flanagan, Michael Donohoe, Sean Kenny, Fergal Murray, Brian Mularney, Beano Cassells, Noel Galvin (capt ), John Gaffey, Damien Dolan, Anthony Allen, Tomas Browne.
Reserves: Joe McMahon, Tony Kuss, Brian Hickey, Ernie Buckley.
