GTI advanced to the semi-finals of the Combined Colleges Cup after overcoming a strong Carlow IT outfit at Terryland Park this week.
Despite conceding an early goal from Carlow’s Nick Cosgrave, GTI ran out 3-1 winners. Goals by recent Galway United signing and GTI captain Enda Curran, his strike partner Mark Dowling, and a second-half goal from midfielder David Cullen were enough to see them through to the next round.
Carlow started the stronger and took an early lead through a Nick Cosgrave goal after just six minutes when GTI keeper Conor Winn’s throw out was intercepted by the number 10, who duly dispatched a fabulous strike from 25 yards out.
But from then on GTI grew in stature. With crisp passing, a strong midfield, and a well-organised defence, they fought their way back into the game with a well taken goal by captain Curran on 25 minutes.
Good play on the left by full back Georoid O’ Leidhinn and the impressive Cullen resulted in a pin-point cross from O’Leidhinn to the near post for Curran to slide in to level the match.
The second goal came on 38 minutes when great play down the left saw a pass laid on for Dowling, who struck from just outside the box into the bottom corner.
Carlow rallied and looked dangerous at set pieces, and piled on the pressure for the first 20 minutes of the second half. Both wingers threatened the GTI defence, but as the half wore on GTI once again gained the upper hand and on 73 minutes struck their third goal.
