A late goal in added time sent Freebooters through to the next round of the FAI Junior Cup and broke the hearts of Evergreen.
It had been an amazing game which had absolutely everything that you could hope for. An early lead from Evergreen, a spirited comeback from Freebooters in the 94th minute of the game, and then the events which showed just how magical cup competitions can be and why they are so romanticised by supporters.
The game started with some robust exchanges in midfield, particularly as both teams did their best to impose themselves on the game. The early break through when it came was well deserved as Evergreen had been playing the better football - Niall Andrews was so clinical in his finishing that Graham Doyle in the Freebooters’ goal didn’t stand a chance. The next few minutes were dominated by the blues but without creating any great chances. The second period saw Evergreen begin to control proceedings again and it was really no surprise when Mark Cashin spun quickly in the six yard box to make it 2-0. Freebooters looked frail at the back in this period except for Anthony Hanney who held firm as Evergreen seemed more likely to increase their lead. However with Craig Wall having some success down the right wing a chance fell to Aaron Broaders who took it gratefully and the change was immediate. Freebooters regained their confidence and started making progress down both flanks while Evergreen seemed rattled. But despite this they held their ground until three minutes into injury time. Freebooters launched a last desperate attack. Derek Brennan the right back, found himself going forward on the left wing and was upended by a high challenge from Jamie Owens and in the resultant mayhem, Evergreen's Brian Jordan got the red card for dissent. When all had calmed down, Ben Ryan, the Freebooters number 10 took a free kick which would have done credit to a higher stage, when his shot swept sweetly into the top left hand corner of the Evergreen goal.
Going into extra time Freebooters were on a high after escaping in such a manner while Evergreen were down to 10 men and also stunned by the outcome. Very few chances went to either team but just when the referee must have been considering which end to hold the penalty shoot out, Craig Wall got the ball on the right wing and slipped it inside to Dean Broaders who managed to evade all the Evergreen defenders and shot to the net to end Evergreen’s dreams of the FAI Junior Cup.
Teams:
Evergreen: D Bourke, V O'Brien, M Cashin, M Wong, R Quan, B Jordan, M Cashin, G O'Flaherty, N Andrews, A Keenan, C Whoarty, J Owens, S Diareen, D O'Riordain, S Guidera, B Holden, M Holohan, M Doran.
Freebooters: G Doyle, D Brennan, J Kelly, M Falsey, A Hanney, K Mulcahy, C Wall, G Brennan, D Hayes, B Ryan, D Broaders, J Hayes, G Wall, K Morrissey, J Poyntz, A Broaders, D Brennan.
