This article is from page 62 of the 2011-02-22 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 62 JPG
West Clare United 1 – Avenue United 2 (AET) at Tulla
A HEROIC performance from third division side West Clare United brought Avenue to extra-time in this first round cup clash but they were unable to overcome the premier side, loosing out eventually by two goals to one.
Due to the weather conditions, the pitch was very heavy and Avenue struggled greatly to play the free flowing soccer they normally produce which gave West Clare a huge opportunity in this game. Although they did not create many chances, West Clare made it very hard for Avenue to play and battled well giving them real problems.
It was Avenue’s Barry Nugent who scored the goal to get his side off the mark in the first half but despite creating a number of chances following this they were unable to build on their advantage. It was 1-0 as the sides went in at the half, a score-line which was a fair result on the performance of both teams.
In the second half West Clare United again fought back but were unable to create any scoring chances and although they were doing a great job at keeping Avenue under control they never looked like a threat in front of goals. However, as the game went deep into injury time, West Clare were awarded a penalty in what looked like the last act of the game. Jason Russell then stepped up to take the spot kick and as he struck it past Healy in the Avenue goal the sides were destined for extra-time.
In the first few minutes of extra time a quick Avenue break up the field saw Con Collins score from the edge of the box and his side took the lead once more. It remained very close for the rest of the game but as hard as West Clare tried they were unable to break the Avenue rearguard.
The game finished 2-1 to Avenue after seeing off a battling performance from West Clare United. West Clare played well and made it difficult for Avenue but it was Avenue who created the more chances throughout the game. However, this is not to take away from an outstanding performance from West Clare who gave it there all and will be happy with their performance but in the end the more experienced side came out on top and it will be Avenue who progress to the next round.
Avenue United
John Healy, Eamonn O’Reilly, Simon Cuddihy, Colin Smith, David Herlihy, Barry Nugent, Pa Wilson, Con Collins, David Smith, Mikey Mahoney, Richie O’Grady.
West Clare Utd
Kevin Harte, Barry Murphy, Hugh McNally, Barry Copley, David Honan, David Tubridy, Brian Harte,TomHonan, Jamie Russell, Tony Doherty, Jason Russell.