This article is from page 72 of the 2009-03-17 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 72 JPG
ROCK Rovers advanced to the quar- ter finals of the Clare Cup after a penalty shoot out victory over Bridge United A on Sunday.
After defeating clubmates Bridge B on penalities in the previous round, it looked for a while on Sunday that Bridge A would prevail yet again.
Bridge goalie Paul Tuohy produced two good saves to keep out penalties from Barry Woods and Brian Fitz- patrick.
But Bridge were having troubles of their from the spot with Greg Deegan and Gary Kelly missing their efforts.
After Francis Daniels converted Rock’s seventh penalty, goalkeeper Leonard Keane saved from John Ke- ogh to ensure a sudden death victory for Rock
Premier league Bridge got of to a quicker start but it was their first di- vision opponents who made the best of the early chances.
Niall McNiven did well to hold possession on the left before a firing a dangerous cross to the back post where Roan Eade smashed a half volley against a Bridge defender.
At the other end for Bridge Derek Fahy and Trevor Maxwell linked well and provided a useful outlet on the flanks.
Rock’s spluttering first half display owed more to a lack of composure at critical moments rather than a lack of effort. With half time approach- ing, the visitors started to find some oy oTeeN ba teace
Glynn glided past two players in midfield and drilled a low shot that
Tuohy did well to hold.
Bridge came out after half time playing with renewed effort and de- termination and dominated the early
Stages.
Despite pushing Rock back inside their half, Bridge lacked the killer in- stinct near goal. Barry Downes came
closest when he drove through the
middle but had his shot blocked. With Luke Coote mopping up at
the back momentum gradually shift-
ed back in Rock’s favour. Fullbacks Greg Howard and Barry Woods ex- celled during this period.
Howard linked well with McNiven in the 72nd minute but saw his low centre cleared.
Referee Julian Stanford blew the final whistle with the sides level at 0-0. Rock had the best chance to win it in extra time when McNiven teed up Glynn who had his shot from four yards well saved by Tuohy.
It was time for penalties. Howard, Stephen Hickey, Dean Gardiner, Daniels and McNiven converted for Rock. Fahy, Gavin Downes and Billy Maxwell were equally composed for Bridge. Keane denied Kelly to keep Rock’s cup bid on track.