Tullamore exit cup

Carrigaline Utd 2 Tullamore Town 1 Tullamore made the long trip to Cork last Sunday for this FAI Cup replay but, despite playing some wonderful football for long periods, they eventually went down to a young and talented Carrigaline side who will surely relish the prospect of a 2nd round tie against close neighbours Cobh Ramblers. Played in near perfect conditions Tullamore were quickly into their stride and, with Eoghan O"Shea and Scott Delaney commanding at the back and Brian and Stephen Francis orchestrating proceedings from midfield, they dominated the opening exchanges but failed to find a way past a well drilled home defence. With twenty five minutes on the clock the home side went in front against the run of play when a deep cross from the right wrong footed the Town defence and the United left-winger gathered the ball on the edge of the area and turned inside before cracking his shot off both uprights and into the net. With five minutes remaining in the first half, Tullamore"s fine play was finally rewarded when the Carrigaline keeper failed to hold a Kevin Duffy shot and Simon Keegan pounced on the rebound to drive the ball home from close range to leave the sides tied 1-1 at the interval. Tullamore began the second half as they had finished the first as they went all out for a second goal but the home defence stood firm and, with Carrigaline bringing on a number of fresh players, they slowly began to turn the game in their favour. Town"s case was not helped when Eoghan O"Shea had to limp off and despite returning to the fray he eventually had to make way for Michael Kenaney with Willie Duffy moving to the centre of defence. With the home side well on top, the crucial score came with five minutes remaining when Mooney managed to parry a shot from the edge of the area, but the Carrigaline centre forward coolly side footed the rebound to the back of the net to send his side into the next round. For the visitors there were outstanding performances from Joe Mooney, Eoghan O"Shea, Stephen Francis, Simon Keegan and Michael Hoey but the man of the match award went to Tullamore"s playmaker Brian Francis. Tullamore : Joe Mooney, Fergal Gorman, Eoghan O"Shea, Scott Delaney, Willie Duffy, Kevin Duffy, Brian Francis, Stephen Francis, Simon Keegan, Michael Hoey and Mark Goodings. Subs : Michael Kenaney, Trevor Francis, Gary Buckley, Dean Goode and Anthony Heffernan. *Tullamore are at home to Castlebar Celtic in the 'A' Championship next Saturday, 9th May, kick-off 7pm in Leah Victoria Park.