Athletic too hot for Spurs
FAI Jnr Cup Round 2: Mullingar Athletic AFC 4, Newbridge Hotspurs FC 2
Conditions were not ideal for football, as Athletic travelled to a wet and windy Newbridge on Sunday morning for Round 2 of the FAI Junior Cup to face Hotspurs at Snigs Brogan Park.
It took the Mullingar men some time to settle into this cup tie with the home team starting the better of the two. Unfortunate not to open the scoring in the opening moments, Newbridge did engineer a breakthrough midway through the first half after a beautiful touch and tidy finish from the Spurs right winger.
However, Athletic gained some moment with brothers Liam and Emmett Brennan taking the game by the scruff of the neck. It was Emmett that found Liam with a wonderful pass which was taking on the chest and volleyed off the post. This acted as a catalyst which drove Athletic on.
Mullingar's midfield of Brian Kavanagh, Keith Hope and Jordan Scally had taken control of the game with multiple chances created but none hitting the back of the net.
The interval seemed to kick start the home side, creating some great chances at the start of the second half. Athletic goalkeeper Craig Sweeney was in fantastic form making some crucial saves throughout the 90 minutes. There was very little he could do however, when Spurs scored their second in the 55th minute.
Despite being 2 goals down Athletic were very much still in this tie. Ben Shaw was introduced, which had an immediate effect as the visitors moved up the gears, increasing pressure on the home defence.
The come back began when left foot wizard Darragh Kiernan swung a corner kick into the area which was prodded home by Brian Kavanagh. Forwards Nathan Scally and Tadgh Nolan had multiple chances.
Nolan was tormenting Newbridge with mesmerising dribbles. On the right flank Jamie Loran was extremely dangerous from right back. Athletics second came after some great play from Loran and Kieran, as Nathan Scally was in hand to hammer home the equaliser.
Despite the periods of sustained Mullingar pressure, Spurs continued to look a threat. Dorian McDonald was doing everything he could to keep them out, with a strong second half display in defence.
But it was Nolan that looked particularly dangerous for Athletic. It was inevitable that he would find the back of the net, which put the visiting side into the lead for the first time in the tie.
Moments later Nathan Scally struck the outside of the upright following some excellent link up play between Shaw and Hope. It was Hope himself who scored the fourth with a quality finish in the 81st minute. There was very little the Newbridge goalkeeper could do to stop it.
This was a fantastic cup tie played in a wonderful spirit but as mentioned, ferocious weather conditions. Credit to Newbridge for their part as they contributed greatly to a blistering tie.
Athletic had some top performers as every player in yellow and great gave their all. Man of the match goes to Tadgh Nolan for a magnificent second half display that inspired a wonderful comeback.
Momentum is certainly with Athletic following a great run of results of late. It certainly bodes well, this cup form must be brought into the league with a tough run in ahead over the coming weeks and months.
Athletic Goal scorers: Brian Kavanagh, Nathan Scally, Tadgh Nolan and Keith Hope.
Mullingar Athletic: Craig Sweeney, Dorian McDonald, Emmett Brennan, Liam Brennan, Jamie Loran, Brian Kavanagh, Keith Hope, Jordan Scally, Darragh Kiernan, Nathan Scally, Tadgh Nolan (Captain). Subs used: Ben Shaw for Jordan Scally (60).