Finally, a win to
brag about for the lads of Cork City, after denying their arch-rivals and three
time league champions Dundalk FC, the pleasure of winning the FAI Shield to complete the double.
As Aviva Stadium being,
the witness of this epic battle between Cork City and Dundalk FC for the
Republic of Ireland prestigious and long held FAI Cup, now sponsored by the
Irish Daily Mail newspaper.
This match had all
the elements of playing a much disputed and contested final between these two
titans, which after quite some time have developed a certain rivalry as the
Lilywhites had a certain advantage over the City folks.
With three
consecutive league shields the Loath County squad has won and beat by points a
hardened and always consistent Cork City squad, these seeing their luck coming
short once again in this campaign after being so near.
Still this time both
squads once again playing in neutral territory in Dublin Town and with a whole
bunch of their followers making the trek to the capital to witness this cup
match, the heat was on for both.
As Dundalk FC, so far
playing a one of a kind football was a total favorite to win this shield as well
for Stephen Kenny Boys taking home to Oriel Park another trophy as a token of
their all around effort in this 2016.
So far playing in the
always prestigious Europa League and playing with the best of Europe and making
all sorts of history, despite their stumbles with their group Russian foes,
these can make history for Ireland football.
Cork City who saw its
luck for the worst after losing in that Derby against the Lilywhites and coming
short once again in their bid to win the league shield, today’s match had all
the elements of a rematch and a win would been ideal.
For John Caulfield
the Leesiders Boss it was now or never to take home another shield to the halls
of Turners Cross Stadium back at Cork in the Munster Province, something that
this squad since 2011 has not brought a trophy.
With both squads
playing for the ultimate of honors and coming from another contested campaign,
one of them had an advantage in being a bit rested in the Rebel Army and the
Lilywhites a bit fatigue with their multiple compromises in the international
levels.
A match of epic
proportions was this cup match, with a City squad playing a very defensive
match in its entirety alongside the Dundalk Boys doing the same to protect
their posts of any incursions and seeing them beaten by each others.
The opportunities
galore for an unlucky Lilywhites squad as they found a very inspired and much
defiant City keeper in Mark McNulty making all sorts of saves in his net, after the first half showdowns with
Ireland call up Darryl Horgan.
Stopping the
Champions attack cold in its tracks after a minute later once again Dundalk's
midfielder David McMillan shoot came short on McNulty feet for the Leesiders
keeper, repeating once again his heroics.
Do not count the City
chaps out of this as in the 30th many in Aviva almost sang in chorus
a goal almost scored by the Rebel Army Karl Sheppard’s corner kick almost found
Sean McGuire head for the goal and it’s when Dundalks defender Sean Gannon
clear the ball.
With both sides
looking forward to capitalize in their opportunities, the desired goal never came
in regular time, as the game went into overtime and in the 120th minute, its when the whole of Aviva went into a frenzy.
Especially when Cork
City front men Sean Maguire took advantage of one Steven Beatties ball not
cleared by the Dundalk defenders and he took advantage and shooting a ball that
beat Dundalks keeper for the win in this edition of the FAI Cup.
To conclude this was
an amazing match and kudos to bot squad all around efforts in the whole 120
minutes looking forward to add a piece of silverware and write their own history
in what seems to be a very prestigious and decorated event in Irish football.
Bravo for these
edition winners the chaps of the Cumann Peile
Chathair Chorcaí!
Post Contents and Property of Fern
Mc Costigan © Copyright All Rights Reserved
Photos Credit, Courtesy and Property
of © Cork City Football Club 2016
No comments:
Post a Comment