Coolraine FC 3-3 Stradbally Town A (AET – Stradbally Win 5-4 on Pens)
CCFL Combined Counties Cup Round 2
Stradbally Town A are through to Round 3 of the CCFL Combined Counties Cup after an incredible game in testing conditions.
They had their own Liverpool in Istanbul moment, winning the game in the most dramatic fashion, coming from 3-0 down to complete a terrific comeback on penalties.
Stradbally were in Durrow, just outside Tullamore, on Sunday afternoon to face fellow Division 1 side, Coolraine.
Despite not playing all that bad in the first half, they found themselves 3-0 down with the clock approaching half time.
But there was a lifeline in stoppage time when Ben Dillon was hauled down in the area by the home keeper, who received a red card for his troubles.
Podge Fitzpatrick stepped up and dispatched the resulting penalty to see Stradbally trail 3-1 at the Break.
The Laois side made the extra man count in the second period, using the ball wisely in possession.
They used the wind in the to their advantage and had a second goal after 68 minutes.
A terrific ball from Liam Clancy put Blake Kemmy in on goal, and the substitute dispatched a fine finish past the out rushing-keeper. Game on with 20 minutes left.
Coolraine were still dangerous on the attack and struck the post in the 74th minute from a fine free kick that could have put the game to bed.
But the away side showed great spirit and fight, and were rewarded with three minutes of normal time remaining.
Coolraine failed to clear a Stradbally corner, which was eventually bundled over the line by Ben Dillon after a mix up in the home defence.
Stradbally nearly won it at the death with chances from Damien Murphy and Clancy but extra time it was to be.
Neither sides could manage to find a winner, with underfoot and overhead conditions getting worse.
And so it finished level after 120 minutes of great entertainment by both sides despite the conditions.
Stradbally scored five great penalties through Podge Fitzpatrick, Liam Clancy, Colm Fitzpatrick, Ben Dillon, and John Clancy, who took the winning kick after Coolraine had seen their first kick strike the crossbar.
An amazing game came to an end and great credit has to be given to both sides for serving up such a good spectacle despite the conditions – it was a great advert for the league and local football.
Too many great performances to mention on the Stradbally team but special mention to Liam Clancy, Sean Devoy, Richie Carolan and John Clancy who impressed most for the men in White and Green.
SCORERS – Stradbally Town: Podge Fitzpatrick (pen), Blake Kemmy, Ben Dillon.
STRADBALLY TOWN: Anthony Skelly, John Hayden, Sean Devoy, Richard Carolan, Charlie O’Brien, Colm Fitzpatrick, John Clancy, Damien Murphy, Podge Fitzpatrick, Ben Dillon, Liam Clancy. Subs: Joe Lacey for O’Brien, Blake Kemmy for Hayden, Noah Delaney for Murphy.
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