De Courcey Albion continued their impressive form today by seeing off Division 2 table toppers Cathedral Celtic in a very fast game. Cathedral pushed from the word go and attacked at every given opportunity, though Albions back 4 of Colum Walsh, Conor Hurley, Colm O’Donovan & Declan Murray stood well to the test. However on 20 mins they conceded when they had been judged to playing the Celtic striker onside who netted the ball to put the visitors 1-0 up.
Ten minutes later after some excellent persistance from Colum Walsh, JP Hayes and Conan Dillon, James O’Driscoll found himself with the ball at his feet outsid the 6 yard box and smashed it with his weak foot to bring the score to 1-1. 5 minutes later Colm O’Donovan headed a 2nd for Albion after a sloppy clearance from a free kick from the away side. Rob Daly almost added a 3rd with a curling shot that almost caught out the keeper who managed to fingertp the ball over the bar.
Half Time 2-1.
The second half proved to be a half of counter attacks from both sides though Cathedral edged the possession. They were soon level when the striker once again laid claim to a neat finish in the bottom right. The rain was pouring down at this stage and both teams were finding conditions difficult. Albion had some great spells close to the full time whistle as John Hipwell and Conan Dillon fed the wingers. John Duggan came close to wrapping the game up after a 1 on 1 with the keeper resulted in a good save.
Full Time: 2-2
To extra time and the greasy surface wasn’t doing any favours for anyone but both teams went on the attack at every possibility. It wasnt until the 2nd half of extra tme, with 5 minutes left that Cathedral got a corner, their striker found himself free at the back post and volleyed a beauty into the bottom left. Albion didnt lie down, realising they had fought hard enough for a result and ended up going on the attack again. James O’Driscoll played a fantastic ball through to John Hipwell who raced to the ball with Cathedrals keeper and just outside the box hit it low under the keepers body to make the score 3-3 with 2 left on the clock.
Extra Time: 3-3
Albion converted all 4 penalties and Michael Walsh made 2 good saves to ensure Albion progress to round 3 of the Corinthian Cup.
Team: Michael Walsh, Colum Walsh, Conor Hurley, Colm O’Donovan, Declan Murray, JP Hayes (Noel Twomey ’65), James O’Driscoll, Shane Horan (John Hipwell ’45), Conan Dillon, John Duggan, Rob Daly(Jason O’Riordan ’78).
Subs: Ger O’Connell, Kevin O’Neill.
Penatly Scorers: Declan Murray, John Duggan, Conan Dillon, John Hipwell.
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