Albion can hold their heads high after a fantastic performance in the aoh last 16 even though the shoreline doesn’t reflect it. Tim Harrington almost had Albion 1 up in the first minute after breaking through on goal but his shot was deflected onto the post. Springfield used the ball well and  Albions back 4 were having a stormer and giving them nothing. Albion sat back and let Springfield play which didn’t suit the Cobh men too well who were venting their frustration at the Albion players & ref. 0-0 at half time with no real clear cut chance for Springfield. The second half was much the same though Conan Dillon was very unlucky not to score with 15.left on the clock after beating 3 players and placing the ball towards the bottom right though the keeper just about managed to get to it. With 5 minutes to go JP hayes played a fantastic ball from the wing toward Tim Harrington who with a cool head finished with his left to send Albion mental in the celebrations. Though the celebrations were short lived as Springfield came off best in a goal mouth scramble. 1-1 at full time.

Extra time saw Springfield win a soft enough penalty though with slight contact. They converted and shortly after scored a third to kill the game though with a ridiculously offside goal. They went 4-1 up with a corner with 5 mins to go. Tim Harrington was taken off after a collision left him worse for wear.

A great first 90 performance from Albion who will be kicking themselves after coming so close.

M Walsh, J McNamara, J O’Driscoll, D Murray, C O’Donovan, JP hayes, R O’Donovan, J Hipwell, C Dillon, B Dillon, T Harrington.

Subs. F. Harrington (’65 for rob), M El-sahen (‘102 for T Harrington,), D Daly, M Ryan, J Crosbie, E Thomson.