Tipperary Soccer: Moyglass and Killenaule advance to Peter O’Reilly Cup semi-finals

Moyglass United 2 – 1 Tipperary Town

It went all the way to extra time in this time before Moyglass United advanced to the semi-finals of this year’s Peter O Reilly Cup with a hard fought win over Tipperary Town on Sunday last in Moyglass.

The home side were well on top in the early period of the game, and finally took the lead in the 33rd minute when Craig Nolan scored after some good build-up play through the middle of the pitch.

They held this lead to the break, but the visitors got on level terms five minutes into the second period when Markie Roche, who was a massive threat to the hosts all throughout the game, won a penalty and then converted it himself.

After that the game degenerated into a battle of attrition with the two sides finding it hard to create any clear cut chances, and it was no surprise when the final whistle went without either side adding to their tally.

Into the early part of extra-time, the game began to open up, no doubt a result of tiring legs and minds, and three minutes into the second period, a long throw by Mike Hickey eluded the Town defence and landed at the feet of Eoin Barry who made no mistake from 15 yards out to put the home side in front.

After that the visitors threw the kitchen sink at Moyglass and got a gilt-edged chance to level the game in time added on, when they were awarded a penalty kick. But David McCormack proved to be the hero for the home side when he saved both the penalty and the rebound to send the Village through to the next round.

Donohill and District 1 – 2 Killenaule Rovers

Donohill suffered heartbreak in the first round of this season’s Peter O Reilly Cup when they gave up an early lead before being beaten at the death by a Killenaule side that have carried over the pre-break form into the New Year.

The hosts started the better and Ned Lowry put them ahead inside the first quarter of an hour with a screamer from well outside the penalty area. But indiscipline cost them and they were reduced to ten men before the half hour mark giving the impetus in the game to their opponents.

This changed the course of the game, but Killenaule were level ten minutes before the break, thanks to a goal by Conor Sinnott.

Level at the break, the second half was a fairly even affair with the home side probably having the better of the chances despite being a man down, and were unlucky not to add to their tally.

And that came back to haunt them, when with both sides having one eye on the extra time likely to come, Killenaule broke quickly from defence and Mark Doyle scored a fine goal to win the game.