ARDFIELD 2

SKIBBEREEN 2

(after extra-time Ardfield won 4-3 on penalties)

GER McCARTHY REPORTS

AARON O’Brien went from villain to hero as Ardfield defeated Skibbereen on penalties to reach the West Cork League Championship Cup semi-finals at a rain-lashed Baltimore Road ground on Sunday morning.

A quarter-final tie moved from the Showgrounds to Skibb’s home pitch saw the Ardfield goalkeeper net an unfortunate own goal midway through the second half.

That goal completed Skibbereen’s comeback from a 2-0 deficit and made it 2-2. It was also the last goal of a tie that needed extra-time and penalties to decide the outcome.

O’Brien made amends by saving two of Skibbereen’s spot-kicks in the subsequent shootout. Those stops were enough to earn Ardfield a place in the last four of the Championship Cup.

Playing conditions were extremely difficult throughout. A gale-force wind and intermittent heavy showers dictated proceedings over 100 minutes of play as both sides struggled to adjust to the elements.

Ardfield had the wind at their backs in the opening half and, unsurprisingly, the designated home side dominated territory for much of the first 45 minutes.

The Linehans, Ben and Sam, prompted a succession of attacks that had Skibbereen in defensive mode from the opening whistle. Ben’s diving header cleared the crossbar and Diarmuid Kerr was denied by the outrushing Denis O’Regan as Ardfield looked to press home their early advantage.

But an inability to find the net, allied to Skibb’s committed defending, meant the score remained unchanged at the half-hour mark.

The Baltimore Road club threatened sporadically. Carl McPherson, Jordan Cahalane and John Paul Reen’s work rate epitomised Skibbereen’s efforts in the face of constant pressure.

Chances continued to come, with Paul Hodnett drawing a fine save from O’Regan with a curling effort shortly before the break.

Having defended diligently, Skibbereen were finally breached in the 43rd minute. Patiently working the ball through midfield, Sean Lawless found Conor Twomey outside the penalty area, and the forward took a touch before arrowing a low shot into the bottom corner to send his side in 1-0 up at the interval.

Despite enjoying the benefit of an increasingly strong wind, Skibbereen conceded for a second time two minutes after the restart. Paul Hodnett found the net via a Ben Linehan assist as Ardfield enjoyed the cushion of a two-goal lead.

Jordan Cahalane’s long-range effort was gathered at the second attempt by O’Brien as Skibb attempted an immediate response.

It was Ardfield who looked more likely to score next, with Hodnett, Twomey and George Cannon all seeing chances go begging.

Just when it seemed the quarter-final was slipping away, Skibbereen were rewarded for their increased efforts with a goal after 63 minutes. Jason Collins broke clear and while his initial effort was blocked by O’Brien, the rebound bounced off the attacker and rolled into an unguarded net.

Johnny Dolan had an effort hacked clear a minute later as Skibbereen forced their opponents into a series of hurried clearances.

The pressure eventually told when Skibbereen made it 2-2, an unfortunate own goal from goalkeeper O’Brien levelling matters 18 minutes from time.

Both sides went close to a winner in the closing stages, but no further scores followed and the tie went to extra-time.

Deteriorating weather conditions hampered efforts to conjure a decisive moment. Neither side created a clear-cut chance and an evenly-fought contest ended 2-2.

John Paul Reen and JJ O’Brien converted Skibbereen’s opening two penalties, as did Conor Twomey and Ben Linehan for Ardfield.

Aaron O’Brien then saved Jason Collins’ attempt before Sean Lawless made it 3-2 to Ardfield.

Jordan Cahalane and Jack Maguire both converted before O’Brien produced another save – this time from Jack Maguire – to seal a 4-3 shootout win for a delighted Ardfield.

The reward is a place in the Championship Cup semi-final draw alongside Beara United, Bunratty United and the winners of Castlelack and Spartak Mossgrove’s upcoming quarter-final.

Ardfield: Aaron O’Brien, Caolan Hayes, Fintan Barrett (captain), Michael Maguire, Diarmuid Kerr, Ben Linehan, Sam Linehan, Sean Lawless, Paul Hodnett, Conor Twomey, George Cannon.

Subs: Jack Maguire, Peter Barrett, Karol Siwek, Colm Hayes, Jerry McCarthy.

Skibbereen: Denis O’Regan, Jason O’Donovan, Daniel O’Shea, John Paul Reen, Jordan Cahalane, Aaron O’Sullivan, Jason Collins, Ronan Collins, Johnny Dolan, Carl McPherson (captain), Conor O’Brien.

Subs: JJ O’Brien, Michael Hurley, Igor Brauns.

Referee: Sean Doyle.