A spirited and injury-hit Wicklow Rovers 14B side put in a valiant performance in this evening’s Division 1 Cup Semi Final away to Roundwood, eventually falling 3-2 after extra time.
With three starting defenders sidelined due to injury and only one substitute available, Rovers showed great heart and determination throughout. Despite going behind early when Roundwood capitalised on a defensive lapse and finished calmly over onrushing keeper Matthew Gough, Rovers responded brilliantly. On 33 minutes, Cian Foley delivered a pinpoint corner that Seb Gould met powerfully to level the match going into the break.
The second half mirrored the first, with both sides battling hard. Unfortunately, another defensive slip allowed Roundwood to restore their lead with a finish similar to their first.
Still, Rovers refused to give in. Casey Brennan produced a moment of real quality, firing in a superb effort from just outside the box to make it 2-2 and send the game into extra time.
With energy reserves low, Rovers were undone once more in the added period — a parried shot falling kindly to Roundwood, who made no mistake to take the lead once more. Despite their best efforts, Rovers couldn't find another equaliser.
Full-time: Roundwood 3 – 2 Wicklow Rovers
Congratulations to Roundwood on reaching the final, and thank you for a competitive and entertaining match. We wish you the best of luck in the final.
With three starting defenders sidelined due to injury and only one substitute available, Rovers showed great heart and determination throughout. Despite going behind early when Roundwood capitalised on a defensive lapse and finished calmly over onrushing keeper Matthew Gough, Rovers responded brilliantly. On 33 minutes, Cian Foley delivered a pinpoint corner that Seb Gould met powerfully to level the match going into the break.
The second half mirrored the first, with both sides battling hard. Unfortunately, another defensive slip allowed Roundwood to restore their lead with a finish similar to their first.
Still, Rovers refused to give in. Casey Brennan produced a moment of real quality, firing in a superb effort from just outside the box to make it 2-2 and send the game into extra time.
With energy reserves low, Rovers were undone once more in the added period — a parried shot falling kindly to Roundwood, who made no mistake to take the lead once more. Despite their best efforts, Rovers couldn't find another equaliser.
Full-time: Roundwood 3 – 2 Wicklow Rovers
Congratulations to Roundwood on reaching the final, and thank you for a competitive and entertaining match. We wish you the best of luck in the final.
