UCC United draw again - but lose on penalties

A battling display by UCC United ended in a penalty shootout defeat at the Farm on Sunday morning in the Cork Business and Shipping League Shield. College started brightly and deservedly took an 8th minute lead when Aidan Power chased a long ball, hassled a mistake from the RPH centre half and kept his cool to score at the second attempt after the goalkeeper stopped his initial effort. UCC were on the back foot for most of the remainder of the half but defended brilliantly with Steve O’Brien and Paul Brown excelling in the central positions. On the rare occasions when this duo was breached, Dave Groeger pulled off fine saves. Indeed, UCC had an opportunity to extend their lead but Joel Walmsley was crowded out after making a nice break.

The college team made a positive start to the second period with Gavin Kinsley prominent on the left wing. However, injuries to Joel Walmsley and Evan Healy interrupted the side’s rhythm and RPH gradually assumed control. The last twenty minutes of the game was backs-to-the-wall stuff for UCC, although there were opportunities on the break to punish RPH. Just when it looked as if Dave Groeger was going to keep the opposition at bay, RPH struck with five minutes remaining on the clock. The goal was carved out by the Nemo Rangers duo of Brian Twomey and Jerry Kerins. Twomey’s well-flighted right-wing free-kick was headed home powerfully by Kerins at the far post.

With the game level at full-time, both sides faced the dreaded penalty shootout. For UCC, Paul Brown’s effort was well saved, Eric Moore and Alan Gibbs netted confidently but Seamus Coffey’s effort flew wide. RPH expertly netted their first four penalties to secure the valuable win.

UCC can take many positives from this display. Dave Groeger was outstanding in goal, Dan Kiely was impressive throughout and Liam Weeks worked his socks off in the middle of the park.

UCC United: Groeger; Kiely, Gibbs, Browne, O'Brien; Moore, Healy (Coffey), Weeks, Kinsley; Walmsley (Hernando), Power Subs not used: Quinlivan