Tulla United 1 - 1 St Brendan’s Park

(Tulla advance 5 - 4 on penalties)

 

The 2011 boys cup dream lives on after a highly entertaining match bs St Brendan’s Park of Tralee. The game wouldn't have even taken place without the superb work of groundskeeper Mike Hoey. The Cragg pitch passed an 8am inspection only 5 hours after the red warning of Storm Darragh had lapsed. 

 

The game started with St. Brendan’s Park (SBP) on the front foot forcing a couple good saves from keeper Danny Madden. The pressure did not let up and with 10 minutes gone after Tulla failed the clear their lines SBP's number 7 (Luca) finished brilliantly from a tight angle. This was the wake up call Tulla needed and they started to play ball.

 

The front three of Evan Power, Alex Maher and Finn Harrington's started causing problems for the SBP defence. The Tulla equaliser come around 25 minutes in when Alex was set free down the left, he turned back inside and sent a lovely cross in which Finn controlled and calmly slotted into the bottom corner. It reminded that way at half time. 

 

The second half started with SBP having more of the ball, but Tulla having the better of the chances. Tullas defensive discipline and willingness to put their bodies on the line limited St. Brendan’s to long range shots. Great link up play again between Alex and Finn almost put Tulla in front. Finn set Alex scampering down the wing and his cut back was met by Finn whose shot smashed off the crossbar down onto the line and out. The Brendan’s keeper made a number of top draw save including one from a Noah Milsted free kick.

Extra time began with the rain falling. St. Brendan’s Park had the better of it, including hitting the top of the bar directly from a corner. The referee Brian Murphy blew the full time whistle and it was down to penalties. 

 

Tulla went first and scored all five of their penalties. Finn, Alex, Cian Murphy, Noah and Mikey Molloy all bravely stepping up. Danny saved the final Brendan’s penalty, triggering mass celebrations. Tulla United will be represented in the last 32 in Ireland 🇮🇪. 

 

A massive thank you to St Brendan’s Park, they played some lovely football. 

Best of luck in your season.