(Carrigtwohill win 5-4 on penalties)

 

This result marks the first defeat Castleview have suffered at home in all competitions this season. A great cup run continues for this team in what has already been an excellent season so far.

 

On a bright Sunday morning with a strong wind up in O'Sullivan Park, Carrigtwohill Utd ran out winners v Castleview after a penalty shootout, winning 5-4 and progressing into the Local Cup Semi-Final.

 

In what was a hard fought game overall, Carrigtwohill Utd started the better team and looked to get the ball down and play it on the deck.

 

There was some nice link up play in the first 20 minutes and it was during this period that Carrigtwohill scored the opener. The ball was won in the midfield area and Mikey was released down our left wing. He took on a couple of players and delivered a peach of a pass into Aaron, who was coolness personified and scored with a first time finish.

 

After this the game became a tight affair and became scrappy due to lots of niggly fouls being given away.

 

Castleview got a free just before half-time and scored their equaliser. Sean made a great save and the ball bounced around the box and eventually ended up in the back of the net.

 

When the second half started it carried on like how the first half finished, but after 5 minutes or so Castleview started to come into the game more and began to put serious pressure on the Carrigtwohill defence, which dealt well with the pressure with help from our midfield area.

 

Both teams had opportunities from goalmouth scrambles in both penalty areas, with Carrigtwohill hitting the post.

 

Both keepers had to make a number of important saves and Sean pulled off some amazing stops throughout the game.

 

The game finished 1-1 after full-time so the game went into extra time. This was a nervy period for both teams as no one wanted to make a mistake that would lead to a goal and knock either team out of the cup.

 

With no winner in extra time, the lottery of penalties was next.

 

The penalties that were converted were all of a high standard but thankfully for Carrigtwohill, Sean managed to save one and helped win the game after putting in a great overall performance.

 

Owen stepped up to take the 5th penalty and knew that if he scored it would send Carrigtwohill through to the Semi-Final v Carrigaline. He took his penalty brilliantly, as did the other four Carrigtwohill lads.

 

This is also a great achievement for Carrigtwohill, who now have both their U15s and U16s teams in the Semi-Finals of the Local Cup, which is a huge credit to all the teams and players involved.

 

The Local Cup Semi-Final will take place this Friday night away to league winners Carrigaline in Ballea Park, with a 7pm kick-off. All support welcome.