After the majority of the squad had played a football blitz in the morning, and unable to change the fixture, it was always going to be a tough test for our U15 boys in the 2nd round of the National cup away to Tralee.

Tralee started the brighter and enjoyed possession in the opening minutes as Ballyhar took time to loosen out. Daire Cornally and Jamie O'Brien dealt well with the direct long ball, with Jack Kelly and Alan Mrotek keeping their danger men at bay. But it was Ballyhar who took the lead in the 25th min when a cross by Ryan Vickers found Dylan Fitzgerald who finished well to make it 0-1. Ballyhar looked to kick on but shortly after that, a turnover from a throw ended with a  ball being squared from the endline to a Tralee forward to level it up. 1-1 HT

The second half was tightly contested with half chances falling for Ryan Quilter and Jamie Murphy. Fresh legs were introduced with Paddy O'Shea Cournane and Diarmuid Casey helping to keep the Ballyhar attack going. Tralee though always posed a threat with their constant quick out ball to Lane but Ballyhar held firm and at full time it ended 1-1 and went to extra-time.

The first half of extra time saw Tralee take the lead when a turnover in midfield, lead to the ball played down the left where their player cut onto his right and managed to slot the ball into the bottom the corner to give Tralee a 2-1 lead. Ballyhars full backs Adam Fleming and Brendàn Allman were attacking down both flanks with nothing to lose in this knock out game. Ballyhar went 3 at the back but were unable to equalise as the HT whistle went for half-time of Extra time. 2-1

With nothing to lose Ballyhar pushed on at the start of the second half of extra time with Tralee defending to hold out their lead. Try as we may, the lads were unable to break the home side down. and with the final minutes ticking down Ballyhar went 2 at the back, throwing the kitchen sink at Tralee and with 90 seconds left on the clock, the Tralee box was overloaded with blue shirts, and when another cross was only half cleared the incoming Jamie Murphy met it on the volley and the ball finished in the back of Tralee's net. 2-2 and the game was destined for penalties.

Ballyhar's penalties wdre scored by Dylan Fitzgerald, Ryan Quilter, Jamie Murphy & goalkeeping hero Daniel Duggan, who scored 1 penalty and saved 2 to send Ballyhar through to the 3rd round.

M.O.M  was Jamie Murphy for his relentless work rate and excellent finishing on the day

It was a great result from the boys who's legs were gone from a busy day but battled to the very end and got the result they deserved. Credit to Tralee who pushed us all the way and we wish them well for the remainder of their season.