LB started brightly and enjoyed the lions share of possession with their pacey left winger being a constant danger throughout. In the opening 20 minutes Ballyhar defended a number of corners but dealt with each as they came. After that Ballyhar grew into the game with Odhran Leslie providing a number of good crosses but was unable to find a blue shirt in the box to convert. The home side were constantly dangerous on the break with long balls over the top but the back line of Nico Neuman, Nathan O'Brien, Eoin Cremin & Peter O'Callaghan were working hard as a unit. Unfortunately, on the stroke of half-time, the LB striker squeezed between two of our defenders and was deemed to have been fouled in the box. The spot kick was expertly finished to give the home side a 1 goal advantage at the break. H/T 1-0
Fresh legs and a reshuffle made an immediate effect as Peter O'Callaghan attacked a ball at the edge of the box, knowing a tackle was incoming, and bravely struck a hot that found the top corner to make it 1-1. There were chances for both sides to grab the lead, but captain in the Ballyhar goal Alex Kelly, made four outstanding saves to keep us in the tie. Then with ten minutes left and the game looking like extra time was a possibility, Odhran Leslie, who was tremendous on the evening, took on the LB winger and found Daniel Ryan down the line, who went around two defenders and with a quick glance, found the incoming Pau Olivera who smashed into into the far corner 1:2.
The home side threw everything they had at Ballyhar for the remaining minutes with the defence sitting deeper and deeper but saw the the game out and now progress to the final.
A highly entertaining game with all the boys working extremely hard for each other in warm conditions. Thanks to LB Rovers for an excellent test today.
M.O.M - Odhran Leslie for his exceptional workrate, attitude & attacking display.