Dundalk shade Hoops on penalties in President’s Cup clash
By Daire Walsh
SHAMROCK ROVERS 1 DUNDALK 1 (Dundalk win 4-3 on penalties)
There was penalty shootout heartbreak for Shamrock Rovers against 10-man Dundalk in the FAI President’s Cup at Tallaght Stadium this evening.
Following traded goals from Sonni Nattestad and the Hoops’ Liam Scales, it took a series of spot-kicks to determine the destination of the first piece of silverware in the domestic soccer calendar.
Ronan Finn in action tonight (Image: Paddy Barrett)
The sides couldn’t be separated after five rounds of penalties but after Darragh Leahy coolly slotted home to edge Dundalk in front, Alessio Abibi turned away a Roberto Lopes effort to give the Louth men the spoils.
As ever, there was considerable local interest in the Dundalk team. Clondalkin’s Chris Shields lifted the trophy as team captain, while Andy Boyle (Palmerstown) and David McMillan (Templeogue) also featured in their starting line-up.
It seemed destined to be a scoreless opening period, until Dundalk struck gold off a 42nd-minute corner. Patrick McEleney’s enticing delivery was met by towering Faroe Islands international Nattestad, whose thundering header was too strong for Hoops netminder Alan Mannus.
This was a blow for Stephen Bradley’s men , but they restored parity in spectacular fashion on the resumption. After producing an excellent first touch and turn inside the area, Scales unleashed a superb volley to the bottom right-hand corner of the Dundalk net.
Liam Scales equalises for Rovers (Image: Paddy Barrett)
Rovers appeared to be building momentum and when Nattestad was dismissed for a heavy tackle on Graham Burke just past the hour mark, they looked to make their numerical advantage count.
Yet, try as they might, they couldn’t muster a winning goal before the 90 minutes had elapsed.
The Hoops had a near perfect start to the shootout, with Dylan Watts, Aaron Greene and Joey O’Brien all finding the net. However, misses from Rory Gaffney, Graham Burke and Lopes offered Dundalk a route back into conention.
Although Boyle miscued his 12-yard strike, Shields made no mistake with his attempt on goal and the Lilywhites ultimately squeezed home.
Rovers will now look to bounce back when they welcome Dublin rivals St Patrick’s Athletic to Tallaght next Friday.
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