St John’s produce a miraculous comeback
ST JOHN’S College produced an amazing recovery as they battled back from 4-0 down to beat New Cross College 5-4 after extra time for a place in the semi finals of the Leinster Schools Senior Champions League.
The Ballyfermot side’s revival was all the more dramatic in that they scored four goals in the closing 13 minutes to haul their title hopes out of the fire before Kolade Abiodun served them up a winner deep into extra time.
St John's College fought back from four goals down to reach the semi-finals of the Leinster Schools Senior Champions League
Winners of the South Dublin Senior Schools League Trophy, John’s looked dead and buried in this enounter, but Abiodun ignited, what was to prove, a stunning comeback when he found the back of the net moments after goalkeeper Jack Gregg had produced a tremendous save at the other end of the pitch.
Stephen O’Reilly’s brace left just one goal between the sides and, all of a sudden, the comeback was a very real possibility.
And it was complete when Eoin McPhillip’s slotted home a penalty in added time, subsequently forcing extra time.
More comfortable
By this point, St Johns looked more comfortable in possession with Gregg and his back four determined not to be breached again.
Warren Mitchell was moved up front by manager Keith Leonard, and this was causing severe problems for the home team’s defence.
Luke Kelly and Jason Henderson were influencing the game more now, while Daniel Mooney, Patrick Moran and Cian O’Reilly were solid at the back.
Cameron Saul also stood out when introduced and St John’s dominance in extra time was rewarded when Abiodun hit the winner in the dying seconds to propel his side through to the last four of the competition.
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