Holycross AFC Vs Sporting Ennistymon - Munster Junior Cup Last 32

A first half double from Sean McConigley ensured Sporting Ennistymon got off to a winning start in this Munster Junior Cup tie to edge a 3-2 thriller over Holycross AFC.

Sporting looked to be on course to leave Holycross with a comfortable win after Sean McConigley put the visitors 2 up before the Half-Time whistle.

It was the home side who had most of the play early on and had three great chances as Sporting took a defensive approach in assessing their Limerick opponents. The first chance for Holycross was fired over from close range, another hit the post while only for a timely interception from Damien Flanagan, Sporting could have found themselves one down. Anxious moments followed for Sporting as keeper Liam Keane went down low to smother a through ball and got injured in the process. As the half went on, Sporting began to get more into the game, playing more ball on the ground and found their first chance to break down the home sides defence.

Great footwork from Sean McConigley teed up Michael Duffy who’s shot went narrowly wide of the post. With Ross O Doherty and Rowan Danagher attacking down the wings, they began to create openings inside the box and it was Danaghers lay off to Duffy, whose shot this time was on target but saved.

The Holycross keeper then pulled of two excellent saves, first from Duffy and then from Danagher, but there was nothing he could do to keep out Sean McConigleys low strike to the bottom corner to put the visitors up 1-0. Next it was Eoin Marrinan to turn provider for Sean McConigley as he notched his second just before the half-time whistle. Darragh Flynn came on in the Sporting goal at half time for the injured Liam Keane.

Holycross kept battling away, and got themselves back in the game with 52 minutes on the clock. Shane Kearney then replaced Damien Flanagan. However within 5 minutes of the goal Sporting regained their two goal cushion with a superb lob from Jamsie McConigley who caught the Holycross keeper of his line to make it 3-1. It was all Holycross for the next 15 minutes, and they got their reward for their constant pressure making the the score 3-2.

The Sporting defence of Michael Leigh, Jack O’Dea and Ciaran Monaghan were forced to hang on for dear life at the end, with Flynn making two smart saves late on, but they hung on to earn a home tie against Killmallock FC in the last 16.

Best for Sporting were Jack O’Dea, Eoin Marrinan, the McConigley brothers and Micheal Duffy.

Sporting Ennistymon : Liam Keane(Darragh Flynn), Damien Flanagan(Shane Kearney), Ciaren Monaghan, Michael Leigh, Jack O’Dea, Eoin Marrinan, Rowan Danagher, Jamesie McConigley, Sean McConigley, Micheal Duffy, Ross O’Doherty. Subs: Darragh Flynn, Shane Kearney, Patrick O’Dwyer, Micheal Crehan.

Man of the Match : Rowan Danagher (Sporting Ennistymon)