QuarterFinalClontarf_U14s_SFAI_National_Cup

In a thrilling encounter at the Clontarf Road Astro, it was a nail-biter between Clontarf FC and Newcastlewesttown FC in the quarter-final clash of the SFAI cup.

With the stakes high, Newcastlewesttown brought a strong support, but as expected for the home team, the Clontarf support outnumbered them at least 6 to 1, and the game didn’t disappoint as the action was relentless from the get-go.

Clontarf squared off against Newcastlewesttown, fully aware of the challenge ahead. Newcastlewesttown, having vanquished Belvedere in a previous round, promised formidable opposition. But this Clontarf side had beaten a strong Cherry Orchard team to reach the national phase of the competition, and then travelled on the road to face a very strong Nenagh AFC team, before beating a Portmarnock side who had held the upper hand in previous fixtures against the boys from Clontarf. So confidence was high with this group and the coaches had them running like a well oiled machine, full of really talented footballers. But like all really good sides the strength with this group is the sum of their parts rather than just individuals.

From the kick-off, both teams put on a display of football of the highest level and the match swung like a pendulum, but Clontarf found themselves under pressure on a few occasions, with goalkeeper Seán kept busy. Yet, as nerves settled, Clontarf's passing game emerged, with Max commanding at the back, Ryan probing tirelessly, and Eddie and Dylan dictating midfield play.

Despite this, opportunities were hard to come by, even with Marc and Cormac beginning to find openings on the wings.

Neither team could break the deadlock in the first half and Half-time arrived with the game tied at 0-0.

There was a great buzz around the ground during the half time break as supporters discussed how they felt the first half went and opinions were divided on how the second half would pan out. But everyone was in agreement that if both teams continue to play the exceptional football, they had played so far, the crowd was in for a real treat in the second half.

The second half mirrored the first, but in the 44th minute, Newcastlewesttown seized the advantage through Kacper Marek's clinical finish. The goal was met by disappointment by the home crowd but very quickly this disappointment was replaced by enthusiasm as straight from the restart it was clear that this breathtaking Clontarf team were undeterred by going a goal behind and were determined to regain control of the game.

Over the next 10 minutes Clontarf started to dominate the game as Newcastlewesttown started to defend deeper and deeper with 11 players behind the ball at times. Clontarf’s pressure paid off with about 10 minutes left to play, when they got a free kick from the right-hand side of the pitch just in from the sideline. It was a case of Déjá vu from the game winner in the last round against Portmarnock, as once again, captain fantastic Eddie got his head between everyone to bullet a header into the back of the net from a pinpoint cross from Seánie’ s free kick to restore parity and leave the game at 1-1 with 10 minutes plus stoppage time left.

As the final minutes of the game wore on, both sides hunted for the winner, but sturdy defence thwarted efforts from both sides, and as the ref blew his whistle for the end of normal time, both teams got ready for extra time.

Both sets of players emerged for extra time confident that they could get a winner. But Clontarf had the worst started of all when after just 3 minutes disaster struck, as Newcastlewesttown’s Yuriy Stashchak nodded in from a corner. Giving the Limerick side the lead, which they held on to till half time of extra time despite Clontarf throwing everything at them in search of an equaliser for the second time in the match. The teams finished the first half of extra time with the game 2-1 to the away side.

At the half time switch around the coaching team of Clontarf were encouraging their players to leave everything out on the pitch, while the crowd which had grown even larger since kick off were cheering the home team on louder than ever.

The second half of extra time was a tense affair with Clontarf pressing harder and harder for the equaliser, while Newcastlewesttown dropped deeper and deeper towards their own goal.

And with some of the crowd sensing that a breakthrough seemed imminent as this skilled and resilient Clontarf team exerted pressure on their opponents, the ball found its way to Zaid in the box, he was poised to strike, but fate had other plans as he slipped at the vital moment, allowing Newcastlewesttown to clear their lines. However, Clontarf's Seánie reacted quickest and swiftly regained possession, distributing it out wide to Lucio, and his cross was a thing of beauty, begging for someone, anyone, to meet it. And oh, meet it they did – ROBIEEEEEEEEEE PORRRRTERRRR! The eruption of joy reverberated across players, coaches, parents, and supporters alike as Robbie Porter's strike found the back of the net, levelling the score in the dying embers of extra time, catapulting us into the nerve-wracking realm of penalties.

And so, as the refs whistle blew to signal the end of Extra time and the realisation that this game was going to Penalties, the cruellest mistress of football's fate, laying bare the nerves of steel possessed by both teams.

To add to the nerves, the huge Clontarf fan base had to be moved away from behind the goal and to the side of the pitch, which delayed the penalty shootout by several minutes.

It was brilliant to see so many players and coaches from all our teams from u8 up to u18 coming out to cheer on this astonishing team.

With five lads stepping up to the mark for Clontarf, each strike was a testament to their resolve. Seánie and Derin took the first two and slotted them away calmly. Then Lucio took the third and gave every one of the home supporters heart failure as he hit a thunderous shot off the underside of bar, but most importantly into the net which was followed by the loudest roar of the day, so far. The final two penalties of the first five were dispatched by David, and Eddie, leaving the penalty shootout score at 5-4.

Peno1-Seánie

Peno2-Derin

Peno3-Lucio

Peno4-David

Peno5-Eddie

The first 4 penalty takers for Newcastlewesttown had confidently dispatched their spot kicks too, giving Seán De Burca in goal for Clontarf little chance. But coming from a strong goalkeeping family, (Seáns first cousin is the Ireland senior Women’s team keeper Courtney Brosnan), we knew if anyone could get his hands on one of the penos it would be Seán. The fifth penalty taker from Newcastlewesttown who faced the weight of destiny stepped up with confidence and struck his peno well, but in a moment of brilliance, Clontarf's keeper dove the right way, making a spectacular save that ignited scenes of jubilation. The roar of the crowd, echoing all the way to the wooden Bridge and Clontarf Castle, and marked a victory akin to the legendary days of Italia 90 and Packie Bonnars save in the world cup Quarter final.

With all our celebrations we must acknowledge that this Newcastlewesttown team proved to be formidable opponents in this quarter-final clash, showcasing skill, determination, and sportsmanship throughout the intense encounter. Their performance on the pitch was a testament to the dedication and hard work within their club. Despite the heartbreak of defeat, they did their club proud, leaving everything on the field and pushing Clontarf to their limits. The resilience and spirit displayed by Newcastlewesttown serve as a reminder of the quality and depth within grassroots football, and we know that they will be pushing for national honours again next season.

Thanks to all their players, coaches, and supporters for being part of a memorable footballing day for our Club.

Also a special mention must go to Joe McDonald who was the referee for the game and was exceptional throughout. In what was a physical game with lots of robust challenges from both sides, without being dirty in any way, he let the game flow and allowed managed the game really well.

And so, as this Clontarf FC team advances into the semi-finals, their journey through the SFAI U14 national cup continues to captivate the parish and inspire all within the club. With each match, they exceed our expectations, showcasing grit, skill, and unwavering determination. As they prepare to face another quality opponents in the next stage, the team stands united, fuelled by the collective passion of players, coaches, and supporters alike. With every kick of the ball, they carry the dreams of their community, driven by the belief that anything is possible on the pitch. As the semi-final beckons, this Clontarf FC team remains steadfast in their pursuit of glory, ready to embrace the challenges ahead and etch their names into the annals of footballing history. As we await the semi-final draw, a heartfelt thanks to the parents for their post-match refreshments and with St Kevin's, Mount Merrion, and Lakewood Athletic successful in their respective quarter finals, the road ahead promises to be arduous, but the thrill of being in the mix is unparalleled.

The squad's performance was a testament to their dedication, guided by the expertise of coaches Urban Monks, Padraig Whelton, Mark Caffrey, and Peter Woods. As Clontarf FC marches on, the journey continues with hope, determination, and a dash of footballing magic.

Squad

Sean de Burca (GK), David Pepper, Lucio Colella, Eddie Ross, Max Murphy, Seánie Whelton, Ryan Caffrey, Dylan Jordan, Derin Jonmark, Marc Woods, Cormac Nolan, Adam Thompson (GK), Robbie Porter, Jake Osborne, Jared Quinlan, Cathal Markey, Zaid Al Mesry