Carrick’s Wayne Fitzgerald is totally outnumbered in the Crystal goalmouth.
Waterford Crystal 1; Carrick United 2
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This was a make-or-break game for Waterford Crystal at the complex last Saturday. The previous week they had bowed out of the FAI Junior Cup in heartbreaking circumstances to Ballymun after extra time, so all of their eggs were now firmly placed in one basket. They just had to win this match against a Carrick United side who not only had won their previous seven league games but who were also unbeaten in all competitions since the outset of the season.
When Crystal took the lead, courtesy of a magnificent Liam Coady header, it looked as if Carrick’s long unbeaten record may come to an end, but the ‘Super Hoops’ are made of hardy stuff and they turned the game on is head with two quick goals shortly after Coady’s wonder strike.
The second half saw the home side dominate the entire 45 minutes but Carrick goalkeeper Adrian Walsh was unbeatable and he produced three brilliant saves during that period, including one from a Keith Walsh penalty.
Carrick will now put their incredible league run to the back of their minds and prepare for next Sunday’s last-16 tie against WFTA from Fingal in the national cup.
Crystal on the other hand will want to forget the past two weeks. They played superbly in both games but unfortunately from their point of view they have absolutely noting to show for their efforts. Football can be a very cruel game indeed.
See The Munster Express newspaper for full story.
