Tipperary's St Michael's come from behind to book place in FAI Junior Cup final

FAI Junior Cup Semi-Final

Gorey Rangers 1 – 2 St Michael’s

Tipperary Town side St Michael’s showed great character and resilience to come from behind to ultimately earn a place in this year’s FAI Junior Cup final when they overcame Gorey Rangers in the semi-final played at Ferrigcarrig Park, Wexford on Sunday last.

After making the long trip, the first half was tense and nervy from both sides as the stakes were so high. But the experienced TSDL side had the better of the early chances with Donagh Hickey, and Rhys Byron going close in the first quarter hour.

However, as the half wore on, the home side began to make chances of their own, and they took the lead in the 32nd minute, when Adam Territt managed to get around his marker on the wing, and deliver a pinpoint cross to Paul Brennan who made no mistake from close in.

This gave the large home crowd plenty to cheer about, but it was never going to deter the old Saints heads, and veteran Paul Breen was unlucky not to find an equaliser with a headed effort from a Joey Mulcahy free kick just on the stroke of half-time.

The TSDL side needed a good start to the second period, but were lucky not to find themselves two goals down only two minutes in, when Paul Brennan found himself in space in the area, but luckily he pulled his effort wide of the target.

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Young defender DJ Cremins was called upon shortly after that to deny Brennan once again with a well-timed tackle.

But the visitors finally got the break they needed in the 53rd minute when Jimmy Carr was upended in the penalty area and and Joey Mulcahy levelled the game from the penalty spot.

The game was flowing from one end of the pitch to the other at this stage, with Aido Walsh called into action on a number of occasions, but always finding himself up to the task of keeping his side level.
The introduction of Shane Ryan and Ashley Kelliher midway through the second half added a new dimension to the St Michael’s game plan, and was instrumental in them going the front with 17 minutes left to play. Colin Bargary hit a perfect pass for the pacy Kelliher who beat the defence, but was taken down by keeper Kinsella to see the Tipperary side awarded their second spot kick of the game. And for the second time, Mulcahy did the business, going to the opposite side this time, but again sending the home keeper in the wrong direction.

After this, the Saints defended doggedly over the final ten minutes, with Paul Breen and DJ Cremins standing solid as a barrage of crosses came into their area. They continued to pose a threat on the counter attack themselves, with Adam McGrath and Russell Quirke unlucky with their efforts.

Four minutes of injury time were added and elapsed before the final whistle saw joyous scenes among the travelling supporters, who will no doubt now be relishing a crack at Newmarket Celtic in the final come the end of the month.