North Dublin will contest this year’s SuperCupNI Vase Final needing a penalty shootout to overcome a strong Cherry Orchard side.
It was Cherry Orchard who made the better start to the game, settling quickest showing real composure on the ball moving it around well.
North Dublin began the game in conservative fashion a strong defensive set up. The Schoolboys soon settled after a long ball from Cameron Mulready in the seventh minute, Timoni Nolan striking a spectacular volley over the top of the onrushing Jimmy Corcoran and into the net. Orchard responded well resorting back to their passing game, Danny Kelch having an effort saved by Max Demendeckl.
Dublin replied with a great run from Denis Robin his left foot shot easily caught by the keeper. The directness of the men in blue at this point looking to be more affective as Orchard were yet to really trouble their opponents goal.
That directness was embodied by the runs of Darren McCormiack, his energy a real plus for his side bombing up and down the line. With half time approaching both sides upped the physicality, the schoolboy league side getting stuck in with a high press.
Both benches unhappy with the official’s failure to punish a few questionable tackles. Max Demendeckl would save his side four minutes from the break diving bravely between a sea of bodies to gather a loose ball at the feet of Cherry strikers.
HALF TIME: NORTH DUBLIN SL 1-0 CHERRY ORCHARD
North Dublin began the second half on the front foot winning an early corner. That subsequent delivery volleyed to the left and wide by Andreas Lopez.
Cherry Orchard came so close to restoring parity in the forty first minute a free kick from deep only needing a touch going right through out of play.
Substitute Zack Furey making an instant impact his high ball which could have been mistaken for a cross, going over the head of Max Demendeckl and into the net.
Max Demendeckl reacting well dealing well with a series of high ball, showing a strong mentality needed to be a goalkeeper. He would prove to be pivotal in his side finishing on level terms as it seemed Cherry Orchard would steal a win at the end.
FULL TIME: NORTH DUBLIN SL 1-1 CHERRY ORCHARD
A tie game meant that a penalty shootout would be required to separate the teams. The high pressure situation seeing North Dublin prevail after converting the final spot kick
PENALTY SHOOTOUT: NORTH DUBLIN SL 3-2 CHERRY ORCHARD
North Dublin will now meet Sheffield United in tomorrow’s SuperCupNI Vase Final at the Riada Stadium, Ballymoney. While Cherry Orchard will clash with NC Elite in the 3rd/4th place play off at the Scroggy Road, Limavady. Both games kick off at 11am.
Teams;
Cherry Orchard: Jimmy Corcoran, Adam Bennett, Kevin Donovan, Ben Keegan, Stephen Egan, Danny Kelch, Jamal Ibrahim, Cormac Rafferty, Adam Cleary, Conor Gilbert, Sean Aluebhosele.
North Dublin SL: Max Demendeckl, Cameron Mulready, Darren McCormaick, Robby Minzamba, Cian McDonnell, Andreas Lopez, Timoni Nolan, Denis Robin, Killian Philips, Sere Ogiehor.
Credit, Odhrán Crumley @odhranc14