Heartbreak for Willow Park as Tramore triumph

NFORTUNATELY, the only way these evenly matched sides could be separated in last Sunday's FAI Junior Cup 6th Round clash at Willow Park was by way of the dreaded penalty shoot-out. Tramore arrived in the Midlands with a burgeoning reputation, and lived up to their elevated status for the majority of the contest. But Willow Park responded brilliantly to an early period of domination by the Waterford visitors - which ultimately brought about the game's opening goal in the 17th minute - and the Athlone side were marginally better than the opposition for vast periods of the second half and also in extra-time. However, though Willow Park can take heart from once again going toe to toe with one of the country's leading junior teams, such words of consolation will be of little value to the Athlone outfit, who themselves have developed a lofty reputation in recent years. While Willow can undoubtedly perform better than they showed here, they will also acknowledge to being eliminated from the competition by a proper football side, who had outstanding performances from the likes of right-back Craig Maher (who netted the decisive spot-kick in the shoot-out), centre-back Michael Caulfield, and enigmatic midfielder Fran Rockett (who wore No 4, for those at the game). Striker Paul Quilty was also a constant menace to the Willow Park defence, and led the line for Tramore with pace, poise and intelligence. For Willow, their central defensive partnership of Ronan Frawley and Fergal Murray initially struggled with the lively Quilty, but slowly came to grips with his threat and went on to have fine games. In midfield, Gary McHugh was Willow's most capable performer, and it was hugely unfortunate, and undeserving, to see McHugh miss a crucial penalty in the shoot-out. The late arrival into the fray of vastly experienced midfielder Colin Fortune also gave Willow more control and drive in the centre of the field, and but for some recent fitness issues, which restricted him to a substitute role, Fortune could possibly have had a telling influence on the tie. Willow did struggle to create much penetration down the flanks, and though, to his credit, Mark Nicholson worked tirelessly on the right of midfield, Tramore's full-backs had good control of the wide areas throughout. Hard-working striker Colm Hyland was unlucky not to be rewarded with a goal, but was more often thwarted by the outstanding defensive capabilities of Michael Caulfield. One particular interception by Caulfield, with the game poised at 1-1 with 15 minutes remaining, denied Hyland a clear run at goal, and possibly kept Tramore alive in this year's competition. In the end, a draw was probably the fairest outcome, though Willow might look back with some regret on a couple of missed half-chances late in the 90 minutes, and also on an inability to make more of several potentially dangerous set-pieces. Tramore were extremely quick out of the blocks and caught Willow cold. The home side looked tentative in their approach, as Tramore, prompted largely by the excellent probing and passing of Fran Rockett, set up camp in Willow's half. Willow were determined in the tackle, and didn't lack for desire, but Tramore were rampant, and their movement was proving difficult for Willow to handle. Paul Quilty raced through on goal, and faced only with local stopper Paul Bannon, missed the target with an amazing early chance. It was the only real blot on Quilty's otherwise pristine copybook. Quilty then appeared to be taken down in the penalty area by Ronan Frawley's outstretched foot, but referee Tony Ward waved away Tramore's vehement penalty appeals. However, what seemed like an inevitable opening Tramore goal finally arrived on 17 minutes, when Lee Russell and Quilty combined to set up Robbie Phelan to slot past Bannon. Quilty then set up Philip Drohan for a crack at goal, but this time the winger sent his effort over the bar. Willow were wobbling somewhat, but they gradually started to settle into their stride. Mark Nicholson's cross seemed to strike a Tramore defender's arm, but again referee Ward was disinterested in penalty claims, before a Gary McHugh cross, aimed for the back post, deceived the visitors 'keeper, who had to quickly backpeddle and touch the ball over the bar. Willow were now giving as good as they were getting, and found an equaliser in the 37th minute. Robbie Shine's free kick forward was headed into Brian Caldwell's path by Ronan Frawley, and Caldwell netted in clinical fashion from close range. Before half-time, we saw good moments of defending from Willow's Robbie Shine, Ronan Frawley and Fergal Murray, while Caulfield's pace helped him to extinguish a chance for Colm Hyland. Tramore created the first opening of the second half, when Stephen Grant's low drive, across the face of goal, was just inches past Bannon's right post. But thereafter, Willow looked the likelier side to win the tie in normal time. A clever flick-on by Caldwell picked out Mark McConnell in a forward position, but he couldn't get turned in a crowded penalty area. McConnell managed to scuff the ball into the path of Colm Hyland, but leaning back, his shot rose too high. Shortly afterwards, Hyland's progress on goal was halted by Caulfield, who, from nowhere, stretched out a foot to take the ball away. If Caulfield hadn't toe-poked the ball free of Hyland, a goal was very likely. On 85 minutes, Colm Hyland picked out substitute Brian Frawley in a good position, but his quick turn and shot was narrowly over the bar. It was a fine chance to win the contest. Aidan Hyland also had a brief sight of goal in the dying moments, but his touch eluded him at the vital moment, and extra-time was required. In extra-time, Willow earned a few set-pieces in good positions, but failed to take advantage, and ultimately a penalty shoot-out was needed after a pretty non-eventful 20-minute period of extra-time. Both sides took some outstanding penalties, with Tramore's first three takers notably left-footed, and Colm Hyland, Ronan Frawley, Colin Fortune, Robbie Shine and Mark Nicholson all converted for Willow. Horribly for the individuals involved, Aidan Hyland and Gary McHugh, two outstanding contributors to Willow's run of success over recent years, had penalties saved by Andrew Halligan, and after Tramore scored five of their first six kicks, it was left to Craig Maher to seal the tie from the spot, and he obliged with a near unstoppable effort. Willow Park: Paul Bannon; Robbie Shine, Peter Sherlock, Fergal Murray, Ronan Frawley, Gary McHugh, Mark Nicholson, Mark McConnell, Colm Hyland, Brian Caldwell, Aidan Hyland. Subs: Colin Fortune for McConnell and Brian Frawley for Caldwell (81 mins). Tramore: Andrew Halligan; Craig Maher, Stevie O'Shea, Kevin Walsh, Michael Caulfield, Fran Rockett, Stephen Grant, Lee Russell, Paul Quilty, Robbie Phelan, Philip Drohan. Subs: Lee Quilty for Drohan (67 mins), Leo Jacob for Phelan (102), Colin Walsh for Rockett (110). Referee: Tony Ward.