*Brian Corry is fouled by Luke Woodrow. Photograph: Joe Buckley
BRIDGE UTD were left frustrated following their exit in the Ennis Carpets Clare Cup semi-final.
Having gone ahead when Jack O’Halloran broke the deadlock in the first half of extra time, the Sixmilebridge side conceded two goals, both of which were scored by Steven McGann as Avenue ended their aspirations of claiming silverware this season.
Speaking to The Clare Echo, Bridge Utd manager Mark Culbert said he and all in the club were “devastated” with the result.
Big calls by referee Pa Gleeson went against them, Culbert felt. “We knew when we went ahead that we had a second half of extra time to play. We feel aggrieved that there was a penalty given and there was the exact same tackle in the first half for us and it wasn’t given. There was a second penalty shout as well that wasn’t given and then they get a penalty to equalise, very harsh, we feel and emotions are running high”.
Substitute Brian Corry had been brought down in the box by Avenue netminder Luke Woodrow with the linesman Brian Punch declaring an offside. The ball was worked up the field and Avenue won a penalty which McGann netted to equalise.
They will meet Avenue Utd before the campaign is out but should the Roslevan based club get a draw or win against Newmarket Celtic on Sunday then they will have secured the league honours.
A strong finish to the season has saw Bridge Utd eliminate three Premier Division sides from the Clare Cup and move to second in the Premier Division.
“There is a bright future for this side Our starting team today had an average age of nineteen while our squad has an average of twenty one. We are only going upwards and we will be back again”, he predicted before adding “I am especially proud of all our players. I thought we deserved a win today, I thought we deserved to get over the line”.
