*Lee Mulready. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill
BRIDGE UTD overcame neighbours Shannon Town Utd to progress to the last eight of the Ennis Carpets Clare Cup.
For the second week in a row, Bridge Utd eliminated a fellow Premier Division side from the Cup, their latest showing was not as dominant as their 4-0 win over Lifford FC but they still move forward in the competition which is the most important thing.
Lee Mulready scored the all-important goal on sixty five minutes to separate the sides, he unleashed an unstoppable shot after winning picking up the ball in a central area and running at the opposing Shannon Town defence. The soft surface of Lynch Park made it difficult for both sides to play football.
Jack Ryan was threatening throughout the opening half for the hosts but the Sixmilebridge side were guilty once again of lacking a clinical approach in front of goal.
Ronan Tuohy had a volley cleared off the line by Cody Waller on fifty five minutes and moments later Ryan came close to breaking the deadlock.
Bridge Utd were unlucky not to get a second goal with substitute Kyle Kirby coming close. Luc Fitzpatrick and Christy Griffin stood out for the winners who were without Alan Mulready, Conor Deasy, Podge Collins and Derek Fahy.
Another absentee was midfielder Jack O’Halloran. He was the sole representative for the CDSL when getting to captain the Munster Youths in Letterkenny. The fact that O’Halloran had to miss a knockout tie for his club while representing his county and province is something that should have been avoided.
Bridge Utd: John Mulready, Luc Fitzpatrick, Ciaran Monaghan, Leon Kelly, Christy Griffin, Eoin Keenan, Brian Corry, Liam Buckley, Ronan Tuohy, Ryan Perez, Lee Mulready
Subs: Kyle Kirby for Perez (55), Darragh Hayes for Corry (85)
Fern Celtic maintained their unbeaten run in 2024 by overcoming First Division Ennis Dons 3-2 to seal their place in the last eight. Matt Fahy, Sean Meaney and Keith O’Shea who has recently signed from Newmarket Celtic hit the target for the winners while a first half penalty save from Rhys Phillips was a big help to their cause.
Premier Division side Kilrush Rangers were eliminated from the Cup after going down to Sporting Ennistymon in a tie that finished 1-0.
After finishing all square in normal and extra time, Avenue Utd B recorded a 5-3 win on penalties against Inch Crusaders.
