*Conor Henry and Jack O’Halloran celebrate after Bridge Utd take the lead. Photograph: Joe Buckley
BRIDGE UTD have set up a third round clash with neighbours Newmarket Celtic after overcoming Shannon Hibs with ease.
Bridge Utd 4
Shannon Hibs 0
Venue: Sixmilebridge
One week later than expected, Bridge Utd eliminated Shannon Hibs from the FAI Junior Cup to seal their spot in the third round and set up a clash with 2023 champions Newmarket Celtic.
Line markings or the lack thereof prompted referee Brian Punch to postpone the original fixture between the clubs at Riverside Park on Sunday last, both teams had completed their warm-ups when the decision was made. Officials in Shannon Hibs said the pitch had been lined up the rain had washed away the markings.
Little debate surrounded the outcome of the refixed tie with Bridge Utd showing why they are a side vying for honours in the Premier Division while Shannon Hibs who sit in third spot of the First Division and are out of the top flight for over three seasons.
Though they didn’t line out at full strength, Bridge still fielded a side capable of beating most of their Premier Division opponents. The additions of Ennis duo Johnson Mununkum and William Bello during the January transfer window has added to the options available to the Sixmilebridge side and they both made an impression in their latest outing as they endeavour to break into the first eleven.
Members of the Bridge B side were included among the substitutes as they keep one eye on big upcoming ties.
Conor Henry has been in fine scoring form for Mark Culbert’s side as of late and he got them off the mark with seventeen minutes played when finishing a Jack O’Halloran cross to the net. The striker could have doubled his tally had it not been for the input of Hibs netminder Luke Whelan.
Within fifteen minutes of the second half commencing, Bridge bagged two goals. Scott Kirkland swung a corner into the box which was finished to the net by Liam Flynn on fifty minutes while moments later it was Kirkland that managed to beat Whelan between the posts.
Substitute Caleb Lategan finished off the scoring for the hosts when capitalising from close rang, goaling thirteen minutes after his introduction to send Bridge on their way to the third round.
Bridge Utd: John Mulready; Luc Fitzpatrick, Alan Mulready, Liam Flynn, Josh Brack, Scott Kirkland, William Bello, Johnson Mununkum, Jack O’Halloran, Aleks Gladysz, Conor Henry.
Subs: Liam Buckley for Fitzpatrick (66), Caleb Lategan for Gladyz (66), Adam Fitzpatrick for Mulready (67), Paul Corry for Bello (79),
Shannon Hibs: Luke Whelan, Cian Mason, Ciaran McKee, Thomas Purtill, Pa Devanney, Kevin Hanley, Josh Lindsay, Dean Devanney, Darren Lindsay, Zygge Wall, Cian Austin
Subs: Liam Delaney for Hanley (60), D Harrington for Austin (60),
Referee: Brian Punch
All photographs by Joe Buckley
