It was a case of capital punishment for the Dublin sides in eagerly anticipated cross-league FAI Intermediate Cup action last weekend.
Both St Mochta’s and Usher Celtic lost Dublin versus Cork cup battles in dramatic fashion. The Leinster Senior League sides were knocked out of the prestigious nationwide competition at the last 16 stages in a similar fashion.
Both lead against MSL top-flight sides only to be pegged back and beaten by extra-time strikes.
Mochtas exited stage left at the hands of Ringmahon Rangers on Sunday.
Captain Karl Somers put Saints ahead on 18 minutes, latching onto a Gareth McCafferty pass before firing into the roof of the net and celebrating with a cartwheel.
Michael Scott and Stephen Donnelly both had efforts cleared off the line before a dramatic Alan Byrne intervention prevented Ringmahon leveling before the break.
The hosts held the lead up until four minutes after the hour mark when Anthony McAlvey leveled for the side who are currently three points off the of the Munster Senior League Premier Division.
Ringmahon enjoyed more of the ball over the last 30 minutes but McCafferty came closest to scoring, forcing the away netminder into a brilliant save with a low drive.
Neither side could find a winner in 90 minutes and extra time followed as result. Former LOI striker McCafferty hit the bar in the second half of extra time with a brilliant chip but it was former Waterford player McAlavey who scored the winner, settling a tense cup tie in the visitor’s favour.
LSL Senior 1A side Usher suffered a similar fate against reigning champions Rockmount on Saturday. The Dublin side fell behind twice and lead once over a tit-for-tat 90 minutes before the Rebel County side sealed a dramatic win in extra time.
Darren McDonnell, Mark Higgins and Jordan Buckley were all on the scoresheet for Usher while Luke Casey was the hat trick hero for the holders with Cian Leonard also finding the net.
Gary Seary, Conor Clifford and Jake Ellis were all on the scoresheet as Lucan United came back from two goals down to defeat St Patricks CY in the same competition. Bangor Celtic were upset by Willow Park and fall at the last 16 hurdle.
Featured Image: Mikey Scott of St Mochta’s challenged by Mark Horgan (Left) and Philip Keane of
Ringmahon Rangers during the Dublin side’s Inter Cup defeat.
Photo: Martin Doherty
