Challenging Cup Tie

Allenton went into this round of 32 Challenge Cup game after a 3 week lay-off and faced higher level opponents for the 3rd time in the UCFL's premier cup competition.

Tough conditions faced both sides, with the severe weather of recent weeks taking its toll on the pitch in Tallaght, adding to the fact that the length of grass was practically unplayable. However, both teams soldiered on and had a quite enjoyable game.

Carton started brightly and took early control, but as for most of the match, we kept at bay and speculative efforts were all that really troubled Kevin Doyle for most of the day.

After a brief spell Allenton settled into the game, with Andre and Billy starting to take more control of the midfield. Andrew and Richie on both flanks kept the full-backs busy and made some vital tackles in these areas.

Some great set-piece taking from Andre saw Thomas, then Jon Redmond go close and the teams went in level at half-time. Andrew and Richie made way for Adam and Marc Gahan and Allenton were looking for a way to close out this very tricky encounter. And it came from a very unlikely source.

After Thomas had been fouled from a Barry Dwyer throw in, Rob hoisted a ball in on top of the Carton keeper. He mistimed it and the balled sailed straight over his head for Rob to celebrate his first competitive goal in over 2 years!!!

Allenton were in control at this stage, with Jon Redmond and Rob defending powerfully and after Mark Boland made way for Alan due to injury, the result looked to be going only one way. Splinter made sure of this with a cool finish, and the game was all but done. Marc Gahan played a nice ball in and Mick, only for a foul not given, could have made the tie completely beyond the away side.

Only blot on the card was a late consolation goal for Carton, but with 2 minutes to go, Allenton had enough to hold on and secure a tie against premier side VEC.

Last 16 beckons.....

As I was away I dont have much of a report for our 2nd round Bedlow cup tie against Division 3 side Schalke Rovers 2nds.

From what I have heard it was a solid performance with two good goals from Jon Redmond and Bobby and capped off with a brilliant chip from Andre - goals from 3 of our most prolific scorers this season. Great to beat higher division opposition again.

The draw for the Bedlow Cup last 16 has paired us away to Francis F.C - a tough game if our recent encounter is anything to go by.

In the Challenge Cup if we can see off Div 3 side Carton we will be facing off against a Premier side for the 3rd year running - a home tie against VEC will await the winners of our yet to played scheduled 3rd round match.

The weather had our weekend fixture against Huddleboard scratched and with no game this weekend, it will be great to keep on this run when we return next week(weather permitting).