On A Semi......

2 weeks in a row Allenton faced cup games at home, and twice were victorious.

Stedfast 3rds arrived in Dodder Valley having knocked out CMH in the last 16, and Allenton had beaten a strong Francis side.

An enforced change due to injury meant Eric was between the sticks, and he proved a worthy replacement again, with some brave goalkeeping and some good saves.

Allenton broke the deadlock midway through the first half, with a ball over the top from Jon Redmond who found Thomas in space, whose shot, I mean pass, found Mick who fired home from close range.

Allenton then conceded an equaliser, a header from the centre mid who towered above 2 defenders to level the game.

Although we were sloppy in spells, we continued to be the better side, and could have extended our lead after a long throw from Billy into the box was flicked on, only for the keeper to get there just ahead of Mick and Bobby.

2nd Half and with 2 changes, Thomas and Andrew making way for Ryan and Mark Gahan, Allenton tried to break the deadlock and win the tie.

With extended pressure on the right side after some great throwing from Rob and Billy, Andre broke through 2 advancing players to feed Bobby Clarke who provided a great cross and Mark Gahan powered a header back across goal and in to the bottom corner. 2-1!!

Mick made way shortly after, with the introduction of Mark Boland to help keep things tight with 15 to go. It paid off as the midfield 3 of Barry, Billy and Andre kept Stedfasts middle pair quiet for the remainder. Allenton had chances to extend the lead, with chances falling to Ryan and Mark Gahan before the final whistle.

Not an amazing performance by any account, but another great team effort, with everyone battling to the last kick. The reward, a semi-final place and 90 minutes away from a final in May.