FAI Cup Report: Ringmahon Rangers 1 - 1 Crumlin United (Crumlin United win 4-3 on penalties)

Dylan O’Connell reports from Ringmahon Park

Crumlin United’s romance with the FAI Cup continued on Saturday afternoon, as they beat Ringmahon Rangers 4-1 on penalties at Ringmahon Park in the first round of the blue-ribband competition.

The Dubliners arrived looking to restart a journey which had brought them to the quarter finals of the competition in 2019.

Ringmahon, had a similar destination, as their last venture into the FAI Cup brought them to the third round in 2016.

Crumlin had a lightning fast start and got a penalty five minutes into the game when Darren Clarke was fouled by Aaron Ahern inside the area. A penalty was given and the winger smashed the ball into the bottom right hand side the goal.

The home side responded with a through ball from Jack Cairns, which played Anthony McAlavey through on goal.

Michael Quinn charged forward to beat McAlavey, but he held his nerve, knocked the ball passed the goalkeeper and then slotted in.

Ringmahon were inspired by this and had a succession of chances in the closing moments of the first half. Cameron Harlson and Patrick O’Brien led this attacking onslaught, and they were denied by a brilliant save from Quinn and misplaced header at the back post.

The second half saw neither team grab the game by the scruff of the beck. Extra-time was signaled, and Ringmahon had the better chances but failed to score.

Crumlin’s best opportunity saw Martins Olahasya pass to Alan McGreal in front of goal. The forward fired from point blank range and Sean Blake headed away on the line.

The shootout saw Crumlin put away all four of their penalties, while Ringmahon scored just one.

Ringmahon Rangers: Eric Grimes; Ewan Lee (Kallum Long 68) , Aaron Ahern, Cian Kingston, Philip Keane, Tijani Aibor, Cameron Harlson (Adam Delaney 68), Anthony McAlavey, Jack Cairns (Rory Brennan 90), Dean Swords (Sean Blake 8), Patrick O’Brien (Dylan Hayes 75).

Subs not used: Roy Collins, Colin Long.

Booked: None.

Crumlin United: Michael Quinn (David Meehan 82); Lee Murray, Calvin Rogers, Niall Cooney (Jamie Geoghan 105), Sean Dillon (Jamie Henderson 46), Darren Clarke, Glenn Fulham (Adam Bennett 62), Shane Hyland, Dragos Mamaliga (Martins Olahasya 46), Alan McGeal.

Subs not used: Elon Coloan, Thomas Hannon.

Referee: Rory McEnany.

Extratime.com Player of the Match: Darren Clarke (Crumlin United).