The magic of the FAI Cup was evident on Sunday afternoon as Leinster Senior League side Cherry Orchard caused a massive shock by knocking First Division league leaders Longford Town out of the competition.
The hazy days of the Noughties when the Town were ‘the’ cup team are now well and truly gone as they made a rather tame exit. It was a poor performance from a side who are flying high in the league. They had their chances, especially in the second half, but squandered the majority of them. Full credit to Orchard they took their chances when
they came their way.
Orchard were up for this game right from the off and Longford were given an early warning of what to expect when Lee Collins forced a fine save out of Town ‘keeper Craig Hyland in the eighth minute. Four minutes later and down the other end Austin Skelly had a glorious chance to put the league side in front; a free from Keith Gillespie was curled into the box but unlucky for Skelly his header went wide.
Michael Lee had a chance three minutes later but his effort went over. Longford were to rue not making the most of their chances in the 24th minute when Orchard broke the deadlock. The Town defence were all over the place and failed to clear the danger, Philip Sheppard pouncing to beat Hyland with a neat finish.
Longford were dealt another blow minutes later when Austin Skelly went off injured; his presence was sorely missed up front. In the 33rd minute Thomas Crawley brought a good save out of Orchard keeper Sean Brazil. Then two minutes later Jamie Duffy fluffed an excellent opportunity to get the Town on level terms.
After being out of the game for the latter stages of the half Orchard broke away in the 39th minute; Sheppard made a burst down the wing but unfortunately for him no team-mate was in the box when he crossed the ball.
Former Town player Paddy Collins put in a well-timed tackle on Mark Salmon in the 43rd minute as Longford tried to level matters before the break.
The second half was dominated by the visitors but try as they might they just couldn’t put away the chances they created. In the 52nd minute Duffy headed over a Lee cross. Duffy was unlucky minutes later when his effort hit the post after a cross from the lively Crawley.
It was all Town as they tried to get back into the game. In the 59th minute it was Des Hope’s turn to see his effort go wide; heading over a Gillespie corner. Crawley was a real live-wire on the wing but although his delivery was near perfect the finishing by his team-mates left a lot to be desired.
In the 67th minute Daniel Purdy brought an excellent save out of Brazil. Town keeper Craig Hyland was able to soak up the sun such was his side completely dominated proceedings. The ball rarely went into Town’s half but Orchard were waiting their chance to break and in the 76th minute that’s what happened. The Town defenders stood off and Alan Caul took a wonderful shot that beat Hyland.
Minutes later Orchard were denied a penalty when Hope handled Dennis Moran’s shot. Town just gave up after the second goal while it gave Orchard a lift but they were content in keeping possession and held out for a memorable win.
Cherry Orchard: Sean Brazil; David O’Sullivan, Paddy Collins, Wayne Byrne, Daniel Ennis; Alan Caul (Patrick Byrne 83), Dennis Moran, Ian McNeill, Lee Collins; Philip Sheppard, Mark Hughes (Brian Rooney 89).
Subs not used: Alan McNevin, Michael McLoughlin, Donal Murray.
Bookings: P Collins (66), McNeill (73), Hughes (74).
Longford Town: Craig Hyland; Graham Dowling (Craig Walsh 88), Jeff Flood, Des Hope, Thomas Crawley; Colm James, Keith Gillespie (Sean Skelly 80), Mark Salmon, Michael Lee; Jamie Duffy, Austin Skelly (Daniel Purdy 27).
Subs not used: Paul Hunt, Chris Deans, James O’Brien, Gary Cronin, Craig Walsh.
Bookings: Gillespie (43).
Referee: Adriano Reale.
extratime.ie Man of the Match: Sean Brazil (Cherry Orchard): The Orchard keeper pulled off several excellent saves to keep his goal intact.
