Bridge Utd have been defeated in their efforts to qualify for a Munster Youths Cup Final.
Ballingarry AFC 1
Bridge Utd 0
Venue: Ballingarry
Convincing victories over Newmarket Celtic and Ennis Town followed up by a 5-3 away win to Caherdavin and penalty shootout victory against Charleville saw Bridge Utd reach the last four in Munster but a strike on four minutes ended their involvement in the competition despite a brave showing.
A strong early move from Bridge Utd proved to launch the counter-attack that would ultimately end up with the decisive goal that proved to be the difference between the teams.
Goalkeeper Jack Molloy pulled off a brilliant save to deny Conor Maxwell scoring from a header. Molloy then began the counter-attack that saw Mike Molloy receive the ball on the left wing, he was sharp enough to spot Will Fitzpatrick was slightly off his line, he then floated his shot over the Bridge goalkeeper with a fantastic finish.
Dean Clancy’s Ballingarry then developed a very solid defensive approach anchored by Ciaran Tagney and Kieran Storin who were quick to close down any attack from the Sixmilebridge team.
Evan O’Callaghan came close to getting an equaliser on nineteen minutes, his well-worked volley narrowly sailed over Molloy’s cross bar.
Ballingarry would have doubled their lead on were it not for a superb block by Storm Devanney to prevent what looked like a certain goal from Adam Hickey late on in the contest.
Having brought great pride to Bridge Utd following their exploits in the provincial competition, the Kyle Walker captained outfit have little time to lick their wounds and welcome Douglas Hall to Clare on Saturday in the FAI Youths Cup semi-final.
Bridge Utd: Will Fitzpatrick, Leon Kelly, Liam Buckley, Storm Devanney, Luke Shea, Thabiso Dube, Scott Kirkland, Kyle Walker, Evan O’Callaghan, Leon Daly, Conor Maxwell
