High drama as Mayo side reaches national semi-final
The Ballina Town U12s who got the better of Wexford visitors Glynn Barntown to advance to the SFAI Trophy semi-finals.
Soccer: Dreams of All-Ireland glory are growing on the banks of the River Moy after an amazing day in Belleek last Saturday afternoon where Ballina Town advanced to the semi-finals of the SFAI U12 Trophy. Having home advantage against Glynn Barntown, who made the journey all the way from Wexford for the game, Ballina Town were held to a 1-1 draw after normal and extra-time before holding their nerve in the penalty shootout to reach the last four of the national competition.
It was clear from the first minute that this was going to be a nail-biting tussle. Glynn Barntown showed no ill effects from their long spin from the southeast and started very well but could not break through. The Ballina boys began to settle and started to gain momentum yet when the two teams retreated to the dressing-rooms at half-time the match remained scoreless.
Responding well to the half-time discussions, Town started the second-half on the front foot and the home side’s pressure paid off when they scored from a corner-kick. Ballina Town maintained control for a time before the Wexford boys rallied and pushed for the equaliser, which they got with just ten minutes left to play from an excellent free-kick.
The teams remained deadlocked so extra-time was required and while both teams created chances, neither could hit the net and so the game went to penalties.
In Ballina Town’s case, this was their second game in succession in the SFAI Trophy to be taken to penalties and maybe it was that little bit of experience that was crucial. The large crowd was gripped by the drama unfolding in front of them. The Ballina boys scored three out of their four penalties and Town’s goalkeeper was the hero of the day with two superb saves.
It was a heartbreaking way for Glynn Barntown to have to exit the competition and the visiting team really were a credit to their club and county. But for Ballina Town, the excitement continues; into the last four in all of Ireland, which is an incredible achievement by an incredible group of young players.
