Rovers break Celtic hearts
Jason Hunt's (pictured) late equaliser for Castlebar Celtic forced extra-time.
Pike Rovers advanced to the last 32 of the FAI Junior Cup after a dramatic penalty shoot-out win over Mayo Super League champions Castlebar Celtic last weekend.
Celtic were the underdogs going into this game against the 2011 champions and four-time runners-up and everything was going Pike’s way after taking a 2-0 lead into half-time, despite losing Adam Lipper midway through the half to a red card.
Everything looked to be going to script on 12 minutes when Adam Lipper headed in the opener from Shane Walsh’s inch perfect corner kick after ten minutes.
Pike’s dynamic centre back was outstanding but then was sent for an early shower after 25 minutes following a second yellow card.
It forced a regroup in the Pike set up as Celtic began to enjoy some more possession but it did not stop Pike as they doubled their lead just before the break. Good build up play between Colin Daly and Colm Walsh O’Loughlen created the opening for Conor Coughlan as he cut inside his marker and curled a shot into the top corner to make it 2-0.
Although a man down, Pike seemed like they would ride out the second half until the 83rd minute when Luke Kelly’s shot was deflected by Pike keeper Gary Neville into his own net.
The goal gave the visitors the impetus to go for it and they got their reward three minutes into injury time when Jason Hunt equalised.
Extra time failed to separate the sides and in the resultant penalty shootout Pike ran out 8-7 winners. Celtic missed chances to win the shootout - Mark Howley seeing his spotkick to win it saved by Neville to send Celtic through - and when it came to the goalkeepers to step up to the spot, Stefan Hester saw his effort saved while Neville, so often the hero in his own goal, scored the winning goal for Pike.
