Brilliant Tipperary Town advance to last 16 of Girls U14 National Cup
Tipperary Town 1-0 Drumbar United
A Leah McGrath goal 10 minutes from time was enough to earn Tipperary Town a place in the last 16 of the U/14 National Cup in a hugely competitive tie at the Canon Hayes Sports Complex.
McGrath’s strike was worthy of winning any match and showed once more the importance of the Irish International to the Tipperary side.
In truth however Tipperary Town had heroines all over the pitch. Fi Phelan was assured in goal and alert whenever called upon, Kate Nugent, Claire Gubbins, Aine Leahy and Sara Strade were solid in defence, Laura Kennedy, Niamh Nugent, Grace Hogan and Lily Flannery covered every blade of grass in midfield, while Leah McGrath and Sinead Nugent were a constant threat in attack.
To their credit Drumbar United gave absolutely everything they had and were right in this game up to the final minute. Sarah McGuinness and Emily Slator were brilliant throughout, as was goalkeeper Mcardle who denied the home side on a number of occasions.
It was a cup tie where every ball was contested and swung from end to end for large periods.
Megan Gallagher had the best opportunity in the first half when she found space just outside the box but her effort was dealt with by Phelan.
At the other end, McGrath went close with a free kick as did Hogan but both attempts were saved by Mcardle.
As time went on it looked like this game would go to extra time and indeed penalties until McGrath stole the show.
With just 10 minutes remaining she got onto a through ball in the area and brilliantly guided her left-footed effort beyond the advancing Mcardle to find the top corner.
Drumbar responded like all top sides do and forced a number of corners in the closing stages.
However, they could never open up a solid Tipperary Town defence who stood firm to see out the contest and advance to the last 16.