FAI Cup Report: Janesboro 2 - 1 Sheriff YC

Limerick outfit Janesboro defeated FAI Junior Cup champions, Sheriff YC, in an ill-tempered FAI Cup second round clash, thanks to goals from Aidan Hurley and substitute Aaron Nunan. Jeff Flood had given the Dublin side a first half advantage, only for ill-discipline and a major improvement from Janesboro see it quickly evaporate.

The second half contained a turnaround on the scoreboard, aided by three red cards, two for violent conduct. This was Sheriff’s first defeat of the season, as “The Boro” advance to the third round of the Irish Daily Mail FAI Cup.

The visitors grabbed the lead when Jeff Flood leaped highest to head home a wide free-kick to after a quarter of the game, despite the best intentions of Shane Clarke. Sheriff dominated the possession in the early stages and were perhaps deserving of their lead. However, moments before this, Eddie Brazier had gone close for the hosts in a rare attack. Peter Halpin was equal to this right-footed effort.

Kevin Lynch almost doubled the lead on the half-hour mark, and it looked like the game was heading only one way. But Janesboro were a different beast from the change of ends.

The concession of a free-kick from Joseph O’Neill saw him cautioned an a rare opening for the Boro, Aled Harkin found the head of full-back Aidan Hurley whose effort nestled in the corner to the delight of the home support.

From here, Janesboro were rampant, pressing much higher and passing with greater conviction, they looked more likely to get the third goal. Eddie Brazier’s effort whistled just wide, with Halpin beaten.

The Limerick District League side’s hopes received a massive boost when a clash between Darren Dunne and Adrian Healy resulted in the Sheriff attacker receiving a straight red card. John Lester was to follow him for an early bath soon after.

The former Limerick FC midfielder attempted to kick-out at Shane Clarke and the match official had no hesitation in reaching for another red card. Within minutes, Janesboro had the lead goal.

Using the right flank, Clarke cleverly let the ball between his legs and substitute Aaron Nunan finished emphatically for Shane O’Hanlon’s side.

To their credit, the AUL side didn’t throw in the towel. Despite John Rock cutting an isolated figure, they did create a couple of openings. Darren O’Brien and then Kevin Lynch brought the best from Darren Glasheen, with Janesboro failing to clear their lines, and failing to make full use of the extra man.

But as the clock ticked into additional time, the home side got a foot hold and saw the game out by keeping possession and making their opponents chase the ball. Sheriff were reduced to eight when O’Neill committed another foul to earn him his second yellow.

The Dublin side will be gutted with their second half display which marked their first defeat of a long season, but they are still fighting on three fronts, having won both the AUL and the FAI Junior Cup. Janesboro advance to the third round where the Limerick public may desire a clash with Limerick FC. Shane O’Hanlon’s men also have some local action left to play, with games piling up for the men in black and white.

Janesboro:  Darren Glasheen; Aidan Hurley, John Boyle, Thomas Clarke, Craig McMarlow (Aaron Nunan HT); Edward Brazier, Adrian Healy (Lee O’Mara 86), Stephen Bradley, Aled Harkin; Conor Lynch (Shane Waters HT), Shane Clarke.
Subs not used:  Stephen Walsh (gk), Thomas Lyons, Robert Lowe, Jason Cross.

Booked: Bradley (53),
 

Sheriff YC: Peter Halpin; Paul Murphy ©, Joseph O’Neill, Jeffrey Flood (David Brown 68), Kevin Lynch; Sean Murphy, John Lester, Darren O’Brien, Darren Dunne, Mark Higgins; John Rock

Subs not used: Anthony Kavanagh, Gareth Rock, Gavin McDermott.

Booked:  O’Neill (57), Rock (73)
Sent off: Dunne (60) Lester (65), O’Neill (90+3)

Attendance: 300 (estimate)

Extratime.ie Man of the Match:  Aaron Nunan (Janesboro)