Hibernians pay the penalty as Oughterard pull off Cup shock

Mike Rafferty

In terms of giant-killing this was as good as it gets as Hibernians lost a two goal advantage in extra time and then failed to score in a penalty shoot-out as they lost by 3-0 to Oughterard in the Connacht Junior Cup.

After scoring five goals away from home, a win would usually be on the cards, but in New Village on Sunday last, the Premier side - who lie 23 positions ahead of the Connemara team in league terms - could only draw 5-5 with Oughterard.

It was then the turn of home custodian Brian Merrigan to take over as he saved all three efforts from the Bohermore outfit in the shootout, as the home side prevailed to set up an away contest with Salthill Devon in the last 16.

Elsewhere the holders were always in command as a Conor Cannon hat trick helped Athenry see off the challenge of St John’s Athletic, while Salthill Devon just about got home against Moore United in Drom.

Corrib Rangers lost for the fourth year in succession against Westport United, while Oranmore just got the better of St Bernard’s in an all-local clash.

Oughterard 5Hibernians 5

(aet-Oughterard won 3-0 on pens)

Obviously defending wasn’t a priority in this contest as the game ebbed and flowed, with the lead changing hands on a number of occasions.

The visitors took a third minute lead, when Brian Griffin volleyed home from the edge of the box, after a set piece delivery was cleared out, but the advantage was short lived as Ronan Molloy levelled matters.

Oughterard then seized the initiative as Alan O’Boyle fired them ahead, but after a Keith Ward penalty was saved by Merrigan, the midfielder followed up to fire in the rebound to level matters at 2-2.With the game looking destined for extra time, a James Walsh goal on 90 minutes, put the home side ahead, but the Bohermore supporters’ exit towards their cars was quickly reversed as Namanja Spasojevic levelled matters again in additional time.

For more, read this week's Connacht Sentinel.