PIKE ROVERS won their first ever FAI Umbro Junior Cup title in with a 2-1 victory over Tipperary’s St. Michael’s AFC at Turners Cross last Sunday.
The win was secured by goals from Alan Barry and Keith Hartnett. Barry put Pike Rovers ahead after 21 minutes after St. Michael’s keeper, Derek Breen failed to hold a blistering Conor Kavanagh shot from inside the box. Ever the poacher, Alan Barry was on hand to flick the ball into the net from close range.
The strong St. Michael’s equalised in 40th minute with a well worked a corner. Pat Quinn was on hand at the far post to head in, beating Gary Neville in the Pike Rovers goal.
Both teams spent the remainder of the first half and 43 minutes of the second half trying to force a break through.
Just when everyone in the Cork venue was expecting a draw and dreaded extra time, Pike Rovers continued to press snatched the winner in the 89th minute.
Pike’s captain, Keith Hartnett’s free-kick from 30 yards went under the St. Michael’s wall and nestled in the back of the net.
The scenes of joy will be remembered forever as one of the country’s most famous clubs finally laid hands on the FAI Cup.
The celebrations are continuing as you read this piece. The fans of the club might be out and about, but the players are focused on more to come.
The stripes only need a point from their last two games of the season to take the Premier League title.
Pike play Aisling Annacotty this coming Thursday night, followed by Shannon Town.
The Limerick City side are also in the semi final of the Lawson Cup against Shannon Town. The icing on the cake of the season has already been applied, but there is room for a cherry.
Pike face the reigning holders of the Ford FAI Senior Cup, Sligo Rovers, on the 3rd or 4th of June up in the Showgrounds.
There is time yet to make the season even more memorable.
Pike Rovers FC: Gary Neville, Wayne Colbert, Brian Cleary, Patrick Mullins, Colm Enright, Keith Hartnett, Conor Kavanagh, Patrick Moloney, Alan Barry, Eoin Hanrahan, John Tierney.
Subs: Michael Ahearne, Colm Carroll, Wayne O’Donovan, Edward O’Donovan, David O’Grady, Ronan Power, David Ryan (on for Patrick Moloney, 45 mins).
Referee: Ian Bradley
