Pike Rovers will run up against St Kevin’s Boys in the FAI Youth Cup Final at Home Farm FC in Dublin on Saturday (2pm).
In the semi-final, Wayne Mullaney’s talented bunch of teenagers finished 1-1 apiece after extra-time away to fancied Peamount United (Dublin), but came through 14-13 following one of the most tense penalty shoot-outs ever.
The marathon session of penalties saw the visitors prevail 14-13, with a crucial save from Mariusz Palen.
Pike will hope that goal-scoring magnet Shane Franklin will come up trumps once more in the capital at the weekend.
Pike Rovers: Mariusz Palen, Ethan Joyce, Keelan Corbett, Josh Mullaney, Jamie Mitchell, Dara McNamara, Luke Keating, Shane Franklin, Kaden Deegan Herlihy, Cian Punch, Rhys Barry, Aaron Shinners, Pa Steed, Aaron Cusack, Lenny Raleigh, Jake Kiely, Seán McCallig, Danny Sheedy.
Meanwhile, Ballynanty Rovers came from 3-0 down on the hour to eventually tie 3-3 with Aisling Anacotty in the inaugural Munster Shield Trophy at Jackman Park. The early goals came through Jason Lipper (2) and Dara Neville, while responses came from captain Ryan Earls, Jamie O’Sullivan and man of the match David Donnan.
Extra time provided no goals and in the penalty shoot-out, Balla’ were best with goals from Kevin Nolan and Earls.
In the Premier League, leaders Pike will aim to keep on track for the title with victory at home to Mungret Regional on Sunday (10.30am).
