Irish Cup Semi Final - Boys’ Model win on penalties! 🙌🏼
BBMS 1 - 1 De La Salle (BBMS 5:4 pens)
The Year 12 BBMS team booked their place in the final of the Irish Cup on Thursday afternoon, after defeating a tough, physical and well organised De La Salle College side in penalties at Seaview.
De La Salle started the brighter of the two teams, making it very difficult for BBMS by playing at a high intensity and giving them very little time on the ball. De La Salle went in at half-time leading 1-0.
The half time break proved to be an important time within the gam and the boys came out with a renewed desire and were like a different team in the second half. De La Salle continued to make it difficult for BBMS, but the Model growing in the game. They were able to hold possession higher up the pitch and were beginning to create chances, but unfortunately were unable to turn these chances into a goal.
A tweak in the formation allowed Ben McFarland to move higher up the pitch, providing extra support in midfield and drive the Model team on. This came with the risk of leaving gaps at the back, but the defensive trio of Marcus Thompson, Carter Rankin and Jay Collins would stand firm with anything thrown at the from De La Salle, including an excellent performance by goalkeeper Matthew Tyrie, who didn’t put a foot wrong all match.
With 10mins to go, a great delivery from a free kick taken by Jay Collins was met by Owen McClelland, who would find the back of the net with a powerful header. Both teams would keep it very tight until the final whistle.
With the two 5 min periods of extra time being uneventful, the game would be decided by penalties. Fresh of last week’s defeat in the Belfast Cup in penalties, it would be easy for the boys to be nervous, but oozing composure and with ice running through their veins, all five penalty takers would score and a miss from De La Salle was enough to send BBMS through to the final.
A competitive football match, played by two great teams, in the correct spirit. Both schools should be very proud of their boys.
Well done boys! Good luck in the final! 👏🏼
