Newcestown into last four after narrow one point win over Valley Rovers

FINAL FOUR: Newcestown are into the last four of the Co-Op Superstores Cork U21A HC, this hard-fought single point victory saw them edge past Valley Rovers at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh 4G on Tuesday night. Picture: Eddie O'Hare

Cork U21A HC: Newcestown 2-11 Valley Rovers 2-10

Newcestown are into the last four of the Co-Op Superstores Cork U21A HC, this hard-fought single point victory saw them edge past Valley Rovers at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh 4G on Tuesday night.

The impressive free-taking of Richard O’Sullivan was a factor, including a magnificent 58th minute strike from a difficult angle way out in his own half-back line that proved to be the winning score.

There was still time for more drama as the contest ended in huge excitement. The tension was palpable as Valley Rovers ‘keeper Aaron White bravely saved a penalty, not once but twice, in the 60th minute from O'Sullivan - referee Mark Maher made it be retaken after an infringement - however despite the let off, the Innishannon side couldn’t find an equaliser in this derby tie where many of the players know each other so well as they go to school in Bandon.

In the end, Valley Rovers were left heartbroken, disappointed they didn’t force extra time after they won a free deep in stoppage but Evan O’Shea opted to go short and it didn’t work out.

O’Shea had already nailed four from placed balls.

Valley Rovers were involved in an epic Carrigdhoun final on Sunday but there was no sign of tiredness following their penalty shoot-out win over Ballymartle.

They went straight into the action and had 1-4 on the board by the 12th minute - the goal from Joe Twohig in the first minute after Ronan McSweeney had stopped the initial effort from Harry O’Sullivan.

Twohig had the sliotar in the net again five minutes later but the goal was disallowed for a foul on McSweeney.

Valleys added four points before Newcestown, who hadn’t been competitive since winning the Carbery final on October 27, opened their scoring through a Ciarán O’Donovan goal.

By half-time, they had worked their way back and drew level 1-5 apiece.

Newcestown then took the game to their opponents when O’Sullivan netted four minutes after the restart.

A second Twohig green flag in the 47th minute swung the momentum back Valley Rovers’ way, 2-10 to 2-8.

Newcestown closed with the final three points - O’Sullivan’s sixth point proved to be the decider.

Newcestown return to the SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh 4G on Sunday when they play the Imokilly representatives - their opponents are not yet known as Bride Rovers and Erin’s Own replay their semi-final on Thursday night with Midleton in the final.

Scorers for Newcestown: R O’Sullivan (1-6, 0-5 frees, 0-1 65), C O’Donovan (1-1), D McSweeney, J Kenneally, N Kelly and C Hurley (0-1 each).

Scorers for Valley Rovers: J Twohig (2-1), E O’Shea (0-4, 0-3 frees, 0-1 65), H O’Sullivan and S McEntee (0-2 each), S Kiely (0-1).

NEWCESTOWN: R McSweeney; P Kelly, C O’Sullivan, J Burrows; E McSweeney, J Kenneally, E Calnan; H Canty, N Kelly; D McSweeney, R O’Sullivan, O O’Sullivan; F Ó Donnchadha, C O’Donovan, C Hurley.

Subs: F Kenneally for E Calnan (45), E Calnan for E McSweeney (62).

VALLEY ROVERS: A White; T McGrath, C O’Sullivan, N Daly; A Slattery, C Johnson, K Dart O’Flynn; S Ryan, E Guinane; D Carthew, H O’Sullivan, C McCarthy; E O’Shea, J Twohig, S McEntee.

Subs: S Kiely for D Carthew (41), L Casey for C McCarthy, A Casey for S Kiely (both 63).

Referee: Mark Maher (St Finbarr’s).