Ballisodare United have booked their place in this year’s Radisson Blu WB Yeats Cup final.
They came from behind to beat Manor Rangers by three goals to one in last night’s semi-final in Ballisodare.
A tight opening period saw both teams cancel each other out before the Leitrim side hit the front. On the 29 minite mark a fantastic cross from a corner was met with a bullet header from Niall Walsh, 1-0 Manor Rangers.
Ballisodare struggled to break down a well organised Manor side who themselves threatened on the counter attack and with the use of missile like long throws.
The ever dangerous Manor striker Seamus Ryder saw a header the bar and Ballisodare were relieved to be only 1-0 down at half time.
Ballisodare came out sharpest in the second half and Andrew Patton levelled matters on the 64th minute when he cut in from the right and struck a left footed shot into the far corner, 1-1.
The young Ballisodare team were growing in confidence and under 17 player Darren Somers was sprung from the bench. The young man grabbed the opportunity in the 86th minute.
A Keith Gilmartin shot was blocked only for Somers to pounce to score his first senior team goal. Ballisodare put the tie to bed in the 89th minute. Adam McGoldrick burst through the Manor Rangers defence and calmly slotted home past the keeper to make in 3-1 Ballisodare United.
They will now face Super League champions Carbury in the final on Saturday week in MacSharry Park.
Meanwhile, Ballisodare and Manor Rangers will clash again in the inaugural Northwest Hospice Cup final at the Showgrounds on Friday, June 10.
The Shield final in that competition takes place this Saturday in MacSharry Park, as Division One champions Real Tubber face Premier League side MCR.
Kick-off is at 7.30pm on Saturday.
