Donegal Town fight back to secure extra-time win over Raheny United

A quick-fire pair of goals courtesy of Nikoden Dominik and Jamie McMonagle in extra-time secured a fine 3-2 victory for Donegal Town against Raheny United in the FAI U-17 Cup at the Hospital Pitch on Sunday afternoon.  

The opening quarter of the contest was a finely poised encounter with both outfits exchanging a number of attacks but to no prevail.  

The home side began to control proceedings, however, creating the first meaningful opportunity on 20 minutes. Nikoden Dominik got on the end of a failed defensive header but Conrad Latham got back to make a timely intervention. 

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Fifteen minutes later, the hosts again came close to breaking the deadlock. A fine delivery from Daithi McGinty found its way to the feet of Nikoden Dominik who fired goalwards but Rhys Comiskey made a fine save to keep the game level.  

In the closing stages of the opening stanza, another chance fell to Benny Byrne’s side. Jude McNamee slipped the ball through to the lively Nikoden Dominik but Rhys McComiskey produced another top save, this time with his feet, leaving the teams inseparable at the interval.  

On the hour mark, the visitors were presented with one of their first opportunities to find the opener. A driving run from Oisin Bolton concluded with a shot from distance but it was safely gathered by Lewis McCalmont.  

Ten minutes later, Donegal Town substitute Jamie McMonagle produced a fine dribbling run down the left wing before cutting in and firing toward the near post but Rhys McComiskey was on hand to deny him.  

There was late drama at the Hospital Pitch as Raheny United hit the front as the clock entered red. Josh McCormack delivered a fine corner-kick towards the back post where it met the head of Conrad Latham who found the back of the net.  

Despite this late setback, the Donegal Town men continued to battle in search of an equaliser and they got their just rewards five minutes into stoppage time.  

The ball was sent into the box by Cory Monaghan from distance and following a defensive mix-up between goalkeeper and defender, made its way into the back of the Raheny United net meaning extra-time was required to determine a winner.  

Three minutes into the first period of extra-time, the Dublin outfit restored their advantage. The ball was played through to Oisin Bolton who slipped it low past Lewis McCalmont into the corner of the net.  

However, like last time Benny Byrne’s men continued to fight to get back into the game and levelled terms again seven minutes later.  

Daire Slevin down the left wing played the ball across the face of the goal where Nikoden Dominik was on hand to convert past Rhys McComiskey to leave the sides inseparable again. 

Just moments later, Donegal Town hit the front for the first time. A swift attacking move concluded with Jamie McMonagle accurately placing the ball into the net from the edge of the box to leave them a goal to the good at the break.  

Raheny huffed and puffed in the second period of extra-time in search of a leveller but the Donegal Town defence remained resolute and saw out the contest to seal progression to the next round of the FAI Cup.  

Donegal Town: Lewis McCalmont; Alex McMullan (Ratnarit Wangkunklang, 60), Conal Flannery, Cory Monaghan, Daithi McGinty, Ryan Mahon (Mark Heneghan, 75), Thomas Healy, Oran Boyle, Jude McNamee (Jamie McMonagle, 53), Daire Slevin, Nikoden Dominik. 

Raheny United: Rhys Comiskey; Daniel Abad Donohue, Tadiwa Chikoko (Cian Hartery, 51), Conrad Latham, Liam Steele (Will Irwin, 97), Ashton Crowley, Darragh O’Connor, Kevin Cotter, Josh McCormack, Killian Richmond, Oisin Bolton (Sean Doyle, 97). 

Referee: Frankie Early