Cappry Rovers edge past Navan Cosmos to secure last 16 spot in SFAI Cup

Cappry Rovers secured their place in the last 16 of the SFAI Cup U12 Girls competition for the second year running with a hard-earned 2-0 extra-time victory over Navan Cosmos.

After enduring a lengthy three-hour journey to Navan, the Cappry girls took time to find their rhythm but still dominated possession. The match was tightly contested, with neither side able to create many clear-cut chances throughout the game. Cappry were particularly frustrated after a controversial refereeing decision denied them a penalty, instead awarding a free-kick.

Navan had their moments in the first half, testing Cappry goalkeeper Clodagh Scanlon on a couple of occasions. However, Scanlon was in inspired form, making two vital saves to keep the scoreline level as the teams headed into the break.

Despite increasing pressure from Cappry, the game remained goalless at full-time, sending the match into extra-time.

The Cappry girls came out with renewed vigour after the break, applying high pressure on the Navan defence. Their persistence paid off just before the end of the first half of extra-time when Alison Imbuli found the back of the net, giving Cappry the crucial breakthrough they deserved.

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

The momentum continued to favour Cappry in the second half of extra-time, and it wasn’t long before Imbuli struck again, doubling her side’s lead. Cappry remained on the front foot and had further opportunities to extend their advantage, but the two-goal cushion was enough to see them through to the next round.

A special thanks was extended to Navan Cosmos for hosting a great match and providing a fantastic spread of food post-game.

Cappry now advance to the last 16 of the competition and will be looking to continue their cup run as they aim to make it another memorable year.