Donegal Town U15s edge past Birr to reach SFAI Cup quarter-finals

Donegal Town U-15s booked their place in the last eight of the SFAI Cup with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Birr. 

The match began with Birr applying early pressure, and the Offaly side who were playing at home took the lead after a strong start.

Donegal struggled to settle in the opening exchanges, but they found their equaliser through Ethan Wasson, who used his pace to break past the Birr defence and slot home confidently.

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Birr continued to press for the remainder of the first half and came agonisingly close to retaking the lead when they struck the crossbar.

The sides went in level at half-time, with Donegal relieved to still be in contention.

The second half saw Donegal grow into the game, creating more chances as they pushed forward. Brennan tested the Birr goalkeeper with a strong effort, and Wasson was denied by a stunning full-length save.

As the clock ticked down and extra time loomed, Birr piled on the pressure in search of a winner but struggled to find the finishing touch.

The decisive moment came late in the match when Ruairí Meehan produced a brilliant piece of play down the left, cutting inside before finding Wasson in the box. The forward turned superbly and fired a precise low shot into the bottom corner, giving Donegal the lead.

Birr pressed forward desperately in the final minutes, creating several chances, but the Donegal defence held firm to see out the victory.

Donegal Town now look ahead to the All-Ireland quarter-finals, with the squad celebrating a hard-earned win on the journey home. 

With spirits high, Donegal will now prepare for the next challenge as they continue their impressive cup run.